Liverpool vs AFC Bournemouth predictions for Saturday’s Premier League match at Anfield. Liverpool are keen to find their first win of the Premier League season when they host Bournemouth. Read on for all our free Premier League predictions and betting tips.
Match Live Saturday, 19th August at 3:00 pm In:
Liverpool vs AFC Bournemouth Predictions
£20 Returns £115 ![]() Odds corrects at time of posting and subject to change |
A Duel of Destiny at Anfield
Key Stats
– Bournemouth’s Dominic Solanke ended a three-match goal drought in their previous game.
– Both teams averaged a 35% and 63% ball possession in their respective opening games of the season.
As the Merseyside sun beams down on Anfield, memories of last year’s record-equalling encounter between Liverpool and Bournemouth are sure to flood back. On the second matchday of the 2023-24 Premier League season, Liverpool welcomes the Cherries, hoping to replicate their dominance. However, given the recent performances of both teams, this could be a more balanced and intriguing contest.
Recent Outings
Liverpool, under the guidance of Jurgen Klopp, had an impressive start against Chelsea, settling for a 1-1 draw. The heartwarming reunion between Klopp and Chelsea’s Mauricio Pochettino was the pre-match headline, but the game’s narrative changed after Liverpool’s swift attack, led by Mohamed Salah, allowed Luis Diaz to find the back of the net. Chelsea did respond, capitalising on Liverpool’s momentary defensive lapse. The Reds’ previous home match also ended in a 1-1 draw against Aston Villa, leaving them unbeaten in their last 12 home fixtures.
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On the other side, Bournemouth, now managed by Andoni Iraola, kicked off their season with a draw against West Ham United. While they conceded early, former Liverpool player Dominic Solanke ensured the Cherries went home with a point. Iraola’s critical halftime team talk seemed to have worked wonders, pushing his team to dominate the ball in the latter half.
Team News and Key Players
Liverpool’s midfield remains an area of concern due to the injuries of Thiago Alcantara and Stefan Bajcetic. However, there’s a chance that Curtis Jones might replace the underwhelming Cody Gakpo. Darwin Nunez, who was close to sealing a win for Liverpool in their previous outing, could potentially start over Diogo Jota.
Bournemouth aren’t without injury worries either. Their centre-back, Marcos Senesi, might just have suffered from cramp last week, but Iraola might have to rethink his defence setup. Jaidon Anthony might make way for Justin Kluivert. Meanwhile, Antoine Semenyo’s commendable performance could potentially keep him out of the starting XI, in favour of Dominic Solanke.
Predictions: Crunching the Numbers
1. Match Outcome: Draw
When analysing the recent form and historical encounters, predicting the outcome of a match can never be guaranteed. However, there are compelling reasons to suspect that this match might end in a draw.
Firstly, both Liverpool and Bournemouth showcased an identical pattern in their opening fixtures of the season, ending up with 1-1 draws against good opponents. For Liverpool, their previous fixture against Chelsea, a club of considerable strength, resulted in a draw even when they were reduced to 35% ball possession. This resilience suggests that they have the determination to hold back even strong attacks. Bournemouth, on the other hand, have shown they’re not easily overpowered. Their comeback from behind in their match against West Ham United – a team that won the Europa Conference League – is a testament to their tenacity.
Furthermore, considering the historical encounters, Bournemouth had once suffered a 9-0 defeat at Anfield, only to return a few months later with a 1-0 win. This resilience and ability to bounce back is something that can’t be ignored. The Cherries have shown they can learn from past mistakes and could well cause an upset against a Liverpool side who are still very match ‘work-in-progress’.
2. Correct Score: 2-2
While this might seem an ambitious prediction given the potential difference in quality between the two teams, there are reasons to back a 2-2 scoreline. Both teams have shown vulnerabilities in their defence, with Liverpool conceding against Chelsea despite a dominant early start and Bournemouth letting in a goal against West Ham.
Liverpool’s attack, with Salah, Diaz, and potentially Nunez spearheading, is potent. On the other side, Bournemouth has Solanke, who has been in form and has the motivation to score against his former club.
Considering both teams’ attacking prowess and some possible defensive lapses, a high-scoring draw like 2-2 could be on the cards.
3. Goalscorer Prediction: Mohamed Salah
While Luis Díaz was the man to find the back of the net in Liverpool’s previous fixture, it’s hard to look past Mohamed Salah when predicting a goalscorer. Despite his frustration at being taken off in the second half against Chelsea, Salah’s track record in the Premier League is remarkable. He failed to continue his streak of scoring in every Premier League opening-day fixture since 2017, which means he’ll be eager to open his account for the season.
Moreover, Salah’s form, even when not scoring, has been commendable. His pass that led to Díaz’s goal against Chelsea showcases his involvement in Liverpool’s attacking play. With an average BettingTips4You Expert Rating of 7.40, it’s evident that he’s been in good form. Given his history, talent, and drive, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him find the net against Bournemouth.
£20 Returns £115 ![]() Odds corrects at time of posting and subject to change |
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