Liverpool travel to the South Coast this weekend to play Bournemouth. The match will take place on January 21 at the Vitality Stadium, with the Reds facing the opportunity to extend their lead at the top of the table to five points. We bring you our Liverpool predicted lineup.
Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs Bournemouth
The latest team news ahead of #BOULIV ⤵️
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 20, 2024
How Liverpool Have Lined-up Recently
Alisson Becker has started in goal, making crucial saves against Arsenal most recently. Conor Bradley has broken into the side at right-back, with Joe Gomez at left-back. Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate form the centre-back partnership when both are available.
Alexis Mac Allister has returned to his role as a number six with Wataru Endo unavailable. Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott, and Ryan Gravenberch have all shared minutes in midfield with Dominik Szoboszlai out.
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Liverpool’s front three is variable. Luis Diaz has tied down the left wing, but Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez compete for the centre-forward spot. Elliott and Cody Gakpo have shared minutes on the right with Mohamed Salah away.
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Liverpool’s Recent Form and Tactics Before Bournemouth Fixture
Liverpool were forced into another comeback against an inferior side in their cup tie with Fulham. Marco Silva’s side have now taken surprising leads at Anfield twice this season.
Bradley filled in for Trent Alexander-Arnold as a shining light in the unconvincing victory. The 20-year-old created two chances and won six tackles and ten duels (all three were match-leading statistics). With an XA (expected assists) of 0.5 – Bradley showed both attacking and defensive competence.
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The first half was void of creativity. Jurgen Klopp’s side had seven attempts, but five were potshots from outside the box, and two were from implausible angles.
Caoimhin Kelleher conceded from a Willian shot to his near post in the 19th minute. This is not the only time the Irishman has failed to impress: in direct parallel to the cup fixture, Kelleher looked unconvincing against Fulham earlier this season- shipping three.
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The second half was far more fruitful. Both goals came within 15 seconds of possession turnover as Liverpool displayed their counter-attacking speed.
An XG of 1.24 was created and not converted, with Bernd Leno making four saves, including preventing Nunez from finishing a big chance.
However, Klopp will need to ensure his side are more clinical against Bournemouth. The Cherries have scored within ten minutes against Manchester United, Aston Villa, and Liverpool this campaign.
Liverpool Injuries to Consider Ahead of Bournemouth Game
Klopp revealed in his press conference that “I don’t expect anybody back” for the match against Bournemouth, but “some of them might be in kind of part of team training next week.”
In positive news, the German manager labelled Szoboszlai, Alexander-Arnold, and Andy Robertson as “close” to returning.
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Kostas Tsimikas adds to the full-back issues as he will not be available after suffering a long-term collarbone injury in December.
Joel Matip is out for the season, whilst Thiago Alcantara and Stefan Bajcetic have not even featured in the league this campaign due to injury.
Wataru Endo and Mohamed Salah are away at the Asian Cup and African Cup of Nations respectively.
Liverpool Predicted Lineup
GK: Alisson Becker
LB: Joe Gomez
CB: Virgil van Dijk
CB: Ibrahima Konate
RB: Conor Bradley
CM: Curtis Jones
DM: Alexis Mac Allister
CM: Ryan Gravenberch
LW: Luis Diaz
ST: Darwin Nunez
RW: Harvey Elliott
