Liverpool will be looking to record their first win of the season as they face Bournemouth for their 4th EPL fixture.
When Liverpool plays host to Bournemouth on Saturday, they will be attempting to recover from their loss to Manchester United away from home.
With just two points from their first three games, the Reds are currently in 16th place in the standings. While Bournemouth is in 15th place with three points after three games.
Liverpool vs Bournemouth: Preview
Liverpool’s 2021–22 season came to an unsatisfactory end after losing Manchester City in the race for the Premier League championship and falling to Real Madrid by a score of 1-0 in the UCL final.
Jurgen Klopp’s team would have wished to get off to a fast start this year. But the Merseyside outfit has found it hard thus far. They went on drawing their first two league games against Fulham and Crystal Palace before falling to Man United 2-1 on Monday at Old Trafford.
Salah’s goal in the 81st minute gave the Reds hope of salvaging a late point in Manchester. But United held on to earn a decisive three points, dropping Liverpool to 16th place with only two points from their first three games.
There is pressure on Liverpool going into this game, considering their next two are against an improving Newcastle United and Everton in the Merseyside derby. Liverpool is already seven points behind the early leaders Arsenal and five behind the champions Man City.
The last time Bournemouth beat Liverpool at home was in December 2016. The Cherries have lost each of their previous six Premier League encounters with the Reds. This includes both games during the current season.
Scott Parker’s team beat Villa 2-0 to start the season on August 6. But they have since lost to City and Arsenal, giving up seven goals in the process.
Bournemouth has fought in its last two matches against the top two teams in the Premier League. The risen team will face another difficult test against Liverpool on Sunday. But they will come into the game with a victory after defeating Norwich City in the EFL Cup on Tuesday night.
They play Wolves at home to close up the month. With 88 points from their 46 games and just eight losses, they came second in the Championship last season. But they will be mindful of the task ahead of them. And now Bournemouth will be attempting to establish themselves at the top level once more.
Team News
Nunez will be out for Liverpool once more as a result of his red card against Palace. And the team’s injury issues aren’t getting any better.
Once again missing are Thiago, Jota, Joel Matip, Curtis Jones, Keita, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ibrahima Konate, and Calvin Ramsay, while Kelleher’s participation is uncertain.
Klopp does not have many other alternatives for change. Therefore it is likely that the starting lineup will be very similar to the one that took the field at Old Trafford despite the lackluster performance. Fabinho began on the bench against Man United but should be back in the starting XI here.
Rothwell, Ryan Fredericks, Brooks, and Junior Stanislas will all be out for Bournemouth once more. But Lowe should be back with the team after getting over his illness.
During his news conference, Parker also made clear that Dominic Solanke is battling an ankle problem and is striving to be available. The forward is likely to start the game on the bench.
The club made a lot of adjustments for their EFL Cup match against Norwich on Tuesday. But those who were sat should be back in the lineup for this game. Kieffer Moore is set to play at the attack’s spearhead.
Liverpool’s possible starting lineup:
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson; Elliott, Fabinho, Henderson; Salah, Firmino, Diaz
Bournemouth’s possible starting lineup:
Travers; Mepham, Senesi, Kelly; Smith, Pearson, Lerma, Zemura; Tavernier, Moore, Christie
Predictions
Liverpool’s difficulties thus far will give Bournemouth hope. But the Reds ought to respond in this game. We anticipate the hosts to earn their first victory of the year this weekend since Klopp’s team cannot afford another disappointing performance so early in the season.
Liverpool 3-1 Bournemouth
