Liverpool Team News vs Bournemouth: Key Player Left Out as Slot Makes Gakpo and Nunez Decisions
Arne Slot heads into the upcoming away match with a relatively fresh Liverpool squad, having already secured their place in the Champions League knockout stages. This allowed him to rest most of his key players for the midweek match, during which their substitutes suffered a 3-2 loss to PSV.
Now returning to Premier League action, Slot is set to make several changes ahead of facing a Bournemouth side that’s been performing well, despite losing strikers Evanilson and Enes Unal to injury.
Here’s a look at the predicted Liverpool lineup to face Bournemouth on Saturday:
Liverpool Predicted XI vs Bournemouth (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper: Alisson
Although Caoimhin Kelleher is a capable backup, Alisson is the undisputed number one at Anfield and will return to the starting lineup after Kelleher played in Europe last time out.
Defence: Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson
Andy Robertson is the only player from the back four that featured against PSV to start here, though he will return to his usual left-back role. Robertson was subbed off after 60 minutes in Eindhoven, with Kostas Tsimikas completing the full match, suggesting he may start in the Premier League. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk, and Ibrahima Konate will form a familiar, strong defensive line.
Midfield: Szoboszlai, Gravenberch, Mac Allister
Bournemouth has shown a fearless approach against top-tier teams, so Liverpool’s midfield will need to be at their best. Slot is likely to stick with his preferred midfield trio of Dominic Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch, and Alexis Mac Allister, despite Curtis Jones being available again.
Attack: Salah, Nunez, Diaz
Darwin Nunez would have started against PSV had he not been sidelined by illness. Both Nunez and Diogo Jota have returned to training and are expected to feature against Bournemouth.
Cody Gakpo, who started in the Netherlands, may be rested, allowing Nunez to get the nod in attack. Given Bournemouth’s aggressive style, this could be a good opportunity for Nunez to shine and prove his worth in Slot’s setup.
