Liverpool v Bournemouth – Preview, Predictions, and Best Bets

Liverpool face Bournemouth The Reds are aiming to bounce back from last week’s loss at Anfield to Nottingham Forest. The Cherries were beaten 1-0 by Chelsea last weekend despite dominating the first half. Liverpool have won 10 of the 11 clashes between these sides, scoring 37 goals.

Liverpool Form

Liverpool ended last season with a 2-0 victory over Wolves, marking Jurgen Klopp’s final game before his retirement. This season, under new coach Arne Slot, they began with a 2-0 win at Ipswich. A 2-0 home win against Brentford followed, where they attempted 19 shots and registered 2.65 expected goals (xG).

The Reds continued their strong form by thrashing Manchester United 3-0 at Old Trafford, creating six ‘big chances’ before the FIFA break. However, last Saturday, they put in a lackluster performance, losing 1-0 at home to Nottingham Forest, managing just 0.94 xG from 69% possession. They bounced back on Tuesday with a 3-1 away win over AC Milan, recording 3.09 xG and 23 shots.

Liverpool Team News

Coach Arne Slot partially rested Luis Diaz midweek, with Cody Gakpo starting in his place. Diaz is expected to return to the starting XI for this match. Harvey Elliott remains sidelined with a broken foot, but Curtis Jones is available once again.

Andy Robertson is likely to be recalled at left-back, replacing Kostas Tsimikas. The rest of the starting XI should remain unchanged, with nine of the same players who featured in midweek.

Liverpool Motivation

Liverpool will be determined to bounce back and secure a win at home for their fans.

Facing a more open opponent than last week, they will aim for a victory by at least a two-goal margin.

Bournemouth Form

The Cherries ended last season in poor form, losing six of their final ten Premier League matches. After three consecutive defeats, they drew 1-1 at Nottingham Forest on the final day. This season began with a 1-1 home draw against Newcastle, where they produced 2.26 xG, followed by a 1-0 loss at West Ham in the Carabao Cup.

Before the international break, Bournemouth secured a dramatic 3-2 win at Everton, coming from 2-0 down with just four minutes left and generating 1.80 xG. Last weekend, despite missing a penalty and hitting the woodwork twice, they lost 1-0 at home to Chelsea.

Bournemouth Team News

Coach Andoni Iraola will welcome back striker Enes Unal, boosting his attacking options. Midfielder Tyler Adams is still sidelined with an injury, but Philip Billing returned last week, strengthening the midfield.

Record signing Evanilson is expected to start up front, despite missing a penalty against Chelsea. Luis Sinisterra is likely to be used as an impact substitute once again.

Bournemouth Motivation

Bournemouth are not a team that can sit back defensively. They will likely approach the game at Anfield with attacking intent, though a draw would be seen as a significant achievement.

A more open style of play (compared to Nottingham Forest’s approach) could leave the Cherries vulnerable to conceding several goals.

Key Stats

Liverpool have lost just two of their last 50 home league matches (38 wins, 10 draws).

Liverpool have scored 19 goals in their last eight home league matches.

Mohamed Salah has recorded three goals and three assists so far this season.

Bournemouth have lost five of their last eight matches.

Bournemouth have conceded 12 goals in their last seven Premier League matches.

Verdict

Liverpool are expected to respond in style on Saturday. A win with a handicap and Mo Salah to end his two-game scoring drought are the top predictions.