CHERRIES HOST LIVERPOOL
THE FIXTURE
AFC Bournemouth prepare to host Liverpool on Saturday night at the Vitality Stadium.
The two sides last met in the Premier League season opener in August in an entertaining 4-2 loss.
Hugo Ekitike and Cody Gakpo put the Reds two goals ahead; before Antoine Semenyo scored a double to level the game 2-2.
Despite the fight back, Arne Slot’s side took control with Federico Chiesa and Mohamed Salah securing the three points to make it 4-2.
The Cherries last won this fixture back in 2023 when a Philip Billing goal and a missed penalty from Salah ensured a 1-0 win for manager at the time Gary O’Neil.
CHERRIES TAKE POINT FROM BRIGHTON
The Cherries come into this game after drawing 1-1 with Brighton & Hove Albion on Monday night.
A Marcus Tavernier penalty gave Andoni Iraola’s side a first half lead which they held onto until half-time.
The first half was dominated by the Cherries in which the hosts had little threat to offer.
The second-half was the opposite with Bournemouth penned into their own half for most of the game.
The Cherries didn’t register a single shot on target in the second half and only had three touches in the opposition box.
The Seagulls pressure proved too much as Fabian Hurzeler’s side found their equaliser in the 91st minute.
A spectacular overhead kick by 19-year-old Kostoulas made sure Brighton claimed at least a point at the Amex Stadium.
LIVERPOOL HELD BY BURNLEY
As for Liverpool, they left their fans disappointed as they could only draw at home to 19th place Burnley.
The Reds were ahead at half-time thanks to a powerful hit from Florian Wirtz.
However a slow second half alongside a Michael Edwards goal for the visitors ended the game 1-1.
Arne Slot received criticism for his side's lack of pace and urgency in their play and fans were left disappointed after their side only scored one goal from their 32 shots.
Liverpool put that game behind them on Wednesday night as they comfortably beat Marseille 3-0 in the Champions League.
Despite playing in a hostile atmosphere at the Orange Velodrome, Slot’s side managed the game well and secured a result to put them in the top four of the Champions League ‘League stage’.
WHAT HAS ANDONI IRAOLA SAID?
Andoni Iraola spoke to the media on Friday afternoon to preview Saturday evening's match.
Iraola confirmed his side's team news. Marcus Tavernier is confirmed to be out after sustaining a hamstring injury on Monday night against Brighton.
David Brooks will also be unavailable due to suffering with an ankle injury. It is down to the Welsh international to say when he will be free and his return date is unknown.
Ryan Christie came away from Brighton unscathed and will be available for tomorrow's game.
New signing Alex Toth will be available to make his debut on Saturday however the bournemouth boss kept his cards close to his chest as to whether the Hungarian could start.
Here is what the Bournemouth boss had to say on his new signing:
Credit: Evan Morris
Credit: Evan Morris
On Liverpool, Andoni Iraola says his side are unlucky as they are facing the best Liverpool of the season.
Iraola praised Arne Slot and his side on their 3-0 win at Marseille for making it look easy and he expects the best Liverpool on Saturday.
Milos Kerkez will return to the Vitality Stadium for the first time since his departure in the summer. Andoni Iraola is sure that he will become a very good player for Liverpool.
Iraola said: "The last games I think he has been phenomenal.
"The other day I saw him with confidence; pushing forward and being very good defensively.
"Sometimes when you sign for these big clubs, you have a period of adaptation and I think the more he plays, the more confident he will be."
ARNE SLOT'S THOUGHTS ON THE CHERRIES
Arne Slot spoke to the press in his pre-match press conference this morning. The Liverpool boss praised the Cherries and revealed the Red's team news.
"Bournemouth is one of the most intense teams in the Premier League. You know if you go there that you need to be intense yourself.”
“It’s difficult for the team with two days rest since the Champions League.”
On going to the Vitality Stadium: “I’m looking forward to going there with a good memory of last season. It was a win that helped us win the league.”
“Theyre a difficult team to face.”
Mohamed Salah has 12 goals in 12 games against the Cherries and Slot has spoken on the winger’s availability.
“Mo played 90 minutes at Marseille and had a recovery session yesterday. We train today. Knowing mo, he’s ready because he has shown it so many times in his career.”
On his team’s availability, Slot said that Federico Chiesa will be a 50/50 decision and will see how he is after training today.
No players after their game at Marseille came away with knocks or injury concerns so all who featured there are expected to feature in tomorrow’s match.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The Cherries are looking for only their second win since October.
They face a Liverpool side who are unbeaten in their last 13 league games; but have drawn the last four.
Liverpool have been scrutinised this season for not being able to break down a team who plays in a low block.
Same goes for the Cherries who also struggle against a low block.
With both teams wanting to play on the front foot; and both sides performing better against teams who do so, this game could be very high scoring.
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