Liverpool host AFC Bournemouth at Anfield in the English Premier League on Wednesday night
The Reds are looking to consolidate their top 4 position with a win over Bournemouth. Jurgen Klopp’s side currently sit in third position in the table, although they have played one game more than the rest of the top 4 and will have played two games more than fifth-placed Manchester United after tonight.
The last time these two sides met, football fans were treated to an enthralling tie that saw Bournemouth mount a stunning comeback to overturn a 3-1 deficit and win the match 4-3 with a late goal sealing three points for Eddie Howe’s side.
Jurgen Klopp will be hoping for a better performance from his defence on Wednesday night, especially as Liverpool now need to ensure they do not drop any more points to teams that are outside of the top 7.
This might be a difficult prospect as the Reds will be without both Adam Lallana and Sadio Mane, arguably two of Liverpool’s best performers this season. Speaking ahead of the match, Klopp also revealed that Daniel Sturridge could play a part while revealing that Liverpool are still waiting on the results of Sadio Mane’s scan.
“Daniel is, since yesterday, in team training, so in a good way I would say. Especially in our situation, it’s a very good option to have him back. We won’t make any decisions now because yesterday was not a lot in training. Today he will be part of training hopefully and then he can probably be in the squad. We have to see.”
“It’s not 100 per cent clear,” he said, when discussing Mane’s injury. “We had, of course, an assessment and a scan, but have to wait a little bit until the knee is not that swollen anymore. The only thing I can say for sure is that he will not be available for tomorrow. All the rest, we have to see.”
Despite Sturridge’s availability, it is likely that Divock Origi will start up front. The youngster has been solid whenever given an opportunity and was on hand to score Liverpool’s third goal against Everton over the weekend.
Henderson’s injury means that Lucas Leiva – who was hugely impressive against Everton – will start in the midfield three along with Emre Can and Georginio Wijnaldum. Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino will start on the wings, while Klopp’s defence will remain unchanged from the Merseyside Derby.
