Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers must decide whether to include defender Martin Skrtel in his starting lineup for the match at Burnley on Boxing Day.

The Slovakian required seven staples after sustaining a cut to his head before scoring a last-minute equaliser to earn his side a 2-2 draw at Arsenal.

The Merseyside giants, who sit nine points behind fourth-placed West Ham United, will definitely be without forward Fabio Borini, who received two yellow cards in quick succession at the weekend.

However, Mario Balotelli will return to the squad after completing a one-match ban for a post that he made on Instagram earlier this month.

Burnley welcome Liverpool to Turf Moor having recorded eight points from their last four fixtures at their home ground.

Sean Dyche witnessed his team fall to a 2-1 loss at Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday but the Clarets boss will be encouraged by the club's form over the past two months.

Despite continuing to make progress from a serious knee injury, Sam Vokes is unlikely to be considered for a first-team place until the New Year.

Burnley:

Recent form: WDDLWL

Possible starting lineup: Heaton; Trippier, Shackell, Keane, Mee; Arfield, Marney, Jones, Boyd; Barnes, Ings

Liverpool:

Form in Premier League: LWWDLD
Form in all competitions: WDDLWD

Possible starting lineup: Jones; Toure, Skrtel, Sakho; Lucas, Henderson, Markovic, Coutinho, Gerrard, Lallana; Sterling

Sports Mole says: 1-1

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