High-Flying Liverpool will look to extend their unbeaten run to 16 games in all competitions when they travel to Vitality Stadium to take on Bournemouth. After the goalless stalemate against Southampton, Jurgen Klopp’s men won the next two games, one in the Premier League and the other in the EFL Cup, to roar back to form. However, they will be missing their key player Philippe Coutinho in the match as he has been ruled out for six weeks after suffering an ankle injury and the Reds might find it tough to dominate the midfield. But Adam Lallana is expected to return to action which will be a big boost for the Merseyside club.
The Reds are currently sitting second in the Premier League table, one point shy of table-toppers Chelsea, and would look to consolidate their position. As Chelsea and Manchester City are set to fight it out this week, at least one of them will surely drop points and it will be a good opportunity for Liverpool to gain the advantage in the title race.
So here is the predicted lineup that Jurgen Klopp is likely to play against the Cherries:
Loris Karius:
After making a not so impressive start with the Reds, the German goalkeeper looks finally settled now. Is likely to start of Simon Mignolet at the Vitality Stadium.
Defenders: Nathaniel Clyne, Dejan Lovren, Joel Matip, James Milner:
After receiving some heavy criticism for their inability to keep clean sheets, Liverpool’s back four have kept a clean sheet in their last two league games. Milner and Clyne struggled a little bit while attacking against Sunderland but are guaranteed starter against the Cherries.
Georginio Wijnaldum:
The Dutch international played did not have the finest of games when he was played into Philippe Coutinho‘s left-sided role against Leeds but it is a clear indication that Jurgen Klopp could play him there during Coutinho’s absence.
Jordan Henderson:
The Liverpool skipper has been pivotal in the midfield for his team and has completed more passes (997) than any Premier League player this season. Would look to give a dominant performance once again.
Adam Lallana:
The English international is one of the most important players in Klopp’s plan and is expected to return to the starting eleven after recovering from an injury that he sustained during international duty.
Roberto Firmino:
In Coutinho’s absence, the onus will be on the Brazilian forward to open the opposition’s defence. He has created plenty of chances this term and will be keen to perform well again.
Sadio Mane:
Mane has been struggling to do well in the last few games and will be desperate to get his old form back.
Divock Origi:
The Belgian international has scored in the last two games and with Daniel Sturridge still recovering from a calf injury, he looks set to start.