Bournemouth are the latest team to visit Anfield this week, as Liverpool take on the Cherries in another important Premier League clash on Wednesday.
Liverpool vs. Bournemouth
Wednesday, April 5, 2017 – 12:30pm (BST)
Anfield
Premier League
Referee: Lee Mason
All of a sudden, that defeat to Leicester City feels like a distant memory.
Since the Reds decided to play like a pub team against the champions, they have picked up 10 points from a possible 12, from matches against Arsenal, Burnley, Man City and Everton.
Saturday’s Merseyside derby triumph was another vital win in Liverpool’s season, and they now look in a very healthy position in the league table.
Klopp’s men sit third, and with eight relatively kind remaining fixtures, it would now be a huge blow if Champions League football wasn’t secured.
Next up for the Reds is Wednesday’s visit of Bournemouth – a side who delivered one of the most crushing blows of Liverpool’s season back in December.
That late 4-3 defeat at Dean Court, having been 3-1 up, was tough to take, but Wednesday is a great chance to avenge that disappointment.
Eddie Howe’s team should have enough to avoid relegation for another year, and on paper, this should be a straightforward evening for the hosts.
We have seen Liverpool fall short in so many games like this in 2016/17, however, and failure to win on Wednesday would halt their current momentum significantly, especially with injuries racking up.
Three more points are essential, as Klopp’s men look to keep Man United and Arsenal at arm’s length.
Last meeting: Bournemouth 4-3 Liverpool
Team News
Liverpool have been unlucky with injuries this season, particularly in comparison to someone like Chelsea, and several key men are now missing.
Sadio Mane could miss the rest of the season, having suffered a nasty knee injury against Everton, which is a major blow. The 24-year-old has been the Reds’ most influential player this season, so making do without him will be tough.
Adam Lallana and Jordan Henderson also remain sidelined, with the English duo jetting off to Miami for what has been claimed is simply for a “change of scenery”. That seems a little odd, though.
Joel Matip and Emre Can both sat out training at the start of the week, but hopefully they are fit.
Daniel Sturridge is back in training, however, which is a much-needed boost for Klopp.
Divock Origi is expected to come into the side in Mane’s absence, and it will be interesting to see if Lucas Leiva keeps his place, following a superb derby performance.
Bournemouth don’t have any new injuries to worry about, although Callum Wilson, Andrew Surman and Adam Federici are all out.
Tyrone Mings is still suspended, following his alleged stamp on Zlatan Ibrahimovic at the beginning of March.
Form
Liverpool – Last five results (all competitions)
Won 3-1 vs. Everton
Drew 1-1 vs. Man City
Won 2-1 vs. Burnley
Won 3-1 vs. Arsenal
Lost 3-1 vs. Leicester City
Bournemouth – Last five results (all competitions)
Drew 0-0 vs. Southampton
Won 2-0 vs. Swansea City
Won 3-2 vs. West Ham
Drew 1-1 vs. Man United
Lost 2-1 vs. West Brom
Klopp’s View
Klopp was delighted to have both Sturridge and Origi available, especially with Mane such a big loss through injury:
“Everyone would miss Sadio [Mane]. Southampton probably still miss him, Salzburg still miss him,” Klopp said.
“Of course it’s good to have Divock now.
“It is how it is, the season is long and you need all the players. Sometimes the players are in good shape and can’t be in the starting lineup.
“Yes it’s good to have him, and a very, very important option for us now.
“Even now Daniel [Sturridge] is back, I said it yesterday it’s actually a perfect moment coming back to team training.”
TV Info
The match isn’t being televised on UK television, with Chelsea‘s showdown with Man City perhaps understandably BT Sport’s game of choice.
Our matchday live blog will be in full swing from 7:15pm (BST), though, with Ben Twelves talking you through the action at Anfield.
Make sure you tune in!
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