Liverpool’s trip to Turf Moor this weekend is not just another Premier League game. It carries the weight of new beginnings, the shadow of injuries, and the buzz of one of the most expensive transfers in the club’s history. For weeks, Liverpool fans have been waiting to see how Arne Slot’s team will look now that Alexander Isak has finally arrived in a £125 million deal from Newcastle United. But as exciting as that transfer is, there’s a cloud of uncertainty over whether the Swedish striker will be fit enough to start against Burnley.
Slot has had to juggle many moving pieces. His squad has returned from the international break, but injuries and fitness problems have made life complicated. Curtis Jones remains sidelined, Jeremie Frimpong is not fully recovered, and other players are at different stages of their rehabilitation. It leaves the Dutch manager with tough choices, the kind of choices that define seasons. And with Scott Parker’s Burnley waiting to test Liverpool’s resolve in a difficult away ground, there is no room for mistakes.
The first big question revolves around Alexander Isak. The striker’s arrival made headlines around the world, not just because of the price tag but because of what he represents. He is the man Liverpool hope can become the focal point of their attack, the player to score goals when it matters most, and perhaps even the successor to Mohamed Salah as the superstar of Anfield. But fitness cannot be bought. Isak has had only limited training sessions since completing his move. His sharpness is not yet at the level Slot demands, and that throws open the possibility that he may start this one on the bench.
It would be a disappointment for fans desperate to see him unleashed immediately, but Slot is not a manager who rushes decisions. He wants his players ready, both physically and mentally, before they are thrown into the fire of Premier League intensity. Isak’s time will come, but Turf Moor may not be the place for his full debut. Instead, Liverpool could turn to their existing stars to lead the line.
In goal, there is no debate. Alisson Becker remains the foundation of this Liverpool team. The Brazilian has been a wall between the posts for years, making impossible saves look routine and giving the defence confidence even in their most chaotic moments. At Turf Moor, his role will be crucial once again. Burnley may not dominate possession, but they are dangerous on set pieces and counterattacks. Alisson’s command of his area and his distribution with the ball at his feet will be vital in keeping Liverpool on the front foot.
The backline is where Slot faces his next set of dilemmas. With Frimpong recovering and not at full tilt, Liverpool’s options at right-back could shift. Conor Bradley has grown into a trusted figure, while Joe Gomez has the versatility to slot in if needed. On the opposite side, Andy Robertson remains the obvious choice. The Scot brings energy, overlapping runs, and leadership. Turf Moor is a place where grit matters as much as talent, and Robertson thrives in that environment.
At centre-back, Virgil van Dijk continues to be the general. His calmness, aerial dominance, and experience are priceless. Alongside him, Ibrahima Konaté looks set to partner, though Slot might keep an eye on the fitness levels of Jarell Quansah as a potential alternative. Burnley are likely to test Liverpool physically, pumping balls into the box, and having two commanding defenders in Van Dijk and Konaté could be the safest route.
Midfield is another area of intrigue. Curtis Jones is unavailable, meaning Slot will need to reshuffle. Dominik Szoboszlai, who has quickly become a fan favourite, is expected to start. His creativity, long-range shooting, and pressing energy make him indispensable. Alongside him, Alexis Mac Allister should take on the deep-lying playmaker role, orchestrating play from the base of midfield. Ryan Gravenberch, with his ability to carry the ball forward and break lines, could be the third man in the trio. That combination offers balance – steel, vision, and flair.
Then comes the attack. ithout Jones and with Isak doubtful, Liverpool’s frontline will likely see familiar faces. Mohamed Salah, of course, is undroppable. The Egyptian king remains the club’s most consistent source of goals and inspiration. On the left, Luis Díaz will bring his relentless dribbling and work rate, looking to cut inside and cause havoc. Through the middle, Slot may trust Darwin Núñez, whose energy and chaotic presence unsettle defenders even when he is not scoring. It might not be as glamorous as handing Isak his first start, but Núñez has shown he can trouble any defence with his runs and unpredictability.
That front three of Salah, Núñez, and Díaz still carries fear. Burnley’s defence will know that one lapse of concentration can be punished. And with the option of bringing Isak off the bench, Slot has a powerful wildcard in his pocket. Few defenders would want to see a fresh, hungry striker like Isak introduced in the second half when legs are tirruns and physical presence in midfield.
RW: Mohamed Salah– Liverpool’s talisman, still the deadliest man on the pitch.
ST: Darwin Núñez– the fighter, leading the line with energy and unpredictability.
LW: Luis Díaz – speed, skill, and relentless pressing from the left.
On the bench, Alexander Isak will wait. His time will come, and when it does, Anfield will erupt. But Turf Moor, under the Saturday afternoon sky, may first be about Liverpool’s tried and tested weapons, with the £125m man held back for the right moment.
Arne Slot knows this is not an easy game. Turf Moor has broken many big teams in the past, with its narrow pitch, vocal crowd, and Burnley’s determination to scrap for every ball. Scott Parker’s side will look to frustrate, to slow the tempo, and to hit Liverpool on the break. They know that facing the champions is their chance to make a statement, and they will not roll over.
For Liverpool, it is about control, patience, and quality. If Alisson commands, Van Dijk defends, Mac Allister dictates, and Salah delivers, then Slot’s men will have enough. But football is never that simple. Injuries, fitness doubts, and the challenge of integrating new signings make this one of the most fascinating lineups of the season so far.
And so, as kickoff approaches, the eyes of Liverpool fans will not just be on the eleven players who start, but on the bench as well. The future is sitting there in the form of Alexander Isak. For now, though, the present belongs to Alisson, Salah, Van Dijk, and the rest of Slot’s men as they march into Turf Moor looking for another victory in their title defence.
