By Dan Clubbe
Well, last week was something, wasn’t it? Although the novelty of dismantling our biggest rivals 7-0 is yet to wear off – and possibly may never – it’s back to business for the Reds and it simply cannot be a case of after The Lord Mayor’s show if the top four is to remain wholly achievable.
Whilst Jurgen Klopp’s side aren’t quite in the box seat just yet, there are certainly signs of a heading in that direction and a win before a domestic lengthy 17-day break on the south coast would be another welcome boost to the confidence.
Team news wise the Reds remain without Thiago and Joe Gomez, while Luis Diaz has made strides towards his return but is unlikely to be risked this side of the international break.
Here’s how I think Klopp will select his XI…
How we should line up: Formation 4-3-3
Five consecutive Premier League clean sheets now for the Reds and rarely has Liverpool’s backline looked as solid as when Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate are the gatekeepers.
The Vitality Stadium is likely to provide a tough test for Klopp’s men against a side fighting for survival and the creativity of both Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson is likely to be pivotal to the cause against a home side who are unlikely to throw caution to the wind.
Despite another much-improved midfield performance last time out, Stefan Bajcetic could be recalled for this one in place of Jordan Henderson as Klopp continues to manage the skipper’s minutes in order to get the best out of him when called upon.
With options suddenly aplenty the frontline provides the biggest headaches for the German boss. However, with two goals a piece in that Anfiwld demolition job, Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo should be on cloud nine.
Lineup prediction: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Bajcetic, Elliott; Salah, Nunez, Gakpo.
Score prediction: Bournemouth 0-3 Liverpool
Don’t forget to join us for the Uncensored Match Build-Up from 11.15am on The Redmen TV YouTube…
