Liverpool have sealed their progression to the Champions League semifinal and now the club turns its attention to the Premier League as Bournemouth travel to Anfield. Bournemouth have nearly sealed their Premier League safety thanks to a great run post-Christmas.
Eddie Howe's team has lost just twice in its last 14 matches. The Cherries second half form has been in stark contrast to the team's first half, as the team won just four times before Boxing Day.
One of those losses pre-Christmas came against Liverpool. The Reds thrashed Bournemouth 4-0 at the Vitality Stadium. Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino starred in the fixture, but Reds' manager Jurgen Klopp may decide to sit the pair following their Champions League midweek win.
Liverpool are currently level on points with fourth place Tottenham. Spurs have a match in hand, which could see the Reds drop to the fourth-place position. Liverpool are almost guaranteed a top four finish this term. However, Liverpool have their eyes set on second place, but four points currently separate the Reds from second place.
Klopp could rest Salah like he did last weekend against Everton. Without the Egyptian, Liverpool failed to score a goal against their Merseyside rival. Klopp also rested Firmino, but the Brazilian did make a second half cameo. Meanwhile, team captain Jordan Henderson will return after being suspended for the Champions League clash with Manchester City. Liverpool missed Henderson's calmness in the centre of the park and his return will be a boost.
Bournemouth are still without Junior Stanislas and Adam Smith, while Tyrone Mings will undergo a late fitness test to determine if he is fit enough to take part. Meanwhile, former Liverpool winger Jordan Ibe could be fit to face the Reds after an illness. Howe could deploy a 4-4-2 formation to slow down Liverpool's typically rampant attack. Two banks of four could give the Reds a difficult day as they attempt to breakdown the Cherries.
Liverpool's current undefeated run has seen the Reds only lose once in their last 13 games. The Reds' current injury woes have continued with the news that midfielder Emre Can will miss the rest of the season. He joins the current list of injured players that includes Joe Gomez, Joel Matip and Adam Lallana.
Liverpool have won five out of six matches against Bournemouth. The Reds have scored 13 goals while conceding seven against the Cherries. The Reds will once again defeat Bournemouth as Liverpool's great week continue with another win.