Bournemouth vs Liverpool tips and predictions: Tasty Cherries can give Reds a run for their money
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola
Two of the most in-form Premier League teams clash at the Vitality stadium as Bournemouth host Liverpool this Sunday (1630 GMT).
Bournemouth? One of the most in-form teams in the Premier League? Believe me, I’m just as surprised as you.
Due to the stop-start nature of the Premier League over recent weeks, it’s easy to lose track of who is flying and who is not.
Bournemouth, incredibly, are riding the crest of a wave which few saw coming.
Since losing 6-1 to Manchester City last November, the Cherries have won six of eight Premier League games and picked up 19 points.
No team in the competition has picked up more points than Andoni Iraola’s men over the last eight matches – not even Liverpool who have amassed 18 points throughout that same period.
Jurgen Klopp’s men have already tasted victory at the Vitality stadium earlier this season, beating Bournemouth 2-1 in the EFL Cup last November.
However, it’s worth noting that the last Premier League fixture at the ground between the two teams saw the hosts pick up a memorable 1-0 win.
For all their recent success, we can’t forget who Bournemouth are up against. Liverpool are the league leaders who are fully focused on regaining the Premier League crown.
What's more, there is extra motivation for the Reds who simply can’t afford to drop points with Man City hot on their heels.
While this promises to be a close encounter, we are backing the visitors to walk away with a slender win.
Luis Diaz, who has scored three times in two games against the Cherries, is our pick to get on the scoresheet. Liverpool to win by a single goal margin is another top tip.
Team news
Bournemouth are without Tyler Adams, Hamed Traore, Lloyd Kelly and the suspended Marcos Senesi. Dango Ouattara and Antoine Semenyo are both at the African Cup of Nations.
Liverpool will be missing Joel Matip, Stefan Bajcetic, Thiago Alcantara, Konstantinos Tsimikas, Andrew Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Dominik Szoboszlai remains a doubt, while Wataru Endo and Mohamed Salah are out on international duty.
Key stats
- Bournemouth have lost eight of their last nine league meetings with Liverpool
- Liverpool have won 18 points from their last eight Premier League matches – the only team to have accumulated more points are Bournemouth (19)
- Bournemouth have won three of their last four Premier League games at home
