Bournemouth Face Tough Test at Anfield After Heartbreaking Chelsea Defeat

Returning to Merseyside after a positive start to their latest Champions League campaign, Liverpool prepare to host Bournemouth in Saturday’s Premier League matchup.

The Reds secured a 3-1 comeback win against AC Milan in Europe on Tuesday, while Bournemouth have had a week to reflect on their narrow 1-0 defeat to Chelsea.

Match Preview

Ahead of Liverpool’s recent clash with historic rivals Milan, newly-appointed manager Arne Slot mentioned that his birthday celebrations would take a back seat to the match. However, Slot had reason to celebrate after his team’s thrilling comeback in Italy.

Despite an early setback from a Christian Pulisic strike, Liverpool responded with headers from Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate in the first half, before Dominik Szoboszlai capped off the victory, giving Slot the perfect birthday gift.

While it may not have been as dramatic as their famous 2005 Istanbul final, beating Milan on their home turf was exactly the boost Liverpool needed after their disappointing 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest last weekend. That game saw the Reds struggle to break through Forest's defense, with Callum Hudson-Odoi’s stunning goal handing Slot his first competitive defeat as manager.

Despite that setback, Liverpool still occupy fourth place in the early Premier League standings, just one point behind Arsenal and Newcastle United, and two behind league leaders Manchester City. Additionally, they share the league’s best defensive record with Arsenal, conceding just one goal so far this season. Liverpool have also faced the fewest total shots and shots on target in the league.

Bournemouth, meanwhile, can empathize with Liverpool after their own agonizing 1-0 loss at home to Chelsea. Despite a solid performance, the Cherries couldn’t capitalize on a Robert Sanchez error that led to a missed penalty. Ultimately, Chelsea’s substitutes, Jadon Sancho and Christopher Nkunku, combined to secure a last-minute winner.

Had Bournemouth held on, they would have achieved their best-ever start to a Premier League season. But the 11th-placed side now faces a tough trip to Anfield.

With just one win so far this season—a remarkable comeback victory against Everton—Bournemouth could join the exclusive club of Premier League teams that have won consecutive away games against both Merseyside clubs, a feat previously accomplished by 2012 Arsenal and 2021 Manchester City.

However, last season did not go Bournemouth’s way in their meetings with Liverpool. The Reds claimed a 3-1 victory at Anfield after falling behind early, followed by 2-1 and 4-0 wins on the South Coast in the EFL Cup and Premier League, respectively.

As for team news, Liverpool’s summer signing Federico Chiesa made his debut as a late substitute in the Milan game and could now push for his first start. Meanwhile, Harvey Elliott remains sidelined with a foot injury, and Alisson Becker is a doubt due to a hamstring concern, which could see Caoimhin Kelleher start in goal.

Kostas Tsimikas started against Milan but is likely to make way for Andrew Robertson, while Luis Diaz is expected to replace Cody Gakpo in the starting lineup despite Gakpo’s assist in midweek.

For Bournemouth, on-loan Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga is set to return after being ineligible to face his parent club last weekend. Mark Travers, who deputized well, will make way for Kepa. Tyler Adams remains out with a back injury, and Dango Ouattara is still a doubt due to an ankle issue.

Striker Evanilson, who missed a penalty last weekend, faces increased competition for his spot with Enes Unal back to full fitness.