Roberto Firmino makes first Liverpool start since late February after recovering from injury as Jurgen Klopp named him in his team to face Burnley.
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Liverpool must win to reduce the four-point gap on league leaders Manchester City after Pep Guardiola’s side beat Watford 3-1 last night.
Klopp’s side have struggled for creativity during tight matches while using Jordan Henderson, Fabinho and Georginio Wijnaldum in midfield, most recently their 0-0 draw against Everton last week.
Lallana replaces Henderson today as one of two changes, and Roberto Firmino is preferred over Divock Origi. Virgil Van Dijk captains the side with James Milner out of the 18, and Dejan Lovren, who was out for two months with a hamstring injury, returns on the bench.
This is Lallana’s first league start since February’s 1-1 draw at West Ham and just his fourth of the season. "He had a complete training week and that’s how it is if you have five sessions a week and Adam was exceptional," said Klopp. "In our situation you see how you can change a few things."
Sean Dyche named an unchanged side for the visit to Anfield following their 3-1 home defeat against Crystal Palace as Burnley seek to put distance between them and the relegation sides. “You have to play well in these games,” he said.
Following a spell of draws, Liverpool need to prove against Burnley that they are not showing any signs of nerves and beat their lower league opposition with a strong performance to send a message to City.
Liverpool XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Wijnaldum, Lallana; Salah, Mane, Firmino
Burnley XI: Heaton; Bardsley, Tarkowski, Mee, Taylor; Hendrick, Westwood, Cork, McNeil; Barnes, Wood.
