Merson thinks ‘amazing’ player will not play for Liverpool tomorrow, £180,000-a-week star could start instead

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Paul Merson believes Liverpool star Sadio Mane will not play a part tomorrow when the Reds face Burnley in the Premier League.

Jurgen Klopp’s side are yet to lose a game in all competitions in 2022. They are still a fair few points away from leaders and title favourites Manchester City, but if they continue to do what they’ve been doing, they will stay in the hunt.

Mohamed Salah started on the bench against Leicester City on Thursday after coming back from AFCON. The Egyptian has been absolutely outstanding for the Reds this season and he is expected to get back into the starting lineup on Sunday.

His good pal Mane is back from AFCON now too, but Merson believes that the Senegal international will not play against Burnley tomorrow.

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Paul Merson: Sadio Mane will not play for Liverpool vs Burnley

The Englishman wrote in his column on Sportskeeda: “Burnley were at their best the other day against Manchester United. They came out with intent in the second half, and they got their goal.

“But, Liverpool are a different team, and Burnley will need to hope for a windy, rainy day like the other night to stand a chance.

“I don’t think Mane will play this game, but Salah has to play. He’s absolutely world-class. Jota will also likely keep his place, and I’d probably go with Firmino against Burnley.

“I can’t see anything but a Liverpool victory this weekend. Prediction: Burnley 0-3 Liverpool.”

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Mane, labelled as ‘amazing‘ by Trent Alexander-Arnold, led Senegal to African glory last week and he has had his well-deserved break. He would’ve been refreshed by now, but whether he’ll be physically ready for tomorrow is anyone’s guess.

Merson is right, Firmino will likely get the nod ahead of him against the Clarets. The £180,000-a-week Brazilian has scored seven goals and provided four assists in all competitions this season and he is integral to the way Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool play.

Irrespective of who starts in attack, Liverpool are the absolute favourites to win the game. A player as good as Mane is usually a big miss, but the Reds should still be able to pick up a comfortable win against Burnley at Turf Moor tomorrow.

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