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Liverpool FC vs. AFC Bournemouth
The weekend is upon us and that means we can once again expect many top-class games in the world’s most attractive leagues. In the English Premier League, Liverpool FC face promoted AFC Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon. The Cherries are inferior to some teams individually and have accordingly had a difficult start to the season. However, three points after three games is fine, especially considering the challenging opening programme.
One of the biggest disappointments of the first weeks, however, is the Reds, who are still winless after three matchdays and have collected just two points. As a result, Jürgen Klopp’s team is only in 16th place. Liverpool is plagued by injury worries and currently has hardly any width in its squad. Nevertheless, a win at home against the Cherries on Saturday is a must. Find out if we think the Reds will get their first win in this Liverpool – Bournemouth tip
Liverpool – Bournemouth info:
– Date & Time: 27/08/2022, 16:00.
– Venue: Anfield Stadium (Liverpool)
– Competition: Premier League, Matchday 4
– TV coverage: Sky Sport
Liverpool Form & Balance Check
Little did Liverpool probably expect such a mixed start as Fulham and Crystal Palace are, with all due respect, not the biggest names in English football. Nevertheless, the team did not get beyond a draw against both. Then, last Monday, they faced their great rivals Man United. Against the biting Red Devils, however, the Reds looked very overtaxed, losing in the end 1:2. Especially the defensive airiness surprised many, above all Virgil van Dijk was blamed for the goals conceded. The Dutchman is not yet in pre-season form.
The last consistency in the actions is missing
Last season, the Reds’ defence was among the best in England. It was hardly possible to overcome van Dijk and Co. But in the first three games of the new season, Liverpool conceded a goal in every game. None of the defenders seems to be playing up to their full potential. The attack is also surprisingly lacking in punch, and the suspension of new signing Darwin Núñez does not help. The Colombian Luis Diaz is showing good signs, but is not yet able to replace Sadio Mané. Firmino is also not up to the quality of the last few years.
Liverpool facts & analysis
– Still winless in the league
– Liverpool have always conceded a goal in the first half so far
– The Reds lost the first half in every game so far, then improved in the 2nd half (two wins, one draw)
Bournemouth Form & Balance Check
After two years in the Championship, Bournemouth are back in the top flight. The Cherries strengthened themselves accordingly this summer, spending almost 30 million euros on the transfer market. The season got off to a good start when they beat Aston Villa 2-0 at home. In the last two matches, Bournemouth lost to Man City and Arsenal FC, but both teams are anything but the Cherries’ cup holders. Although the clash with the Gunners was particularly bitter, with the promoted side 2-0 down after just a few minutes.
Is the quality enough to stay in the league?
The win in the opening game showed that AFC has the potential to keep up in the Premier League. Nevertheless, almost all teams are individually superior, including the promoted Fulham and Nottingham. It will therefore be incredibly difficult to stay in the league. But on a positive note for the Cherries, Liverpool will be their third really big opponent in the first half of the season after this Saturday. From then on, the programme is supposed to be easier and the important games will come, in which Bournemouth can show whether they have enough quality for the top flight.
Bournemouth facts & analysis
– They have not scored in their last two games.
– Bournemouth are 15th in the table
– The Cherries conceded the second most goals in the first three matchdays (seven)
Predicted line-up – last update on 25 August 2022
Due to injury problems Jürgen Klopp’s hands are a bit tied at the moment, so we don’t expect too many changes. Possibly Fabinho will start for Henderson, who did not have a good day against United. Whether Diogo Jota will return to the squad is uncertain, as is the return of Konaté or Naby Keita. The visitors will probably start with a five-man backline, which was already promising against Aston Villa. Moore is expected to provide a scoring threat as the lone striker.
Liverpool – Bournemouth direct comparison & Statistics
Due to the fact that the two are clearly separated individually, the direct comparison also clearly goes to the Reds. Liverpool have won eight of their ten encounters, while Bournemouth have only won one.
– So far, a maximum of four goals have been scored in the Reds’ five home games against Bournemouth.
– Bournemouth have never won at Anfield
– The last six encounters have all gone to Liverpool
