Eddie Howe will be a happy man with the progress of his Bournemouth side this season, who stand in the 11th place in the points table, with just five games of the season left to play. They are 10 points off the drop zone but are comfortable at the moment and the manager will hope that they can extend their three-game unbeaten run this weekend when they travel to Anfield in a domestic league fixture.
The Reds are fresh from knocking champions-elect Manchester City out of the UCL but took just a point from their trip to Goodison Park in the previous round. The Cherries can move up to 9th if they can win this game and the fact that they beat Liverpool in the reverse fixture at the Vitality will give them even more confidence of taking something from this game. Eddie Howe will also believe that his side can rattle Liverpool, who seem to be one of the best teams in England at the moment and here is the predicted lineup he might field for this tie:
Team News:
The Cherries have no new injury issues ahead of this game against Liverpool. Junior Stanislas and Adam Smith are both ruled out while Tyrone Mings is being currently assessed and might struggle to make this trip to Anfield. Jordan Ibe is back in training after an illness and will love to play some role against his former side.
Expected lineup (4-4-2):
Defence:
The manager has stuck with Asmir Begovic, who has not been at his best this season. He will keep his place under the bar while Steve Cook and Nathan Ake, who have been consistent at the back for Bournemouth, will retain their places at the heart of the defence this weekend.
Adam Smith is ruled out at least for another couple of weeks and Charlie Daniels will take his place at left-back while Simon Francis, who had a tough time against Palace in the last round, will start at right back.
Midfield:
Bournemouth have plenty of options for their midfield but Lewis Cook and Dan Gosling have been a part of the last three games where the Cherries are unbeaten. They are expected to start this weekend but will have a tough task against an exciting Liverpool attack.
Wingers Stanislas and Ibe are unavailable so Howe might use Ryan Fraser on the right flank and Mark Pugh on the left flank like he did against Palace.
Attack:
Jermaine Defoe might be pushed to the bench as Callum Wilson, a regular in the first team and Joshua King, who scored against Watford not so long ago, will lead the attack for Bournemouth.
Here is how they might line up:
