After shining in Milan on Tuesday night, Liverpool are back in Premier League action on Saturday as they welcome Bournemouth to Anfield.
There would have been a few concerns off the back of last weekend’s defeat to Nottingham Forest heading into their Champions League opener and Christian Pulisic’s early goal at San Siro did little to alleviate any potential nerves.
However, Liverpool steadied themselves in Lombardy and found a way back into the contest via set-pieces, with their 3-1 triumph richly deserved.
Their primary task this weekend is getting back on track domestically following last Saturday’s stunning home defeat.
Liverpool are taking on a Bournemouth side that have won just one of their first five games of the season, although the Cherries are used to slow starts under Andoni Iraola. Their sole victory came in unlikely fashion on Merseyside as they fought back from 2-0 down at Everton in the closing stages to win 3-2. They’ve also picked up draws against Forest and Newcastle to leave themselves with five points through four league games.
Here is 90min’s guide to Liverpool’s upcoming Premier League clash.
Liverpool vs Bournemouth H2H Record (Last Five Games)
Current form (all competitions)
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Liverpool team news
Arne Slot confirmed ahead of the game Alisson is an injury doubt and he shouldn’t hesitate in deploying back-up goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher if the Brazilian isn’t 100%. The Irishman has often given a good account of himself when filling in for Alisson previously.
The hosts otherwise have few injury concerns, with Harvey Elliott the only enforced absentee. The young playmaker will spend a few more weeks on the sidelines with a foot fracture.
Federico Chiesa could make his Premier League bow off the bench with Cody Gakpo likely to start down the left. Slot’s unlikely to change tack in midfield, but there could be a return to the team for Darwin Nunez up top. Andy Robertson will come in for Kostas Tsimikas at left-back.
Liverpool predicted lineup vs Bournemouth (4-2-3-1): Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Nunez.
Bournemouth team news
Long-term absentee Tyler Adams remains out of action for the visitors with a back injury, but there’s hope the USMNT international will return to the fold next month.
Adams has been joined on the sidelines by wide player Dango Ouattara, who could miss Saturday’s game with a knock.
Kepa Arrizabalaga was ineligible to face parent club Chelsea last weekend and will return between the sticks here, while Iraola could make a change up front with Enes Unal coming in for Evanilson.
Bournemouth predicted lineup vs Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Kepa; Smith, Zabarnyi, Senesi, Kerkez; Christie, Cook; Semenyo, Kluivert, Tavernier; Unal.
Liverpool’s midfield seems to hold the key. At their fluid and fluent best, they will facilitate dominant and controlled displays capable of pulling opposing defensive structures apart. However, there’s also been some disconnect in the middle of the park and Forest took full advantage of that last weekend.
An aggressive and direct Bournemouth team have the capacity to trouble the hosts and Liverpool’s midfield must be disciplined to ensure the visitors cannot break at will through the centre of the pitch.
However, while the Cherries pose a tactical threat, the Reds surely won’t lose two games in a row at Anfield. Emboldened by their midweek win in Milan, Slot’s side should get back on track domestically this weekend.
