New Delhi: Liverpool will welcome Bournemouth to Anfield for Premier League matchday five’s biggest match. The London derby kicks off at 7:30 pm. The Reds are coming off a 3-1 comeback away victory over AC Milan in the UEFA Champions League midweek.
Liverpool found themselves behind in the opening minutes to Christian Pulisic’s strike, but Ibrahima Konate levelled the game with a header from Trent Alexander-Arnold’s corner kick. Virgil van Dijk put the visitors ahead with another corner kick in the 41st minute, while Dominik Szoboszlai added another goal to the tally.
With two points less than perfect Manchester City and one point behind Arsenal and Newcastle United in the early-season standings, the Reds are still in the fourth and final Champions League spot. They also share the best defensive record with the Gunners.
Bournemouth, on the other hand, suffered a heartbreaking defeat of 1-0 at home to Chelsea, where Blues goalkeeper Robert Sanchez went from zero to hero by saving a spot kick and penalty.
Chelsea eventually broke Cherries hearts with a late winner as the substitutes Jadon Sancho and Christopher Nkunku handed them their first defeat of the 2024-25 season.
Despite the setback, Andoni Iraola’s men have shown promise this season, with their early form seeing them brush aside Everton in a thrilling comeback victory. A historic opportunity awaits as Bournemouth could join an elite group of teams, Arsenal in 2012 and Manchester City in 2021, who have won consecutive away victories against both Merseyside clubs, having already conquered Everton.
Currently sitting in 11th place the Cherries face a daunting challenge in their next fixture up north, hoping to build on their resilient start but before the action kicks off let’s take a look at which team holds the upper hand over the other.
Team News
In Liverpool’s camp, their new signing, Federico Chiesa, finally made his debut for the Reds as a late substitute at San Siro after missing out on the matches against Manchester United and Nottingham Forest. Now fully fit, the Italian winger is in contention to make his first start for the club this weekend.
The only definite absentee for Jurgen Klopp’s side is Harvey Elliott, who is sidelined and has a foot fracture. However, there are concerns over Alisson Becker, who is in fresh doubt due to a hamstring issue, meaning Caoimhin Kelleher may be called upon to start between the posts.
Kostas Tsimikas earned a rare start in the Champions League against AC Milan, but Andrew Robertson is expected to return to the left-back position this weekend. In attack, Luis Diaz looks set to reclaim his starting spot, likely relegating Cody Gakpo to the bench despite the Dutchman providing an assist for Dominik Szoboszlai in midweek.
On the other hand, in Bournemouth’s camp, Andoni Iraola will be glad to have on-loan Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga available for selection again after he was ineligible to face his parent club last weekend. Although Mark Travers performed admirably in Kepa’s absence, the Spaniard is expected to reclaim the starting spot in goal at Anfield.
However, Cherries will be without Tyler Adams, who continues to recover from a back injury, while Dango Ouattara remains doubtful due to an ankle issue.
In attack, Evanilson had a difficult outing last weekend, missing a penalty before being substituted in the 68th minute. His starting position is now under serious threat from the fit-again Enes Una, who could provide strong competition for a spot in the front line.
Head-to-Head
Liverpool and Bournemouth have met on 22 occasions in the past and Liverpool have won 17 games while Bournemouth have won just two. There matches ended as a draw between the two sides.
The two sides recently locked horns in January 2024 when the Reds claimed a comfortable 4-0 away win. Both teams have produced three or more goals in thirteen of the last 14 games.
Mohamed Salah had scored nine goals in nine games against the Cherries. Bournemouth have lost 25 of their last 29 games against sides starting the day in the top four with two wins. Six of the last seven games have seen more goals in the first half of the match.
Predicted lineup
Liverpool: Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Diaz; Nunez
Bournemouth: Kepa; Smith, Zabarnyi, Senesi, Kerkez; Christie, Cook; Semenyo, Kluivert, Tavernier; Unal
When, where, and how to watch the Liverpool vs Bournemouth in India?
The Liverpool vs Bournemouth Premier League 2024-25 match will be telecast live by Star Sports Network in India. Fans can join the Star Sports Network at 7:30 pm today to watch the game. For those looking for a streaming option, the match will also be streaming live on the Disney+ Hotstar website and app.
Match Prediction
Liverpool’s 100% winning start to life under manager Arne Slot but that came to a surprise end last weekend. The Merseyside will look to avoid consecutive home game losses for the first time since an infamous run of six losses between January and March 2021.
Bournemouth have been able to keep all their games close this season and should not be blown to their hosts. The Cherries will aim at stopping the Reds and repeat their most recent visit victory to Merseyside.
Final Scoreline: Liverpool 2-0 Bournemouth
Liverpool will host Bournemouth at Anfield this evening. But before the action kicks off, let’s examine which team has the upper hand over the other. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
