Published on: Dec 7, 2019 12:05 am IST|Updated on: Dec 7, 2019 8:02 pm IST
BOU vs LIV Dream11: Games come thick and fast as Liverpool look to maintain its 8-point advantage over Leicester City and 11 over reigning champions Manchester City as they play Bournemouth this weekend, just two days after a magnificent win over Everton in the 234th Merseyside derby. No time to bask in the glory.
Eddie Howe is one concerned man these days as it seems that Bournemouth could experience their toughest season yet in the Premier League since earning the promotion back in 2016. To be more clear, the Cherries have never been in the relegation battle, well not directly, always finishing above 40-point marker. And it looked another comfortable ride this season for Howe and his men when the team clocked 16 points from the first 11 games. However, the four straight defeats heading into this game has thrown the club right into the relegation battle hot zone.
But the more concerning point is not only their form but the profile of the other teams sitting below them. Everton are currently in the bottom three, and West Ham United are also below them, you would expect these two teams to string a good run of results eventually, and move above Bournemouth. Howe’s men face Liverpool in next game and will play Chelsea, and Arsenal in two of their next three games.
Liverpool, on the other hand, have made the best ever start to any league campaign, and that’s some stats considering the impressive history that this club boasts. But there’s no time to bask in the glory as the games are coming thick and fast and the scenario can change in a whiff. Leicester poses a real threat while counting out Manchester City is a fool’s prediction.
That said, there’s no denying that the Reds are in a far comfortable situation at the moment than anyone would have imagined at the start of the campaign.
Host: Bournemouth Visitors: Liverpool Competition: Premier League Match Venue: Dean Court Capacity: 11,329 Match Timing: Thursday, December 07, @08:30 PM
Bournemouth:
Callum Wilson: Goals may have dried up for the England international but he is a quality payer who can punish mistake at the back. Goals – 05
Philip Billing: Not a regular goalscorer, but he will be a key for Bournemouth in the middle of the park. He is the only who normally sets up the tempo for the team, with his pressing and passing.
Ryan Fraser is expected to get a start here as Harry Wilson is ineligible to play against his parent club. He is a very good player, who is more than capable of influencing the game.
Liverpool:
Sadio Mane: Just how good can he be? He was absolutely a beast against Everton, especially in the first half. He is the best player for Liverpool on current form at the moment. Goals- 09
Mohamed Salah: The Egyptian superstar is not at his top game these days, due to an ankle issue. But the world knows how good a player he is. Goals 06.
Roberto Firmino: The engine of the team and certainly not your traditional number-09. But he is an irreplaceable part of the team. Goals – 04.
Dream11 Grand League: Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Callum Wilson, Jefferson Lerma Dream11 Small League: Sadio Mane, Philipp Billing, Georginio Wijnaldum, Mohamed Salah and Callum Wilson
Bournemouth team news: David Brooks, Junior Stanislas, Charlie Daniels and Joshua Kings will be missing the game due to injuries. As mentioned above, Bournemouth’s leading goal-scorer this season, Harry Wilson, on loan from Liverpool, is not eligible to play against his parent club.
In addition, the Cherries Andrew Surman, Steve Cook and Lloyd Kelly all are doubtful for the clash against Liverpool.
Liverpool team news: Star midfielder Fabibho will be missing the game as he nurses an ankle injury sustained during the Champions League clash against Napoli. Centre-back Joel Matip continues will miss yet another game due to a knee injury, while right-back Nathaniel Clyne remains a long-term injury absentee.
Goalie Alisson Becker is back from a one-game ban and will replace Adrian in goal here.
Bournemouth: Ramsdale (GK), Francis, Mepham, Nathan Ake, Rico, Lerma, Billing, Fraser, Danjuma, Solanke, Callum Wilson
Liverpool: Alisson (GK), Robertson, Van Dijk, Lovren, Alexander-Arnold, Henderson, Wijnaldum, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Mane, Salah / Origi, Firmino
Goalkeeper: Ramsdale Defenders: Ake, Robertson, Van Dijk, Gomez Midfielders: P Billing, Lerma, Chamberlain, Salah (C) Attackers: Wilson, Firmino (VC)
Liverpool will start the game as firm-favourites.