Bournemouth vs Liverpool predictions and tips: Will Bournemouth shock another title contender?
Bournemouth state of play
Andoni Iraola’s side have been in scintillating form since defeat to Brighton towards the end of November, having made it 12 games unbeaten with a dominant 5-0 win against shock title contenders Nottingham Forest last Saturday.
The Cherries have scored 11 goals in their last three games, and taken the scalps of the Premier League’s biggest teams throughout the season, beating Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United and Newcastle.
Patrick Kluivert and Antoine Semenyo have been excellent this season, and despite losing two of their main strikers, a hat-trick against Nottingham Forest shows that Dango Outtara might be better than your average stand-in frontman.
Liverpool state of play
After it appeared that the Reds had entered their first tricky spell of the season, they managed to nip it in the bud, following a late-late show against Brentford, and a comfortable win against Ipswich.
However, Arne Slot tasted defeat in midweek, with a much-changed team losing 3-2 away at PSV. But it was clear that the Dutchman had his eyes firmly set on this Saturday, with plenty of key players sitting out.
Mohamed Salah has been at his usual best, and Cody Gakpo is on top form, having just been shortlisted for January Premier League Player of the Month.
Key talking point: Can Bournemouth beat another title contender?
Bournemouth have consistently been the toughest test for the biggest teams in the top-flight, especially at the Vitality Stadium, where they have only lost twice this season.
That being said, Liverpool are yet to taste defeat away from home in the league, with an ability to salvage situations late on if it looks like it’s not going to go their way, showcasing Slot’s in-game management.
The 3-0 score line that occurred when the two faced off at Anfield may look one-sided, but it was a 10 minute period, where the match was won - when Luis Diaz bagged a brace and Darwin Nunez added a third.
Both sides had 19 attempts each, with the Cherries breaching the home defence multiple times, even having a goal disallowed.
FIRST’s top tip for Bournemouth vs Liverpool
Bournemouth vs Liverpool: Draw 16/5 (Bet442)
Bournemouth’s current run of form makes them incredibly tough to bet against, but considering Liverpool’s position and how equal the first game was, you’d expect Iraola’s side to now take some of the chances they were presented with at Anfield, and Liverpool have the firepower to answer back.
Extra tips
Bournemouth 5+ shots on target – 21/20 (Betway)
Bournemouth have managed over five shots on target in four of their last five games, and Liverpool tend to be more open than their 21 goals conceded suggests.
Tyler Adams to be booked – 41/20 (Mr.Play)
The American is one yellow card away from a ban, has picked up a booking in three of the last ten games, and midfielder averages 1.4 fouls a game, so considering the Reds strength on the break, a suspension could be on the horizon.
Team News
Bournemouth will be boosted by the returns of Luis Sinisterra, Alex Scott and Adam Smith, but will still be without James Hill, Marcos Senesi, Enes Unal and Evanilson.
Liverpool rested multiple key players against PSV, including Trent Alexander-Arnold, Diaz, Salah, Alexis Mac Allister and Virgil van Dijk, with all of those expected to be back in the fold, with Joe Gomez returning to training as well. Curtis Jones is still a doubt, but Diogo Jota is back in training.
Bournemouth vs Liverpool predicted line-ups
Bournemouth: Kepa; Cook, Zabarnyi, Huijsen, Kerkez; Adams, Christie; Brooks, Kluivert, Semenyo; Ouattara (4-2-3-1).
Liverpool: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenburch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboslai, Gakpo; Diaz (4-2-3-1).
Form guide (all competitions)
Bournemouth - WDWDDWWDWW
Liverpool – WWDLWDWWWL
Odds are correct at the time of writing.
Other sports betting tips
-
Liverpool vs Tottenham tips and predictions: Richarlison to be thorn in Slot’s side
-
Newcastle vs Arsenal tips and predictions: Can Havertz fire the Gunners into the Carabao Cup final?
-
Arsenal vs Man City tips and predictions: Gunners look to get title charge back on track in north London
-
Top of the Props: Cherry picked shots, Ayew up for the battle and a Villan to be a hero