Liverpool vs. Bournemouth: Team News, Predicted Lineups, Live Stream, TV Info
The final Premier League game of the weekend sees Liverpool host new boys AFC Bournemouth at Anfield in the Reds' first home game of the new season.
It's the first time these two sides have ever met in a league match in English football—although, Eddie Howe's side have twice hosted Brendan Rodgers' in the last two seasons, in the FA Cup and League Cup, losing narrowly on both occasions.
The last time the Cherries were at Anfield, though, was 47 years ago, when they lost a FA Cup third round replay 4-1. It's sure to be a huge occasion for the visiting Bournemouth fans—a shame then that Sky Sports scheduled such a class, their first away match in the top flight, at a stadium over 250 miles away on a Monday night.
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The two managers know each other well and share a similar footballing philosophy, both seeking to play attractive, possession-based football. Howe has spoke of his admiration for both Rodgers and his new assistant Sean O'Driscoll ahead of the game.
"[Rodgers has] been a role model, really, for me," said Howe, via Press Association (h/t This Is Anfield). "Someone you look up to and admire. I admired watching his Swansea teams play.
"I think he’s now building another Liverpool team, a new Liverpool team, this year, so it’ll be interesting to see how they do."
Date: Monday, 17 August, 2015
Time: 8 p.m. BST / 3 p.m. EDT
Venue: Anfield
TV Info: Sky Sports 1 / NBCSN
Live Stream: Sky Sports 1 / NBCSN
Form
Rodgers' side picked up an opening weekend victory courtesy of Philippe Coutinho's late goal at Stoke City last Sunday, while Bournemouth narrowly lost to Aston Villa after failing to take their chances in front of goal in the first half.
Liverpool
Won 1-0 vs. Stoke City
Bournemouth
Lost 1-0 vs. Aston Villa
Predicted Formations
Rodgers is set to hand home debuts to the trio of Nathaniel Clyne, James Milner and Christian Benteke, but he has a decision to make whether to start with the team which began the game at Stoke or the team that ended the game at the Britannia Stadium.
If he opts for the latter, that means Roberto Firmino making his full debut for the club, with him and Emre Can replacing Adam Lallana and Jordon Ibe. Lallana, in particular, failed to impress last week and his place is surely under threat as Firmino nears fitness.
Rodgers is set to continue with the same back four, meaning Dejan Lovren will continue alongside Martin Skrtel. The Croat is much maligned and most supporters would rather have Mamadou Sakho in defence, but Lovren put in an improved showing last week and will retain his place.
Youngster Joe Gomez earned praise from Rodgers in his pre-match press conference and will continue at left-back ahead of Alberto Moreno.
“For a player of 18 to make his Premier League debut away at Stoke against an outstanding player in Jon Walters, with the experience he has, and cope as well as he did was impressive,” Rodgers said, per Press Association (via This Is Anfield).
Liverpool will lineup either with a 4-2-3-1 shape, or 4-3-3 if Can and Firmino do replace Lallana and Ibe.
For the visitors, Howe must decide whether to stick with his preferred 4-4-2 shape or go for a slightly more defensive-minded approach and play 4-1-4-1.
The Bournemouth boss could opt to bring in the experience of Sylvain Distin, who could also combat the aerial presence of Benteke—who will be keen to open his account on his home debut.
Howe also has new signings Max Gradel and Tyrone Mings as options, while Dan Gosling could be the unlucky man to miss out if Howe selects Eunan O'Kane in holding midfield.
Player to Watch
Liverpool: Roberto Firmino
Firmino enjoyed a cameo appearance at the Britannia last weekend but already showed signs that he will provide some spark and energy to Liverpool's attack. He's a player who can take on a defender and provide energy in the final third.
As an unknown quantity as yet, he could really shine at Liverpool once he is given his full debut, which should be in place of Lallana on Monday night.
Bournemouth: Matt Ritchie
Bournemouth's strengths are out wide, with wingers Matt Ritchie and Marc Pugh lighting up the Championship last season.
Scotland winger Ritchie has been tipped to be the next Football League star to shine in the top flight, following in the footsteps of Danny Ings, Charlie Austin and Jamie Vardy.
15 goals and 17 assists shows how impressive—and important—the 25-year-old was last season for the Cherries. He'll be keen to attack any space left behind by Liverpool's full-backs.
Key Battle
Benteke vs. Bournemouth Centre-Backs
How Bournemouth's regular centre-back pairing of Tommy Elphick and Steve Cook perform up against one of the Premier League's most physical and proven goal scorers will be vital. They know that Howe as the option to bring on Distin if experience is required and will be keen to show they can cut it in the Premier League.
With Benteke keen to get his first goal for Liverpool at Anfield, and surrounded by quality attackers like Coutinho and Firmino, Cook and Elphick will have a true test of their quality.
Last week, it was Rudy Gestede, the tall Villa centre-forward, who profited by scoring in the air, Benteke could do similarly.
Odds (via Odds Shark)
Liverpool win: -303
Bournemouth win: +800
Draw: +350
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