Both Liverpool and AFC Bournemouth kicked off their Premier League season with a draw. While Liverpool looked very shallow in the middle of the pitch and were lucky to get away with a point at the Bridge, Bournemouth on the other hand played extremely well and are showing early signs of exciting Iroala-ball.
WHEN & WHERE?
Date:- 19th August, 2023
Time:- 15:00 HRS GMT
Venue:- Anfield Stadium
MATCH OFFICIALS:
Referee: Thomas Bramall.
Assistants: Simon Bennett, Dan Robathan.
Fourth official: Anthony Taylor.
VAR: Paul Tierney.
Assistant VAR: Constantine Hatzidakis.
A LOOK BACK IN TIME
Bournemouth didn’t have the most sorted away record last season, especially at Anfield, where Liverpool have won 13 out of their 19 games last season where Bournemouth suffered a 9-nil defeat, a joint premier league record win.
Following having only one shot on target against Chelsea last weekend, Liverpool would love to capitalise on their offensive chaos come this weekend. Liverpool have won five of the last 6 meetings between the pair.
But it wouldn’t definitely be a cakewalk against Andoni Iraola…
Liverpool recently lost the battle to sign Caicedo & Lavia and now have placed a bid to sign Stuttgart midfielder Wataru Endo which might give Jurgen Klopp more options for the midfield and not start 3 attacking players like he did last week. Although we have to see how quickly are Liverpool to conclude the transfer and if Endo will be available to start this week.
TEAM NEWS
Bournemouth under new manager Andoni Iraola have been playing some fast expansive football and need not be taken lightly but they are dealing with a lot of injuries with the likes of Marcus Tavernier, Dango Outtara, Lewis Cook, Adam Smith, Lloyd Kelly, Ryan Fredericks, and new player Alex Scott all set to miss out the game on Saturday.
For Liverpool, Thiago and Stefan Bajcetic are also set to miss the match – although the former is back in training, expect him to build a bit of fitness than risking another injury.
PRE-GAME ANALYSIS
There are lots of things that Liverpool need to improve, and the thing leading that list would be control. Owing to the absence of a proper DM, Liverpool had only 35% possession against Chelsea and weren’t in control of the game as much as Klopp and the Kops would have liked. Then comes defensive positioning – Trent was supposed to play a more inverted role this season but last time out with Szobozslai going up front and Trent getting caught up in his inverted roles, Poch & Chelsea heavily exploited that right-hand side.
Mac Allister was very impressive in his official debut too. But Klopp needs to think of a way to play the plethora of attackers he possesses with Luis Diaz and Salah being the two out-and-out wingers. Gakpo was deployed in the midfield role and it was safe to say he didn’t get much action on the ball.
KEY PLAYER
Mo Salah
It was visible to all that Salah was frustrated after he was subbed off as he couldn’t score yet another opening-day goal but it might be bad news for Cherries as the Egyptian has started the season just the way he left by providing that beautiful assist. Salah has scored 6 goals against Bournemouth in their last 6 matches.
Dominik Solanke
Fans should also keep an eye on former Liverpool youngster Dominik Solanke who has started the season well and will look to add more to his goal tally. Overall goals can be expected from this fixture as Bournemouth have scored in their last 4 matches and Liverpool should not expect an easy walk on the park as the Cherries haven’t lost 3 of their last 4 matches.
Predicted XIs
Liverpool – Alisson (GK), Alexander-Arnold, van Dijk, Konaté, Robertson, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Jones, Diaz , Jota and Salah.
Bournemouth – Neto (GK), Senesi, Aarons, Zabarnyi, Kerkez, Rothwell, Billing, Christie, Brooks, Anthony and Solanke.
