Liverpool vs Bournemouth: Starting XI Prediction as Reds Dealt Major Injury Blow | OneFootball

Liverpool vs Bournemouth: Predicting Arne Slot’s Starting Lineup Ahead of Bournemouth

After a disappointing performance at Anfield last Saturday in the 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest, Arne Slot will be hoping for a much improved showing this weekend as the Reds host Bournemouth in the Premier League. Liverpool of course come into the game off the back of a huge 3-1 away victory over AC Milan at the San Siro and will be looking to rebuild some momentum in the early stages of the campaign.

With that being said, let’s take a closer look at our predicted lineup ahead of Saturday’s clash…

Injury Blow at the Back

Slot will be forced into a change in between the sticks with Alisson Becker struggling with a minor muscular strain. Therefore, Caoimhin Kelleher will come into the side in place of the Brazilian. Ahead of him, Andy Robertson will come back into the side for Kostas Tsimikas to rejoin Trent Alexander-Arnold in the full-back positions.

Photo: IMAGO

Virgil Van Dijk will captain the side from the heart of defence, but his defensive partner isn’t so clear. Many had anticipated Jarell Quansah to perhaps come back into the side for this one, but with the brilliant form of Ibou Konate, it’s extremely hard to drop him at the moment. I think Slot is really aiming to establish a consistent partnership at the back, therefore I think the Frenchman will get the nod for this one again. Quansah will undoubtedly be eyeing a run out against West Ham United in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night.

Verdict: Kelleher, Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk (C), Robertson

Huge Midfield Decision

In terms of the midfield, Slot faces one tricky decision. We all expect Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister to start once again before perhaps getting a rest during the week. However, Dominik Szoboszlai, despite his emphatic performance at the San Siro, could be replaced by Curtis Jones.

Photo: IMAGO

I think the Hungarian could get the spot once again to build some momentum and consistency in his performances. His pressing ability is so crucial to the way Slot sets up his side and with the way Bournemouth like to play out from the back, he could suit this game brilliantly.

Verdict: Mac Allister, Gravenberch, Szoboszlai

No Nunez?

Slot’s faced with a severe case of selection headache when picking his three forwards for the weekend. Cody Gakpo was sensational during the week, but Luis Diaz has been brilliant over the opening few weeks of the season. Personally, I think the latter will come back into the starting lineup but I expect the Dutchman to get a considerable amount of minutes still.

Photo: IMAGO

Mohamed Salah will start on the right as expected, whilst Diogo Jota will keep Darwin Nunez out of the side once again as hinted in Slot’s press conference earlier today. You would think that both Nunez and Gakpo are pretty much nailed on to start against West Ham United and could even be joined by Federico Chiesa.

Verdict: Salah, Jota, Diaz

Starting XI: Kelleher, Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk (C), Robertson, Mac Allister, Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, Salah, Jota, Diaz

Bench: Jaros, Gomez, Quansah, Bradley, Endo, Jones, Nunez, Gakpo, Chiesa

Prediction: Liverpool 3-1 AFC Bournemouth