Inferior Cherries to provide low hanging fruit
Liverpool are winless in their first three Premier League outings and suffered a humbling 2-1 defeat at the hands of Manchester United on Monday evening.
The Reds were disappointing on the opening weekend but took a share of spoils via a 2-2 draw at newly promoted Fulham, produced a much-improved performance to draw 1-1 with Crystal Palace despite Darwin Nunez’s sending off but they were out-fought at Old Trafford.
Fabinho came on in the second half and the Brazilian will be an important player in establishing control in midfield areas, Harvey Elliott and James Milner worked their socks off, but at opposite stages of their careers it is harsh to rely on them with regularity in aiming to compete for the title.
Mohamed Salah got on the scoresheet again with an instinctive header and the Egyptian could have a field day if the Reds are at their best against the Cherries.
Background
Bournemouth feel nailed on to finish rock bottom of the top-flight this season, Scott Parker may be out of his depth and did not do himself justice with Fulham in 2019/20, they have offered very little attacking threat so far.
Marcus Tavernier, Joe Rothwell and Ryan Fredericks are smart signings, but the kind you make in pursuing promotion from the Championship, which may come in handy for them next term.
Fabio Carvalho may well be pushing for a start given how poor Roberto Firmino has been at the start of this season, the absence of Sadio Mane is clear to see in the frontline and only exacerbated by Nunez’s suspension.
However, even if the front three flatter to deceive on the day, they are so well supported by Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold that they should be able to break the deadlock with relative ease.
You can guarantee that the squad will be determined to make amends for their poor start this weekend, and Jurgen Klopp should be able to rally them to an improved level of performance.
With Thiago Alcantara, Naby Keita and Curtis Jones on the treatment table, Jordan Henderson could move into a more advanced midfield role with Elliott keeping his place in the side.
Luis Diaz is quickly becoming a very important player at Anfield and the Brazilian could be one to profit from the Cherries doubling up on Salah.
Bournemouth may be rightful outsiders in every game they play this season, but the Reds have looked vulnerable defensively so far and therefore goals feels like a more sensible angle in.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
9-0 Liverpool, they are back.