Liverpool thrashed their most hated rival, Manchester United, a week ago by seven goals. Now, the Reds head to the south coast to face 20th-place Bournemouth in a lunchtime kick-off at Dean Court.
Typically, football fans would expect Liverpool to follow on from their 7-0 win over United with a big victory against Bournemouth. However, the Reds have shown consistent inconsistencies this season and have struggled on the road.
We equalled the biggest victory in #PL history against Saturday's opponents 🔥#BOULIV pic.twitter.com/zTvsdI4TAR— Liverpool FC (@LFC) March 9, 2023
We equalled the biggest victory in #PL history against Saturday's opponents 🔥#BOULIV pic.twitter.com/zTvsdI4TAR
Just 12 of Liverpool’s 42 points have come away from Anfield, as they compiled a record of 3W-3D-6L in 12 matches on the road. However, this time could be different, as Jurgen Klopp’s team is unbeaten in five straight Premier League matches, keeping clean sheets in all five games.
Bournemouth are back at the foot of the table. The Cherries are on a two-game losing streak, most recently falling to Arsenal 3-2.
It could have been much different for Bournemouth against the Gunners. They led 2-0 before conceding three times to Arsenal, as the Londoners scored a winner at the death.
Earlier this season, Liverpool smashed Bournemouth 9-0 at Anfield. Luis Diaz and Roberto Firmino both scored braces, as Liverpool ran riot. The loss cost former Bournemouth manager Scott Parker his job. Liverpool won each of their last six games in all competitions versus Bournemouth.
The Cherries took just five points from the last six games in the league. No team in the Premier League has conceded more goals than Bournemouth’s 51.
After Sunday’s 7-0 win over Man United, Liverpool have scored the third-most goals in the league, with 47. Sixteen of Liverpool’s 47 goals this season came in just two matches. Just two games contributed to 34% of the Reds’ goals.
Liverpool are atop the form table ahead of the weekend, as they took 13 points from the last six games, scoring 13 times and conceding just three goals.
Klopp will want a strong performance before next week’s Champions League last-16 second-leg away fixture against Real Madrid. The Reds need to overturn Madrid’s 5-2 lead.
Bournemouth will be without David Brooks, Junior Stanislas, and Matias Vina. Meanwhile, Lloyd Kelly, Marcus Tavernier, and Jefferson Lerma are all major doubts to make the squad.
Diaz is still sidelined for Liverpool but could return later this month. Thiago is also out of action following a groin injury. Naby Keita, Joe Gomez, and Arthur Melo are unlikely to make the squad.
Liverpool are unlikely to hit the goalscoring heights they did versus Bournemouth earlier this season, or last weekend. Yet, the Reds should claim a win away from home 2-1.