Liverpool finally added the long-sought-after defensive midfielder to the squad this week with the arrival of Japan and Stuttgart captain Wataru Endo.
Perhaps not the huge name, big money signing most had been hoping for, the 30-year-old will certainly provide short-term answers for what has been a long-standing issue for The Reds.
Having been confirmed around 12.30m on Friday and with a work permit to be obtained, it remains to be seen whether the Japanese destroyer will feature in the opening Anfield fixture of 2023/24.
Liverpool v Bournemouth | The Match Preview
Match Preview
Following on from the opening day draw at Stamford Bridge, Jurgen Klopp’s side will know nothing short of a confidence-boosting three points will do and as such.
This fixture last season saw The Reds fire home nine in what was a rampant display of dominance and whilst it’s nigh on impossible to envisage a similar scoreline on this occasion, Liverpool do come into the clash as overwhelming favourites.
Bournemouth, meanwhile, also drew their first Premier League clash 1-1, ex-Red Dominic Solanke with the later equaliser for the south coast club who are now managed by Andoni Iraola following the surprise departure of former Liverpool coach Gary O’Neil.
Iraola boasts an impressive record against the giants of La Liga from his time at Rayo Vallecano and the Spaniard will be hoping to replicate something similar in England.
However, looking to adopt a new more progressive playing style in a new league, particularly at Anfield with all of Liverpool’s firepower, could prove difficult in the early stages as should suit Klopp’s men.
Whilst no game can be taken for granted, something The Reds learned all too often last season including against Bournemouth in the reverse clash, this is a kind second match of the campaign for Klopp’s charges and one in which three points should be expected to remain on Merseyside.
Klopp On Endo, Injury Updates & Future Signings | Liverpool v Bournemouth | LFC Press Conference
Predicted XI
Given both Thiago and Stefan Bajcetic remain short of being ready it’s unlikely we will see major changes from Klopp for this one. Alexis Mac Allister may need to continue in the six role and with Curtis Jones absent through injury, Cody Gakpo could retain their places ahead of the Argentine.
Harvey Elliott would hope his enterprising came in London was enough to earn a start, although the difficult time faced by the talented youngster up against Phillip Billing last term could count against him here.
The major questions come in attack as the vast options at Klopp’s disposal continue to vie for a regular place, we may see Darwin Nunez start here in place of Diogo Jota.
XI: Alisson; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson; Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Cody Gakpo; Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez.
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