With a win against Burnley on Sunday, Liverpool aims to secure the top position in the league with a perfect record of four wins from four matches. However, the current performance under coach Arne Slot does not reflect their full potential as they work to integrate new signings and find the optimal formation.
With the upcoming return of Alexander Isak, the Reds face more lineup dilemmas. Hugo Ekitike has started strong, netting two goals and assisting one, but his role will shift to a wing position when Isak is ready to play. Previously, Ekitike shared attack responsibilities with Omar Marmoush during his tenure at Eintracht Frankfurt, indicating he can adapt to this change at Liverpool.
How to watch Burnley vs. Liverpool, odds
- Date: Sunday, Sep. 14
- Time: 9 a.m. ET
- Location: Turf Moor – Burnley, England
- TV: USA | Live stream: Fubo (Try for free)
- Odds: Burnley +800; Draw +460; Liverpool -320
As the Champions League phase kicks off the following Tuesday, rotational strategies will be crucial. Players like Cody Gakpo, Florian Wirtz, and Ekitike may see reduced minutes, which could provide a necessary break for Wirtz, who has yet to score or assist in his first three games for the club. This decline in involvement certainly contrasts with his time at Bayer Leverkusen, where he was a central figure in the attack. At Liverpool, where talents like Mohamed Salah also prioritize teamwork over individual possessions, Wirtz may gradually regain his involvement.
While Slot has set his team up for a 3-4-3 formation, this is not feasible with Salah in the team, as it would require excluding either Wirtz, Isak, or Ekitike. Balancing the squad amidst such options reflects the challenges of managing a top-tier team. Thus far, Slot has effectively maximized his players’ contributions without necessitating Wirtz to be at his peak.
In the Champions League, however, Wirtz must elevate his play. Liverpool topped the group phase last season yet fell short in the tournament and were knocked out of the FA Cup by Plymouth Argyle. While success in the domestic league can mitigate criticism, any failures in the UEFA competition could signal troubling patterns forming. As the schedule intensifies, Wirtz’s elevation in form becomes pivotal for Liverpool’s campaign.
