Jurgen Klopp admitted after Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea last weekend that there were plenty of positives and negatives to take from the encounter.
The Reds showcased their attacking prowess, especially in the first half, something that they have exhibited frequently in pre-season. However, there were concerns defensively, as Chelsea repeatedly found it all too simple to slice through Liverpool’s midfield.
While Bournemouth at Anfield should not be as stern of a test for Klopp, he must take nothing for granted. The Reds lost to the Cherries last season and new Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola will be keen to pull off a big upset.
Here is how Liverpool could line up against Bournemouth.
GK: Alisson – One of the only players whose reputation was improved by last season’s shoddy performances as he frequently bailed Liverpool out of trouble. He did the same against Chelsea and there is no doubt he will start against Bournemouth.
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold – The great Alexander-Arnold experiment continues to produce mixed results. He invariably looks brilliant going forward but questionable defensively, while the space he vacates is continually exposed by opposition attacks.
CB: Ibrahima Konate – The centre-back put in a mammoth performance against Chelsea and will need to be on high alert to cover the space left by Alexander-Arnold against Bournemouth.
CB: Virgil van Dijk – Looked closer to his best against Chelsea and dealt with Nicolas Jackson well. He’ll be up against former teammate Dominic Solanke on Saturday.
LB: Andy Robertson – The Scot has struggled with Liverpool’s new system in transition, never looking entirely comfortable operating as a third centre-back out of possession. Should still get the nod for the time being though.
DM: Alexis Mac Allister – One man who is desperate to see Liverpool sign a holding midfielder is Mac Allister, who operated there during the Chelsea clash. Still not his ideal role, but he performed admirably against the Blues.
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CM: Dominik Szoboszlai – Making his Premier League debut last weekend, the Hungarian will be hoping he can offer a little more attacking output against the Cherries.
CM: Cody Gakpo – Somehow Liverpool have had to resort to playing Gakpo in midfield. His versatility appears to be his own downfall as Klopp likes him in his new role, although it surely won’t last much longer.
RW: Mohamed Salah – Set up Luis Diaz wonderfully against Chelsea and will want to seek revenge for not managing a goal or assist in Liverpool’s 9-0 demolition of Bournemouth last season.
ST: Diogo Jota – Was not at his best against Chelsea but has shown enough in pre-season for Klopp to keep faith in him over the erratic Darwin Nunez.
LW: Luis Diaz – Took his goal really well last weekend and will be hoping to get another brace against the Cherries. A constant menace and will likely be a focal point for the Reds down the left flank.
On this week’s edition of Talking Transfers, part of the 90min podcast network, Scott Saunders is joined by Toby Cudworth, Graeme Bailey and Sean Walsh to discuss Liverpool’s response to losing out on Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, Harry Maguire’s Man Utd future and more!
If you can’t see this embed, click here to listen to the podcast!
