Liverpool vs Bournemouth Preview
Liverpool Football Club return home to the Fortress that is Anfield Saturday morning at 10am EST. A.F.C. Bournemouth will travel the 265 miles north just to turn around and leave with zero points. It will indeed be a sad return for former Reds Jordon Ibe, “The Twenty Million Dollar Miracle” Dom Solanke, and the Right back version of Alberto Moreno, Nathaniel Clyne. Clyne, however, will be ineligible since he is facing his parent club. Liverpool sit 2nd in the table on goal differential with 62 points, while Bournemouth sit at 10th with 33 points. The weather at kickoff looks to be your typical Northwest England day, with temps in the mid forties and a 40% chance of rain.
Injury News
Finally, Finally, Finally, some good news to report here. Liverpool have been handed at triple boost ahead of Saturdays match up. Trent, and Hendo both returned to training this week and look like the should be able to go based on any unforeseen setbacks. Gini was a full participant this week he looks to be a lock to make the squad. Klopp also revealed that should Liverpool make the semi-finals of the Champions League, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain should be ready to go, and may even be ready for a cameo in the quarters! Great news that! Dejan Lovern continues his bout with a hamstring that will see him miss this week, but could be ready Bayern on the 19th. With Virgil being suspended for that match, this would be a huge comeback, since I don’t know who would start beside Matip. I would assume Fabinho. Speaking of center backs, Joe Gomez underwent successful surgery for his broken leg, and is looking at a time-table of four to six weeks according to the Gaffer.
For Bournemouth, they look to be without Callum Wilson(knee surgery), David Brooks(ankle), and will continue to be without long-term injured Simon Francis and Lewis Cook. As stated previously, Nathaniel Clyne will also miss the match at Anfield. I’m sure that will make him feel right back at home.
Previous Form
Liverpool’s previous five league matches are as follows. L(1-2 Man City). W(1-0 BHA). W(4-3 Palace) D(1-1 Leicester City). D(1-1 WHU).
Bournemouth’s previous league matches are as follows. D(3-3 Wat). L(0-2 Eve). W(2-0 WHU). W(4-0 Chels) L(0-2 Cardiff City).
Lineup and Score Prediction.
Alisson will be steadfast between the sticks. Andy Robertson will run a trench into the ground on the left side of the pitch at LB. Joel Matip and Virgil will be stalwarts in defense. Although training again, TAA will have to wait one more week to start as I think the RB position will still be Milly. The midfield will see Gini return. I also look for Keita to build on his second half against West Ham and get the nod. Look for Fabinho to round out the mid three. And of course it goes without saying… Death, taxes, Everton never being relevant, and Mo, Bobby, and Sadio upfront. The MOTM will be the crowd! With calls to get into the ground at least an hour early, and to be in full chorus, look for Anfield to come alive and invigorate the lads! The place should be rocking during warmups. The score will end up 4-0. Its time to shake off the negativity of the last two weeks and come out firing on all cylinders!! Up The Reds!!
Y.N.W.A.
-Hooch-