Liverpool are coming off yet another high, winning the Merseyside derby 3-1 on Saturday. Now they turn to Bournemouth, who beat the Reds 4-3 in December.
Liverpool enter the match on Wednesday 3rd in the Premier League table, and are 3-1-1 in their last five. Bournemouth on the other hand sit 11th and are just 2-2-1 in their recent matches.
Reds fans understand Bournemouth can sneak up and score some goals. They saw this in December, when after taking a 3-1 lead over the Cherries at Vitality Stadium, Bournemouth scored 3 unanswered goals. Liverpool lost 4-3.
Wednesday should be different, Bournemouth travel to Anfield, the fortress of Klopp. The Reds are seeking to maintain their top-four spot and the Cherries desperately want to stay clear of the relegation zone.
The Cherries Will Try To Defend
During the first part of the 2017, Bournemouth have sought to solidify their defense. Eddie Howe has gone with a fresh look in an attempt to resolve their back-line issues. They will boast a new confidence with their new style, and have the December victory over Liverpool in the back-pocket as well.
The Cherries defender, Adam Smith said:
"“It’s another tough game but we’re going to go there with confidence; we’re unbeaten in the last four games and we’ll be looking to take that on, they’ve got quality players and the way they play is very good. But we know that if we put them under pressure and don’t give them time on the ball we can try and force them into mistakes.” via AFC Bournemouth"
That will be the challenge to stay up with the pace of a well-trained Liverpool side. Adam Smith and Bournemouth may be full of confidence but so are the Reds. Liverpool have won the last four matches against Bournemouth at Anfield, outscoring them 10-2.
To help give the Cherries another boost against the Reds, Sky Sports reports that Eddie Howe may choose to recall Jack Wilshere to replace the injured Andrew Surman. Possibly signing him to a permanent deal. At the end of the day, I don’t think it will be enough to overcome the Liverpool attack.
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Liverpool To Play The Advantage
Liverpool will have the advantage on Wednesday, with the Kop behind them and a talented side likely on the field. Klopp and his squad should take three points from this match.
Dejan Lovren speaking to the Guardian about Wednesday, “It is a big game against Bournemouth on Wednesday. We lost there earlier in the season so that should act as a wake-up call for this game. We need to continue like this.”
The Reds have been in a good way of recent, despite nagging injuries plaguing their side. Lovren is right that this is a big match and the boys in red cannot afford to play down to this lower-table opponent.
Liverpool are excellent against top 8 competition but have showed the inability to break down solid defenses, who sit back and concede possession. The key to a Reds victory will be their ability to be creative in the midfield, find space, and break down the Bournemouth defense.
A victory on Wednesday will inch the Reds up the table and closer to the current league leaders, Chelsea. A top four finish is the goal for this Merseyside squad.
Injuries
If last week was difficult for Jürgen Klopp to assemble his squad, this week will prove even worse. Daniel Sturridge returned to training and is available for match on Wednesday. So, that is some good news.
Adam Lallana is still out for another 3-4 weeks with a thigh injury. Jordan Henderson is still likely to be out and has sought treatment in the States with Lallana. Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino started last week but were pulled before the 90-minute mark. Look for them to start in the absence of Sadio Mane.
Speaking of Mane, he is unavailable for Wednesday and could miss the rest of the season. Klopp said, “It’s not 100% clear. Not very positive but we have to wait and see.” Not the best news for fans to hear, Rush The Kop will keep an eye on this situation as it develops.
Update: Liverpool Echo reports, Sadio Mane may miss the rest of the season and require surgery on his injured knee.
Match Predictions
Liverpool Starting XI
Mignolet
Clyne, Matip, Lovren, Milner,
Can, Lucas, Wljnaldum,
Firmino, Origi, Coutinho
Liverpool 3 – 1 Bournemouth
Liverpool are the favorites to win this match but watch for the new and improved defense of Bournemouth to give the Reds some difficulty. If Firmino, Origi, and Coutinho can break them down, the floodgates may open wide for goals.
Ways To Watch
Date: Wednesday, April 5
Time: 8:00pm GMT, 3:00pm ET
Venue: Anfield, Liverpool
TV Info: NBC (US)
Streaming Info: NBC Live App
Next: A Weekend Working in Liverpool's Favour
All statistics provided by Squawka.com