Prediction: Liverpool vs Bournemouth

Verdict: Liverpool win to nil

Best odds: 6/4

Bookmaker: Betfair

Back on Merseyside following a strong start to their Champions League campaign, Liverpool welcome Bournemouth for a Premier League clash on Saturday afternoon.

The Reds secured another comeback win, defeating AC Milan 3-1 at San Siro on Tuesday, while the Cherries have spent the week reflecting on their painful 1-0 defeat to Chelsea.

Liverpool

Before Liverpool’s recent clash with historic rivals Milan, Arne Slot downplayed his birthday celebrations at the San Siro, but the newly-appointed Reds manager had reason to celebrate after his team’s impressive comeback.

Six-time European champions Liverpool found themselves trailing after a Christian Pulisic opener, but headers from Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate turned the game around in the first half, with Dominik Szoboszlai sealing the win by adding a third goal, making Slot’s birthday even sweeter.

While not as dramatic as the famous 2005 Istanbul final, defeating Milan on their home turf was just the right response to last weekend’s disappointment. The Reds struggled to break through Nottingham Forest’s defense and ultimately fell to a stunning Callum Hudson-Odoi strike, marking Slot’s first competitive defeat.

Despite that setback, Liverpool remain in fourth place in the Premier League, just one point behind Arsenal and Newcastle United, and two behind unbeaten Manchester City. They also share the league’s best defensive record with Arsenal.

Having conceded only one goal and faced just 28 shots—10 of which were on target—Liverpool lead the division in these metrics.

Team News

Liverpool’s new signing Federico Chiesa was not ready for action against Manchester United or Nottingham Forest, but the Italian finally made his Reds debut as a late substitute at the San Siro. He is now in contention for his first start.

With Chiesa reaching match fitness, the only confirmed absentee for Liverpool on Saturday is Harvey Elliott, who remains sidelined with a foot fracture. However, Alisson Becker is a fresh doubt due to a hamstring issue, meaning Caoimhin Kelleher may step in as goalkeeper.

Kostas Tsimikas made a surprise start against Milan, but Andrew Robertson is expected to reclaim the left-back spot this weekend. Additionally, Luis Diaz is likely to replace Cody Gakpo, despite the Dutchman playing a good game and providing an assist for Szoboszlai on Tuesday.

Bournemouth

In a performance reminiscent of their more illustrious opponents, Bournemouth were unfortunate not to take all three points against a subpar Chelsea side at the Vitality Stadium last week. Blues goalkeeper Robert Sanchez nearly handed the Cherries the win after conceding a penalty but redeemed himself by saving the resulting spot-kick.

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca ultimately had to rely on his expensive bench options, as substitutes Jadon Sancho and Christopher Nkunku linked up for a late winner, ending Bournemouth’s unbeaten start to the 2024/25 season.

Had Andoni Iraola’s side held on in those final moments, they would have secured a four-game unbeaten start to a Premier League season for the first time in their history. However, with a challenging trip to Liverpool on the horizon, they must quickly put that disappointment behind them.

Despite claiming just one win this season – a remarkable comeback victory over Everton – Bournemouth could join elite company if they secure a win at Anfield, becoming only the third Premier League team, after 2012 Arsenal and 2021 Manchester City, to win consecutive away games against both Merseyside clubs.

That said, last season’s meetings with Liverpool were far from kind to the Cherries. The Reds overturned an early deficit to win 3-1 at Anfield and followed that up with 2-1 and 4-0 victories on the South Coast in the EFL Cup and Premier League, respectively.

Team News

Iraola will be relieved to welcome on-loan Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga back into the squad after the Spaniard was ineligible to face his parent club last weekend, even though Mark Travers performed admirably in his absence.

Tyler Adams (back) is confirmed to miss out, while Dango Ouattara (ankle) remains a doubt.

Evanilson endured another frustrating outing last weekend, missing a penalty before being substituted in the 68th minute. He now faces intense competition for his spot, with Enes Unal returning to full fitness.

Conclusion

Aside from Hudson-Odoi’s stunning goal last weekend, defensive solidity has been a hallmark of Liverpool’s play under Arne Slot in the Premier League. After seeing the ideal response at the San Siro, Slot will likely guide his team to a more fitting home performance on Saturday.

Bournemouth have managed to keep all of their games competitive so far this season, and while they may not be completely overwhelmed by their hosts, it’s hard to envision a scenario where the Cherries leave Anfield with anything to show for their efforts.

Verdict: Liverpool win to nil

Best odds: 6/4

Bookmaker: Betfair