Bournemouth visit the Reds in the midweek fixture in another key fixture for both the teams on either side of the table. A win for Liverpool would consolidate their position in the top four while a win for Bournemouth would possibly catapult them into the top half of the table if results elswhere go their way.
After dipping badly which had them in a potential relegation fight, Bournemouth have hit form which sees them sit 11th on the table while Liverpool are also on the up having won three games of their last four games after a poor start to 2017.
Both teams are unbeaten in their last four matches with Liverpool winning 3 and drawing one while Bournemouth have won two and drawn two.
Match Details
Date: Wednesday, April 5
Venue: Anfield, Liverpool
Kick Off: 20:00
TEAM NEWS
Liverpool
Liverpool could be without two of their key men in this fixture; having lost Adam Lallana during the international break and Sadio Mane picked up a knee injury in the game against Everton. Â Jordan Henderson remains injured.
Reds boss Jurgen Klopp raised concerns over Mane’s injury by admitting he “missed his speed” during his January absence and also conceded that he doesn’t have a like for like replacement for the Senegalese speedster.
Daniel Sturridge is doubtful but Klopp remains hopeful that the striker will be available for this game.
Bournemouth
No fresh injury concerns for Bournemouth as the usual suspects in Calum Wilson and Andrew Surman remain long term absentees.
KEY MEN
Liverpool
Roberto Firmino
He might not be Sadio Mane but Roberto Firmino is equally as important to Liverpool, often coming up with the goods when it matters. His link up play with fellow Brazillian Coutinho has been key for Liverpool and Klopp would be hoping for more of the same in the game against Bournemouth. Firmino has 9 goals and 5 assists this season and he’ll look to add to his tally this Wednesday. With Mane missing, Liverpool will look to Firmino to produce the goods.
Bournemouth
Josh King
King has been crucial to Bournemouth’s recent turn in fortunes, scoring 5 goals in his last 4 games including a hattrick against West Ham. It’s been a productive season for the Norwegian, scoring 11 goals and assiting 2 goals. He will need to play well, looking to get behind the Liverpool defence if Bournemouth have any chance of getting a result in this game.
INTERESTING STATS
Liverpool have kept just one clean sheet in their last 11 Premier League matches.
Arthur Boruc has more clean sheets (7) than Liverpool’s Simon Mignolet (4).
Bournemouth have lost 2 of their last 3 fixtures against Liverpool with their only win coming in the reverse fixture, a thrilling 4-3 win.
Prediction
Going by form, you’d have to back Liverpool especially when they are so irresistible at home but Bournemouth could have surprise in them especially with Liverpool missing two of their key men. I think the Cherries could steal a result in this game and I’m going for a 1-1 draw.
