Roberto Firmino is set to be recalled to the Liverpool starting XI for Sunday’s Premier League showdown against Burnley, according to Paul Joyce.
Writing for the Times today, the Merseyside correspondent claimed it would be a “surprise” if the Brazilian was not reinstated into the team for the home fixture at Anfield this weekend.
Firmino started on the bench against Everton last Sunday after being overlooked in favour of Divock Origi, who had scored in the midweek triumph versus Watford.
OPINION
While there is little doubt about the influence of Firmino or how integral he is to Liverpool play, there is some debate about where his best position is in Jurgen Klopp’s side. In the central spearhead role where he played the best football of his career last season? Or, as a playmaking number 10 linking the midfield and attack, where he has been used on a number of occasions in the current campaign? Firmino has not been as effective this season, but his haul of nine goals and five assists from 28 league matches is still decent enough for a player with such a ferocious and selfless work ethic who’s occasional brilliance compensates for his sometimes sloppiness. The 27-year-old has more finesse than Origi and it would make sense for him to be recalled against Burnley, although Klopp should look to find some space for Xherdan Shaqiri, perhaps on the right side of the attack, with Sadio Mane on the left, Mohamed Salah down the middle and Firmino behind him.