Liverpool are hit by injuries, and they will not be able to play their best eleven as stars like Philippe Coutinho ruled out due to ankle injury for at least five weeks. There are concerns regarding Roberto Firmino and Adam Lallana too, but the duo might feature, depending on fitness, as the Reds face Bournemouth at Dean Court on Sunday. However, Daniel Sturridge is still out.
The Reds will miss the services of Coutinho, and they need to find a solution in this important month of December. He has been central to Liverpool's positive start to the season, where they have collected 30 points from 13 matches. Liverpool can move to second place with a win over Bournemouth.
Divock Origi, who is in good goal-scoring form, is expected to start for Philippe Coutinho, but it will be interesting to see how they are going to fare without the magician. Origi, Firmino and Sadio Mane should shoulder responsibility. The trio have it in them to unlock any defence with their skills, pace and movement, which has been characteristic of Liverpool this season.
However, their concern has been at the back, where they have been a bit shaky, especially in corners, where they are not able to defend well. But, the Liverpool defensive pair of Joel Matip and Dejan Lovren has improved and developed a great understanding as the have got clean sheets in their last three matches in all competitions.
If things settle at the back, this Liverpool side are going to be a difficult team to beat. Liverpool loves to play an attacking brand of football going forward, and teams have hence been defensive against the Reds, as was witnessed in their last two games against Southampton and Sunderland.
Liverpool need to get used to such ploy from managers, but Bournemouth, who lie on 12th position, might have a go at the Reds. Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe does not want his team to fear Liverpool.
"It's a great challenge. They're a very good team, but why can't we win? We're at home, we're competitive here and we'll give it a very good go. There's no fear in our mind, the journey this club has been to now preparing to face Liverpool, what we'd have done to do that a few years ago, we'll take this kind of game and look to do ourselves proud," club's official website quoted Howe as saying.
Howe, like Klopp, Howe's team likes to play attacking football, which should make the match entertaining with goals written all over it. Liverpool must be aware that Bournemouth have already had some impressive wins in front of their home crowd including win over Everton, 6-1 Hull thrashing and a draw against Tottenham Hotspur.
Bournemouth may not have not big names like that of Liverpool, but will look forward to some splendid performance from Jordan Ibe and Jack Wilshere amongst others to stun to title contenders. However, their goalkeeper Artur Boruc might not feature in the contest.
Where to Watch Live
Bournemouth vs Liverpool is set to begin at 7pm IST (1.30pm GMT, 8.30am ET). Live streaming and TV information is below.
India: TV: Star Sports Select HD1. Live Streaming: Hotstar.
UK: TV: Sky Sports 1. Live Streaming: Watch Sky Sports.
USA: TV: NBCSN. Live Streaming: NBC Sports Live.
Australia: TV: Optus Sport. Live Streaming: Optus Online.
