Here at SportsCasting, we have the Bournemouth vs Liverpool preview, prediction, latest team news and predicted lineups ahead of Saturday’s clash.
Bournemouth Vs Liverpool Preview
As far as this season’s Premier League surprise packages go, Bournemouth are right up there with the likes of Nottingham Forest.
Ironically, the Cherries hit the Tricky Trees for five last time out to climb up to seventh in England’s elite. Dango Ouattara netted a hat-trick with the equally impressive Justin Kluivert and Antoine Semenyo scoring on the south coast.
The week previous, Andoni Iraola’s side thrashed Newcastle 4-1 at St James’ Park with Kluivert hitting a treble in the north east. A superb result considering the Magpies were on a nine-game winning run.
What makes Bournemouth’s sprint towards the European spots more astonishing is the number of injuries Iraola has had to endure recently.
As it stands, the Cherries are unbeaten in their last 12 games across all competitions. You have to go back to November 23 for their last defeat.
THE SPINAROONIEEEEE 😅
Can you dig it suckaaaaa, @BookerT5x?✋ pic.twitter.com/iFBASdPky5
— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) January 26, 2025
Liverpool will head to the Vitality Stadium knowing that they are really going to have to graft to come away with all three points on the south coast.
Wednesday night’s 3-2 defeat against PSV provided the perfect platform for some of Arne Slot’s fringe players to impress – but not many grasped the opportunity.
Nonetheless, the Dutchman has all of his big guns to come back in for Saturday’s intriguing fixture. Mo Salah, Virgil Van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold were all given the night off in Eindhoven.
The Merseysiders still have a healthy six-point lead at the top of the table going into Saturday’s match. That could extend to nine if the Reds win their game in hand but navigating past Bournemouth is the only priority right now.
Ahead of the game, the best football betting sites in the UK price Liverpool as the 7/10 match favourites. The Cherries can be backed at 15/4 with the draw 10/3.
Bournemouth Vs Liverpool Team News
Record-signing Evanilson and Enes Unal are ruled out for the long-term but that hasn’t stopped the Bournemouth juggernaut gathering momentum.
Even with the likes of Marcos Senesi, James Hill, Julian Araujo, Julio Soler, Alex Scott, Luis Sinisterra and Adam Smith all still missing.
Therefore, Andoni Iraola is expected to name the same starting XI that thrashed Nottingham Forest so convincingly last time out.
Meanwhile, Liverpool have all of their big-hitters set to return to the matchday squad. Joe Gomez is also expected to be included after missing the last eight games with a hamstring injury.
There are also doubts over England midfielder Curtis Jones. He is suffering from a knock and a late decision is expected to be made about his availability.
Diogo Jota will definitely be ruled out for the Reds. The Portuguese forward hasn’t featured in the top-flight since scoring the equaliser against Forest on January 14.
Cody Gakpo has been shortlisted for the @premierleague Player of the Month award for January 🫡🔴
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 30, 2025
Bournemouth Vs Liverpool Predicted Lineups
Bournemouth (4-2-3-1): Kepa; Cook, Zabarnyi, Huijsen, Kerkez; Christie, Adams; Brooks, Kluivert, Semenyo; Ouattara
Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Diaz
Bournemouth Vs Liverpool Prediction
Owing to the fact Liverpool were able to rest several players on Wednesday, that extra freshness should catapult the Reds to victory.
We emphasise the word ‘should’ as Bournemouth are in the form of their lives at the moment. The Cherries will be keen to test themselves against the best but feel they will fall just short in an intriguing encounter.
Expect plenty of goals at the Vitality Stadium in a topsy-turvy clash. This is the sort of victory the Merseysiders will cherish if they are to go on and win the title.
Prediction: Bournemouth 2-3 Liverpool
