Liverpool go into matchday No. 4 of the Premier League season without a win. The Reds have a mountain of injuries, no form, and a lack of desire, but with newly-promoted Bournemouth arriving at Anfield on Saturday, they could win for the first time in the league this term.
Bournemouth have had a difficult start to the campaign. After winning 2-0 at home against Aston Villa, Bournemouth have lost back-to-back games in the league to Man City 4-0 and Arsenal 3-0.
Nicely done from AB1 👏 pic.twitter.com/J3caFjTPTx— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 25, 2022
Nicely done from AB1 👏 pic.twitter.com/J3caFjTPTx
No team has had as difficult of a fixture list to start the season than Bournemouth. Now, the Cherries arrive at Anfield looking to take points off of the struggling Reds.
Jurgen Klopp still has a mountain of injuries. Diogo Jota, Thiago, Joel Matip, Curtis Jones Ibrahima Konate, Calvin Ramsey, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are all ruled out through injury. That’s eight players out with injuries.
Meanwhile, Naby Keita is a major doubt to play. After suffering an illness which ruled him out of matchday No. 1 and 2, Keita suffered an injury. Adding to the headaches is Darwin Nunez, who will serve he second of a three-game ban on Saturday.
Liverpool’s problems aren’t just injuries. The defence has been woeful with Virgil van Dijk looking the weakest link thus far. Liverpool have conceded five goals while scoring four times, and have conceded in each Premier League match thus far.
Scott Parker has five players on the Bournemouth injury list. David Brooks is ruled out as is Joe Rothwell. Ryan Fredericks will join the duo on the sidelines with a calf problem.
Former Liverpool striker Dominic Solanke could play against his former side. He is nursing a foot/ankle injury which could force him out. Junior Stanislas is a major doubt with a groin strain.
Mohamed Salah goes into the game having scored two of Liverpool’s goals this season. He scored a header versus Man United on Monday. Roberto Firmino should once again partner Salah in the attack with an out of form Luis Diaz playing on the opposite wing.
Harvey Elliott and Fabio Carvalho have been Liverpool’s true bright points in recent weeks. Elliott played the full 90 minutes against United and Carvalho came off the bench to provide a spark in the second half.
Liverpool are a perfect six wins from six games in the last six meetings between these teams. The Reds should make it seven wins from seven. Liverpool could explode for goals with a 3-0 win and Salah getting on the scoresheet.