Football

Liverpool vs Bournemouth predicted lineups: Reds look for their first win with Endo set to make Anfield debut

Liverpool get ready to play their first home game at Anfield against Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth on Saturday August 19, as they look for their first win of the season. The match will start at 3 PM British Standard time, during the UK TV blackout.

Bournemouth
Dominic Solanke of Bournemouth during the Premier League match at the Vitality Stadium, Bournemouth Picture by Jeremy Landey/Focus Images/Sipa USA 12/08/2023 – Photo by Icon sport

Liverpool vs Bournemouth predicted lineups and news

Jurgen Kloop’s men had an underwhelming draw at Stamford bridge last week, where Chelsea under new manager Maruicio Pochettino dominated possession and proceedings. The Andoni Iraola era at Bournemouth is off to a good start as they got a draw against West ham, a trick they will want to repeat at the hostile Anfield. The TV blackout means fans in the UK can’t watch the match on Television.

Team news: Liverpool

Liverpool are coming off a frustrating draw and two damaging transfer sagas where they failed to land two of their preferred defensive midfield targets, Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia. They have decided to go for Stutgard’s Wataru Endo, the Stuttgart and Japan captain, as reinforcement in that department was desperately needed.

With Thiago Alcantara and Stefan Bajcetic still recovering from their injuries and Liverpool midfield desperately needing a ball winner, Endo could be thrust into the spotlight straight away. 

After a largely ineffective performance from Diogo Jota, Cody Gakpo could be pushed into his favoured false 9 role with Darwin Nunez coming off from the bench to provide pace and thrust.

Liverpool predicted lineup (4-3-3/3-4-3)*

Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk (c), Robertson; Mac Allister, Endo, Szoboszlai; Salah, Nunez, Diaz

*Liverpool will play the classic 4-3-3 when out-of possession but will shift to a 3-4-3 when on the ball, with Alexander-Arnold inverting into midfield alongside the no.6.

Team news: Bournemouth

Having salvaged a draw through a late equalizer from Dominic Solanke on Andoni Iraola’s first game in-charge, the cherries will be coming to Anfield in a good mood. With a bunch of new signings, they will look to erase the memories of the infamous 9-0 thrashing they suffered at the same venue last year.

Big money summer signing Alex Scott and last season’s star Marcus Tavernier and winger Dango Ouattara are all out with long term injuries. Adam Smith, Ryan Fredericks and Lewis Cook aren’t fully fit. However, Lloyd Kelly is fit again and Justin Kluivert could make his first Bournemouth start after an impressive substitute performance against West Ham.

Bournemouth predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)

Neto (c); Aarons, Zabarnyi, Senesi, Kerkez; Billing, Rothwell; Christie, Brooks, Kluivert; Solanke.

Will Salah start after the Stamford Bridge reaction?

The Egyptian King was visibly angry after his name came up on the substitution board in the 77th minute of the game against Chelsea, with the game still 1-1.

The Liverpool talisman left the pitch while angrily tearing up the tapes in his wrist. However, Klopp said he wasn’t bothered by Salah’s reaction and that it was ok, suggesting that he should start. 


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