Liverpool host Bournemouth on Wednesday night as the Reds look to cement their place in the top 4
Liverpool are coming off the back of an impressive 3-1 victory over local rivals Everton, a win which saw the Reds move into third place – having played one more game than the rest of the teams currently in the top 4, and two more than fifth-placed Manchester United.
Bournemouth have slowly regained some form after going through a poor start to 2017, with Eddie Howe’s side going four games unbeaten in the Premier League throughout March. Howe will be looking to continue Bournemouth’s form against a Liverpool side that lost 4-3 to them in a thrilling encounter back in December.
A win for Liverpool on Wednesday night would go some way to consolidating their position in the top four – especially as Manchester City face a tough task against Chelsea – while a win for Bournemouth could potentially move Eddie Howe’s side back into the top half of the table if results elsewhere go their way.
Probable Lineups and Tactics
Liverpool
Liverpool will be without two of their outstanding players this season. Adam Lallana picked up a thigh problem on international duty with England and will miss out, while Sadio Mane’s knee injury against Everton means the brilliant winger will also definitely miss out.
Jordan Henderson is also a sure absentee with a foot injury, but Jurgen Klopp was hopeful that Daniel Sturridge – who returned to training – will be fit for the match, which will provide a big boost to Liverpool given the injuries to Lallana and Mane.
Liverpool will want to ensure that they do not drop points in the manner they did last time against Eddie Howe’s side. The Reds have played their final fixture against a member of the current top 7 for the season, but their issues against the smaller teams are well documented.
However, Klopp will undoubtedly stick to his normal game plan and pile the pressure on Eddie Howe’s side – who themselves have been defensively suspect this season – and hope to push the defence into making mistakes.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Mignolet, Clyne, Matip, Lovren, Milner, Can, Lucas, Wijnaldum, Firmino, Origi, Coutinho
Bournemouth
Bournemouth will be also without Andrew Surman for their midweek trip, with the midfielder suffering with a knee ligament problem. Calum Wilson also remains sidelined and will not be available for the Cherries.
Eddie Howe does not have any other fresh injury concerns or suspensions and will definitely be naming a strong side against Liverpool. Bournemouth will be looking to similarly capitalise on Liverpool’s defensive deficiencies, although they will not want a repeat of the nail-biter from December.
Howe will be hoping Josh King can continue his fine 2017 form and the Cherries will be looking to hit Liverpool on the counter, an area where they have been susceptible on several occasions this season.
Probable Lineup (4-4-2): Boruc, Smith, Francis, Cook, Daniels, Fraser, Arter, Gosling, Pugh, Afobe, King
Key Stats
- Liverpool have won all four of their previous home meetings with Bournemouth in all competitions, scoring 10 goals and conceding twice.
- All 11 goals in the three previous Premier League meetings between these sides have been scored by different players.
- Philippe Coutinho has assisted six Premier League goals this season, his second best tally in a Premier League campaign (seven in 2013/14).
- Liverpool have won four consecutive Premier League games at Anfield for the first time under Jurgen Klopp; they last won five in a row in April 2014 (a run of six wins under Brendan Rodgers).
- Liverpool have scored and conceded in 21 of their 30 Premier League games this season (70 per cent); more often than any other side.
- Liverpool and Bournemouth have each scored seven goals from the penalty spot this season, the joint-most in the Premier League.
- Bournemouth have kept consecutive clean sheets in the Premier League; they have never recorded three shutouts in a row.
Betting Odds
Favourable Bets:
1. Both Teams to Score – YES @ 1.75
2. AFC Bournemouth Asian Handicap + 1.5 @ 1.780
3. Over 3.5 Cards @ 1.83
4. Over 10.5 Corners @ 1.80
Underdog Bets:
1. Harry Arter to score anytime @ 8.00
Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Bournemouth
Despite the absence of Adam Lallana and Sadio Mane, Liverpool have shown in the past that they are more than capable of unlocking defences – especially when Philippe Coutinho is on song, something he most definitely was against Everton.
The Reds may still have a tough task ahead of them, however, as Eddie Howe’s side are capable of scoring against the best defences. It might not be a routine victory for Jurgen Klopp’s side, but the Reds should run out the victors on Wednesday night.