Liverpool vs Bournemouth

Liverpool will be hoping to get their first victory of the new season when they host Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon.

If last year’s Anfield encounter is anything to go by, it may be a long day for the Cherries. Bournemouth were mauled in last season’s visit, losing 9-0 and equalling an unwanted Premier League record for the biggest defeat.

Both Liverpool and Bournemouth drew 1-1 on the opening day of the new campaign in clashes with Chelsea and West Ham United respectively.

For new Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola, it is a first visit to Anfield as a Premier League coach, and he will be eager to pull off an almighty shock. Liverpool are not quite the impenetrable force they use to be on Merseyside, giving the Cherries hope of an upset.

Here’s the lowdown on Liverpool‘s clash with Bournemouth.

Liverpool vs Bournemouth H2H record (last five games)

Current form (last five competitive games)

While Liverpool have Thiago Alcantara back in training, it is unlikely that he will feature against Bournemouth. Given his injury profile and the length of time he has spent on the sidelines, Jurgen Klopp will not rush him back into the team.

The same could be said of young Stefan Bajcetic, who is also training again but is unlikely to be risked for the Bournemouth clash. Conor Bradley remains out and Curtis Jones is a doubt for the match with a swollen ankle.

There is also a slim possibility that Wataru Endo could be involved in the match as Liverpool look to finalise a deal for the Stuttgart captain quickly.

Liverpool predicted lineup (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Salah, Jota, Diaz.

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Bournemouth could be without Dango Ouattara, Ryan Fredericks, Lewis Cook, Adam Smith, Marcus Tavernier, Lloyd Kelly and new signing Alex Scott for their trip to Merseyside.

While centre-back Marcos Senesi did come off injured against West Ham, he is expected to be fit to start at Anfield.

Bournemouth predicted lineup (4-2-3-1): Neto; Aarons, Zabarnyi, Senesi, Kerkez; Billing, Rothwell, Christie, Brooks, Kluivert; Solanke.

While the Reds are obviously clear favourites to beat Bournemouth, the Cherries remain a fairly unknown quantity under new coach Iraola. The Spaniard has been described as “the master of organised chaos”, so we could be in for an exciting clash.

Liverpool scored bucket-loads in pre-season but conceded plenty too. They looked shaky in defence against Chelsea on the opening day, and Bournemouth could capitalise on the Reds’ lack of a midfielder stopper.

While Liverpool’s quality should see them over the line, Bournemouth may give them a tougher test than many think.

Prediction: Liverpool 3-1 Bournemouth

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!