Prediction: Bournemouth vs Liverpool

Verdict: Away win

Best odds: 5/7

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

In what could be one of their toughest tests of the Premier League title race so far, Liverpool travel south to face Bournemouth in an intriguing Saturday afternoon clash at the Vitality Stadium.

Arne Slot’s side return to domestic action following a 3-2 Champions League defeat to PSV Eindhoven, while their hosts head into the contest on a high after thrashing Nottingham Forest 5-0 in their previous outing.

Bournemouth

The absences of strikers Evanilson and Enes Unal are obviously no problem for Andoni Iraola’s high-flying Bournemouth, who have defied adversity despite losing both of their senior centre-forwards to serious injuries. Rather than faltering, the Cherries delivered a stunning 5-0 demolition of Nottingham Forest in gameweek 23, with Dango Ouattara netting a hat-trick while Justin Kluivert and Antoine Semenyo also found the target.

Following a remarkable 4-1 win away at Newcastle, Bournemouth’s season reached another high with their dominant display against Forest, bringing them level on points with sixth-placed Chelsea and just one behind Manchester City in the top four.

Now unbeaten in 12 matches across all competitions, including an 11-game Premier League streak, Iraola’s men have picked up more points (25) than any other team in the division since late November. They also aim to secure a fourth consecutive home clean sheet in the top flight on Saturday.

That task may be far from straightforward against a Liverpool side that has won each of the last four meetings between the teams, including a comfortable 3-0 victory at Anfield in September. Still, with Bournemouth in such formidable form, Reds fans may approach this trip to the South Coast with more caution than in previous seasons.

Team News

Bournemouth remain without long-term absentees Evanilson (foot) and Enes Unal (knee), while Marcos Senesi (thigh), James Hill (thigh), Julian Araujo (thigh), and new arrival Julio Soler (unspecified) also remain sidelined.

Alex Scott (knee), Luis Sinisterra (hamstring), and Adam Smith (unspecified) are edging closer to returns, but even if deemed fit, none are expected to start.

After last weekend’s dominant display, Iraola is unlikely to make any changes to his lineup, especially with Tyler Adams impressing in midfield. The American provided two assists in the 5-0 win, and Bournemouth have averaged 2.8 goals per game when he starts, compared to just 1.3 in his absence.

Liverpool

One of several Liverpool Dutchmen returning to home soil on Wednesday night, Arne Slot saw Eindhoven native Cody Gakpo open the scoring from the penalty spot, but that early breakthrough was not a sign of things to come.

A heavily rotated Reds side went on to suffer their first European defeat of the season, though their last-16 place had already been secured, and top spot in the group was confirmed thanks to Barcelona’s failure to beat Atalanta BC.

As they await their next continental opponents, Liverpool’s Premier League title charge remains in full swing after last weekend’s commanding 4-1 victory over Ipswich Town, where Mohamed Salah surpassed Arsenal legend Thierry Henry in the all-time Premier League scoring charts.

Still six points ahead of the Gunners with a game in hand—set to be played at Everton’s soon-to-be former home, Goodison Park—Liverpool are unbeaten in their last 18 league matches, the longest ongoing streak in the division.

The league leaders remain the only team yet to lose an away game in the competition, while every other side has suffered at least two defeats on the road. However, Slot’s men will take nothing for granted at a ground where both Arsenal and Manchester City have already been beaten this season.

Team News

Speaking to the press ahead of the match, Liverpool boss Slot confirmed that Joe Gomez and Diogo Jota have returned to team training and should be in contention for this match, though it’s not certain at this point. The same goes for Darwin Nunez, who missed the Eindhoven trip through illness.

The only player who certainly remains unavailable for selection is Curtis Jones.

Having rested a large number of players against PSV, Slot is expected to bring back Alisson Becker, Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz into the starting XI.

Conclusion

While Liverpool’s key players are well-rested after sitting out midweek action, Bournemouth have also benefited from six days of uninterrupted preparation for Saturday’s high-profile clash, ensuring Iraola’s side will be a serious threat.

However, the injury-hit hosts remain short on quality options from the bench, whereas Slot has no such concerns. With Liverpool’s depth proving decisive on multiple occasions this season, substitutions could once again play a crucial role in bringing an end to Bournemouth’s impressive run.

Verdict: Away win

Best odds: 5/7

Bookmaker: Olympusbet