In superb form, another top shift will be expected from Szoboszlai. — Reuters
LIVERPOOL’S Premier League title defence has gotten off to quite a good start.
The Reds have racked up maximum points from all three matches so far, despite not playing well, and yet sit top of the table.
With so many new players to bed in, it is understandable for a side to want more time to gel.
The Merseyside club travel to Turf Moor to take on 14th-placed Burnley with the aim of continuing that winning streak this weekend.
Barring unforeseen circumstances, the team that beat Arsenal last time out should be starting again against the Clarets.
With Dominik Szoboszlai playing well at right back in the last two games, he may yet retain that spot ahead of Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong.
Bradley featured for Northern Ireland in the World Cup qualifier against Germany this week, and could play a part against Burnley.
Frimpong, on the other hand, has only started training again following a hamstring injury and will no doubt be slowly eased back into the team.
Another key question is whether Liverpool’s record signing Alexander Isak will have a role to play at Burnley, especially with fellow new striker Hugo Ekitike having made a blistering start with three goals in three games.
Having missed most of pre-season training with Newcastle United prior to his high-profile switch to Merseyside, the Swedish striker has yet to play a single minute of league football.
He, however, did come on as a second half substitute for his national side in the World Cup qualifier against Kosovo.
He has looked in great shape in training clips and perhaps could be handed a second half cameo.
Just like Liverpool, Burnley have had a busy summer transfer window and will need time to bed in the newcomers.
Their whole backline, including the goalkeeper, underwent a change in personnel, except for centre back Maxime Esteve.
Making their return to the Premier League after a season in the Championship Division, the Clarets have had an indifferent run, winning one and losing two.
They did give Manchester United quite a scare last month, only for a controversial time-added on Bruno Fernandes penalty to win it 3-2 for the Red Devils.
Burnley boss Scott Parker is also expected to retain the starting 11 that featured against the Red Devils.
The club’s record against Liverpool is rather poor, having lost eight times and won only once in their last 10 matches – including consecutive defeats in their last five encounters.
The Reds should be able to control most of the possession and take the fight to Burnley, forcing them onto the back foot.
