Premier League
Bournemouth vs Liverpool Preview
Vitality Stadium, Bournemouth – Unbeaten Liverpool travel to high-flying Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday knowing that a win could send them to the summit of the Premier League.
The Reds go into the weekend two points adrift of the leaders, who face a tricky away match at Chelsea later in the day.
Bournemouth will be full of confidence after beating Huddersfield 2-1 on Tuesday, with in-form striker Callum Wilson taking his goal tally to eight for the season.
The Cherries are currently seventh in the standings, above struggling Manchester United and level on points with Everton.
Previous Encounters:
Bournemouth have lost four of their six Premier League matches against Liverpool (W1 D1), losing both matches last season. Also, their only win against the Reds came in a 4-3 victory in December 2016.
View From Both Camps:
Eddie Howe (Bournemouth):
“I think they will look at our game as a very important one in their Premier League season. They are not going to take us lightly. We anticipate meeting a full strength Liverpool team.”
Jurgen Klopp (Liverpool):
“I don’t think they feel pressure! They don’t look like they do.”
“That’s not the first target anyway, the first target is to try to perform on the highest level, because it’s needed at Bournemouth. Eddie is doing a fantastic job there, and it will be difficult enough.”
Team News:
Bournemouth will be without England midfielder Lewis Cook for the rest of the season because of a serious knee injury.
Midfielder Dan Gosling will also miss the game at the Vitality Stadium with his own knee problem. Additionally, Defender Adam Smith (knee) continues his rehabilitation.
Liverpool are without defenders Lovren, Gomez and Nathaniel Clyne (muscle).
Sadio Mane is a doubt while Dominic Solanke (groin) is out in addition to long-term absentees Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Rhian Brewster (knee).
Predicted Lineups:
Bournemouth (4-4-2): Begovic; Francis, S Cook, Ake, Daniels; Brooks, Surman, Lerma, Fraser; King, Wilson.
Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Moreno; Fabinho, Keita; Shaqiri, Firmino, Lallana; Salah.
Match Prediction:
Bournemouth have the attacking quality to threaten Liverpool in this match, but the Reds continue to grind out results this season and the prospect of moving top of the table should be enough to see them get the job done at Dean Court.
Prediction: Bournemouth 1-2 Liverpool
Photo credit to petr.pavel via Flickr
