Verdict: Liverpool to win and both teams to score
Best Odds: 7/5
Bookmaker: Bet 365
Liverpool will be looking to continue their terrific form when they entertain AFC Bournemouth at Anfield on Saturday evening. We make our prediction on the Premier League clash.
Liverpool
It seems that Liverpool are untouchable at the moment after enjoying a magnificent last couple of weeks. A 5-1 aggregate Champions League quarter-final victory over Manchester City was undoubtedly the highlight, and they’ll have real belief they can go on and win the competition. Jurgen Klopp’s team have also been striking fear into their opponents in the Premier League, however, they do struggle for consistency at times. A disappointing 0-0 draw against rivals Everton – albeit after making five changes – followed impressive wins against Watford and Crystal Palace. Even though the Reds put every inch of effort into their tie midweek, their record at Anfield suggests they should have too much for Bournemouth on Saturday. It is nearly a year since they last tasted defeat at Anfield, and they’ve won 10 of their 16 games there this season. More recently, Klopp’s men have beaten their opponents in six of their last seven matches at home, scoring 24 goals during that time.
Team News
Mo Salah featured against Manchester City and showed no signs of the injury he picked up in the first-leg.
Meanwhile, Emre Can is out for the rest of the season.
Bournemouth
Manager Eddie Howe has done a terrific job at Bournemouth this season, and they will be looking to secure their safety for another year with one more victory. The Cherries are sitting 10 points clear of 18th placed Southampton having played a game more, and even a draw at Anfield will go a huge way in ensuring they’re playing Premier League football next campaign. The South Coast club have been enjoying attacking displays of their own recently, and have managed to score 17 goals in their last 11 games. Impressively, Howe’s men have only failed to find the net just once in this period. However, their defensive displays have suffered because of this, and they’ve kept just one clean sheet in 23 matches in all competitions. It could make for an entertaining game at Anfield on Saturday, and don’t be surprised to see late drama. Howe has been the king of substitutions lately, with his players often making a huge impact of the bench. Jermain Defoe was the hero to salvage a draw against Watford, while Josh King bagged an equaliser in the 2-2 draw versus Crystal Palace.
Team News
The only absentee from Bournemouth’s squad is long-term casualty Tyrone Mings.
Key Factors to Consider
- Liverpool have won three of their previous five Premier League encounters with Bournemouth (D1 L1)
- The Cherries have only tasted victory in one of their last 12 meetings with the Reds in all competitions (D3 L8)
- Liverpool are unbeaten in their last 18 Premier League home games (W11 D7)
- There have been 19 goals in the previous five meetings between the two sides
- The Cherries have only won two of their 17 away games against ‘big six’ opponents in the Premier League (D2 L13)
Conclusion
Liverpool are going to be brimming with confidence after their Champions League victory over Manchester City. However, there still remains question marks over their defence, and Bournemouth have the attacking ability to exploit it.
Verdict: Liverpool to win and both teams to score
Best Odds: 7/5
Bookmaker: Bet 365
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