Liverpool v Bournemouth – Premier League Preview

Venue – Anfield

Kick off – 15.00hrs

The impressive midweek 1-3 win over AC Milan represented the perfect response to the reds disastrous 0-1 loss just days before, one that was recorded at home to Nottingham Forest last Saturday. The Italian job should give them momentum going into the weekend and allow the domestic campaign to get back on track. As a team that has attained nine points from a possible twelve, the Anfield giants will be looking to add another win to their tally, in the knowledge that Manchester City v Arsenal on Sunday will see one, or both of their closest rivals drop points. Bournemouth have started the season in reasonable fashion and will head to Merseyside with a desire to cause another upset, as their manager, Andoni Iraola, continues to gradually improve the south coast outfit.

The Bournemouth Availability

In terms of availability, Tyler Adams and Dango Ouattara, are out for this Saturday afternoons trip to the illustrious stadium, Anfield.

Regarding early season form, last weekend saw the Cherries lose 1-0 away to Chelsea, after a superb injury time comeback and subsequent 2-3 win away to Everton. A pair one 1-1 draws were attained prior to that win, as Newcastle at home and a trip to Forest both ended all square. After four games played, five points have been garnered, which sees Richard Hughes’ former employers sat in 11th place in the Premier League standings. A third-round exit from the EFL was undertaken a few weeks ago, as West Ham progressed with a 1-0 victory at the London Stadium.

A predicted line up for the away team is listed below, in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Following last weekend’s loss and this huge test that is incoming, I suspect a more physical midfield will be selected. Philip Billing may be recalled, whereas Evanilson will be looking to finally make his mark of his new team.

GK – Kepa

RB – Julián Araujo

RCB – Illia Zabarnyi

LCB – Marcos Senesi

LB – Milos Kerkez

CM – Lewis Cook

CDM – Philip Billing

ACM – Justin Kluivert

RM – Antoine Semenyo

CF – Evanilson

LM – Luis Sinisterra

The Liverpool Availability

In terms of injures, Harvey Elliott remains sidelined until at least October with a fractured foot. The upcoming schedule and introduction of both the Champions League and EFL Cup, means that rotation is expected at some point, however, the strongest possible line up should be selected for this game.

Below is the team I believe the Dutch boss, Arne Slot, will start for this next Anfield encounter. Liverpool has one major decision to make, which is whether to select either Cody Gakpo or Diogo Jota as the team’s central striker. Gakpo was superb against AC Milan, whereas Jota has struggled for both form and goals this season. Darwin Núñez remains a player that will struggle to start in the major competitions, with a lack of impact in any of his substitute appearances thus far. Federico Chiesa will be held back until next midweek, with limited minutes likely this weekend.

Regarding recent form, the reds beat AC Milan 1-3 at the San Siro in the Champions League, after falling to a surprise 0-1 loss at home to Nottingham Forest. A spectacular 0-3 win was achieved at Old Trafford the weekend prior, as Manchester United were swept aside with relative ease. A pair of wins were recorded before that battle of the English heavyweights, with a 2-0 win at home to Brentford coming after a solid 0-2 win away to Ipswich. Following four games played, the reds sit 4th in the Premier League table with nine points on the board.

GK – Alisson Becker

RB – Trent Alexander Arnold

RCB – Ibrahima Konaté

LCB – Virgil van Dijk (c)

LB – Andy Robertson

CM – Ryan Gravenberch

CM – Alexis Mac Allister

ACM – Dominik Szoboszlai

RF – Mohamed Salah

CF – Cody Gakpo

LF – Luis Díaz

How Will This Contest Play Out

Liverpool will look to exorcise their Anfield demons and right the wrongs of last Saturdays disheartening loss. The controlled press of Bournemouth will have to be overcome, however, lessons learned should be enough to see the home side victorious. Mohamed Salah is due a strong performance and several assets will be looking to impress in front of their home crowd.

Player to watch – Mohamed Salah

Score Prediction;

Liverpool 2 – 0 Bournemouth