Liverpool look to bounce back to winning ways in the Premier League

Liverpool stand set to face Bournemouth in their next Premier League fixture at Anfield on 21st September in a 2PM GMT KO, with the Reds looking to bounce back from a disappointing 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest right after the international break. Arne Slot’s side had started the season with three successive wins against Ipswich Town, Brentford, and Manchester United, giving fans plenty of hope. However, that momentum saw itself halted by the defeat to Forest. The midweek performance against AC Milan in the Champions League, where Liverpool triumphed 3-1, might just be the confidence boost the team needs to get their Premier League campaign back on track.

In the victory against AC Milan, goals from Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk, and Dominik Szoboszlai highlighted Liverpool’s strength in set-pieces and their ability to control the game through disciplined pressing and tactical flexibility. This performance will be a reference point as they prepare to take on Bournemouth, aiming to punish the Cherries and reaffirm their dominance in the league.

Bournemouth, on the other hand, come into this match following a narrow 1-0 defeat to Chelsea, where Christopher Nkunku scored a late winner for the Blues. The Cherries will be looking to rebound from this disappointment, but facing a Liverpool side eager to make amends for their previous league defeat will obviously be a tough challenge.

Back to winning ways in the PL

Mohamed Salah has netted nine goals and has created one in nine Premier League appearances against the Cherries. Should he score this weekend, it will be the fourth team he has reached double figures against in the competition, joining an elite group of players who have achieved this feat (Shearer, Rooney, Kane, Andy Cole and Henry). Salah’s ability to find the back of the net against Bournemouth makes him a significant threat that Andoni Iraola’s side must be wary of.

For Bournemouth, Antoine Semenyo has started the campaign in fine form, recording three goal involvements (two goals and one assist) in his first four Premier League games. The Ghanaian international also has previous experience of scoring at Anfield, having netted in the third minute of Bournemouth’s 3-1 defeat at the start of last season. His pace and directness will be key for Bournemouth, especially on the counter-attack.

Liverpool’s defensive record this season has been strong, with the team conceding only two goals so far. Both of these goals came from quick, and avoidable counter-attacks, highlighting a potential vulnerability that Bournemouth could look to exploit. However, with the solidity of Konate and Van Dijk at the back, along with the impressive form of the midfield duo Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister, Liverpool are well-equipped to handle such threats. More than being astute, it is about finding feet as soon as the get-go which will ensure we do not concede as early as we did against Milan, and also remaining focused which could avoid hiccups like Forest.

Team Selection

Cody Gakpo’s impressive performance against Milan might see him retain a place in the starting XI on the wing, or even start upfront allowing Luis Diaz and himself to co-exist in the same side without having to fight for the same spot. Darwin Nunez has yet to start a game under Slot, so that is another explorable avenue as well. Hopefully, we can see a bit of Federico Chiesa as well. Harvey Elliott is the only major missing for the Reds with a fractured foot, while Dango Outtara and Tyler Adams miss out for the Cherries.

Bournemouth’s likely formation will be an attacking 4-2-3-1, with Marcus Tavernier and Semenyo on the wings. The dual pivot of Ryan Christie and Lewis Cook will be essential in trying to disrupt Liverpool’s rhythm and protect their backline. However, the key for Bournemouth will be how effectively they can transition from defence to attack, utilising the pace of Semenyo and the creativity of Justin Kluivert, with Evanilson (who missed a penalty against Chelsea) upfront of course.

Liverpool will need to be wary of Bournemouth’s counter-attacking threat but can counter this by maintaining their defensive discipline and not allowing spaces to open up. Slot’s side will look to control the midfield, with Gravenberch and Macca playing pivotal roles (in more ways than one) in breaking up play and initiating attacks. The duo’s ability to win physical duels and distribute the ball efficiently will be crucial in keeping Bournemouth on the back foot.

What to expect?

As the game progresses, Liverpool’s strategy will likely involve creating overloads in midfield and stretching the play through the wingers. Salah and Diaz’s ability to attack aggressively on both sides of the pitch, taking on defenders in 1v1 situations, will be key to unlocking Bournemouth’s defence. With the support of the full-backs, particularly Trent Alexander-Arnold’s crossing and creativity, Liverpool can create numerous scoring opportunities.

Against the Cherries, Slot will need to ensure his players are switched on from the start, avoiding the sluggishness that cost them against Nottingham Forest and he will also need to get across to his team the need to switch on as soon as the whistle is first blown.

Liverpool’s impressive record against Bournemouth, winning nine of their last ten Premier League meetings, makes them the overwhelming favourites for this encounter. The Anfield crowd will be expecting a return to winning ways, and the players will be eager to deliver. The focus will be on maintaining defensive solidity, winning the midfield battles, and capitalising on their attacking prowess to secure a comprehensive victory.

So, at the end of the day, Liverpool’s match against Bournemouth is a big chance for the Reds to get their Premier League run back on track. Fresh off a confidence-boosting win in the Champions League against AC Milan, Arne Slot’s lads will be looking to take control and bag the three points. With their game plan of pressing high, bossing the midfield, and bombing down the wings, Liverpool should be able to handle it. We’re all hoping the boys can put on a top performance and walk away with a solid result, giving their league campaign the kickstart it needs with a convincing win. YNWA!