Liverpool will welcome newly-promoted Bournemouth at Anfield on Saturday, as Jurgen Klopp continues his hunt for their first win of the 2022-23 Premier League season.
The Reds have mustered just two points after games against Fulham, Crystal Palace and Manchester United. They suffered their first defeat of the season to Manchester United away on Monday in an uncharacteristic performance that raised several concerns.
Nevertheless, that’s where Liverpool are right now, and Klopp will be expecting a rousing response from his side when they host Bournemouth.
Liverpool Team News
Jurgen Klopp has major injury problems to deal with, as the likes of Diogo Jota, Joel Matip, Ibrahima Konate, Thiago Alcantara and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are all out injured.
Our 2-1 win over Bournemouth in 2020 included an incredible goal line clearance 😱@SCJohnson | #LIVBOU pic.twitter.com/H55cWGwIDK
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 26, 2022
Naby Keita remains a big doubt to face Bournemouth, while Darwin Nunez serves the second of his three-game ban for his straight red card against Crystal Palace.
Predicted Liverpool lineup vs Bournemouth (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
After a 2-1 defeat and a poor performance against Manchester United, change is necessary. However, that won’t come in goal as Alisson Becker is expected to start as usual. The Brazilian will be raring to keep his first clean sheet of the season against a struggling Bournemouth side.
Defence
Liverpool’s defence came under heavy criticism in the defeat to Manchester United. Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Trent Alexander-Arnold were poor, but Klopp is unlikely to drop them from the Liverpool lineup. Andrew Robertson, too, is likely to keep his place in defence, as the Reds search for their first clean sheet of the season.
Midfield
Fabinho is an absolute must in midfield having started the last game on the bench. The Brazilian brings calmness and balance to this Liverpool side, making him such a crucial member of the squad.
Predicted Liverpool Lineup vs Bournemouth
Jordan Henderson and Harvey Elliot will start as two 8s ahead of Fabinho, as the midfield trio look to control the tempo of the game and keep Bournemouth at bay. Fabinho’s inclusion in the Liverpool lineup will see James Milner drop out to the bench.
Attack
Up front, Klopp’s options are depleted. The return of Roberto Firmino from injury against Manchester United was a big boost, and Klopp is expected to persist with him to lead the Liverpool attack.
Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz are the other fit offensive options, and the wide forwards’ pace, trickery and movement could cause all kinds of problems to the Bournemouth backline.
