Preview: Liverpool vs. Bournemouth

Today at 11:30 AM

Liverpool hope to return to winning ways in the league after an emphatic performance in Milan midweek

LIVERPOOL VS. BOURNEMOUTH

| Saturday, September 21st |
Premier League | Anfield
3PM GMT/10AM EST

Bournemouth tend to press high, and are the only side more direct (in terms of speed up the pitch) than Nottingham Forest, so they do pose a threat to Arne Slot's Liverpool. We learned, too, in their late, late 3-2 win against Everton that they're able to withstand being second best for over 80 minutes and still taking their chances.

Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola is without Tyler Adams for this match, with Dango Ouattara facing a late fitness test as he looks to return to the side — it's likely he'll be held back out of caution.

One of Bournemouth's standout performers is captain Lewis Cook, who will make his 200th performance at Anfield on Saturday.

The side lost Dominick Solanke, and his replacement, Brazilian Evanilson, is still bedding into the league. He missed a penalty (which he also won) against Chelsea last time out, and they went on to lose, unluckily, 1-0. Nonetheless, they've been creative this season, creating the third-most shots (65) in the league (after Brighton, 67, and Manchester City, 66) — though notably 26 of their shots have come from outside the box (the most in the league from distance). While this may suggest they take weaker chances xG-wise, the only goal Liverpool have conceded in the league came from distance last weekend against Nottingham Forest. They average 16.3 shots per game at present, and will look to test Liverpool's usually solid defense.

Bournemouth have lost nine of their last 10 away at Anfield, last achieving a draw in April 2017 (2-2, Premier League) — though they beat Liverpool at home last March (1-0). The Cherries have won one of their last seven league games, with the exception being their comeback win at Goodison Park this season. Interestingly, per Opta only two teams have faced both Merseyside clubs in consecutive away games and won both (Arsenal, March 2012; Manchester City, February 2021).

Predicted Liverpool Lineup (4-2-3-1)

Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Konaté, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Szoboszlai, Salah, Díaz; Jota

Allison is questionable with a muscle concern. This concern existed before the match against AC Milan, and he played; Arne Slot is waiting for a late fitness test to determine his availability for this one. Should Alisson be unavailable — or should the coaching team decide to be cautious — Caoimhín Kelleher could get his first start of the season.

The biggest challenge for Slot is the choice between Luis Díaz, who has been in fine form and is scoring this season, and Cody Gakpo, who was one of the standouts in Milan. Does Slot return to his "first team," or does he reward Gakpo for his outstanding performance? There are arguments for both.

In terms of injury, other than Alisson, Harvey Elliott is the only injury concern for the club, with the midfielder still out for some weeks with a fractured foot.

While the Reds lost in their last league match, the underlying metrics remain solid, and Liverpool have faced fewer shots (28) and conceded fewer goals (1) than anyone in the Premier League — which isn't just luck, as the Reds also have recorded the lowed xG against (2.8) and fewest shots faced on target (10).

This week's Mohamed Salah potential record is in regards to goals scored against a specific side: he has scored nine against Bournemouth in nine Premier League games. Should he score on Saturday, the Cherries will become the fourth team he reaches double digits against in the Premier League, joining Manchester United, Arsenal, and West Ham. This would make him the sixth player to score 10+ goals against 4+ different opponents.

What the Managers Had to Say

Arne Slot: "They started off quite well with a win against our neighbours. That caught the eye the most of course because they were 2-0 down so late in the game. I think [Andoni] Iraola has done a tremendous job over there. [He] plays some nice football to watch, develops players, has a nice playing style, so all credit for him but hopefully we can manage to do better against Bournemouth tomorrow than we did against Nottingham Forest last week...Although it sounds simple, but if every player plays five per cent better than against Nottingham Forest, which is not that difficult to be honest, then that will make a massive change already apart from us doing certain things better and certain positioning or certain runs [that] we have to improve."

Andoni Iraola: "I expect an open game. They are very good in transitions and we are also. There is normally spaces. We will have to defend very difficult duels, and I hope we can keep this level [from Chelsea] of defending one v ones."

The Officials

Referee: Tony Harrington Assistants: Marc Perry, Derek Eaton Fourth Official: Bobby Madley VAR: Graham Scott Assistant VAR: Sian Massey-Ellis

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