Bournemouth vs Liverpool

Bournemouth enter this fixture after a busy run, including a win at Real Sociedad in the UEFA Europa League and a home win against Lincoln in the League Cup. Across their last six matches, they have remained unbeaten in five, with M. Tavernier and R. Christie each netting three goals, while goalkeeper Đ. Petrović has recorded 13 saves. Their match flow shows they are particularly effective in the first half, having scored eight goals before the break. Liverpool have also avoided defeat in their last six matches, a run capped by a home win over Tottenham in the League Cup. C. Gakpo has been instrumental for the visitors with two goals and four assists over five matches, while Alisson Becker has made 12 saves. Liverpool have generally held more of the ball than their opponents over these matches and have been stronger in the second half, where they have scored six goals.

Liverpool have historically held the upper hand in this fixture, winning three of the four most recent meetings. Bournemouth's sole victory in this sequence occurred in January, when they edged out Liverpool in a competitive encounter.

• Bournemouth are without A. Adli, E. J. Kroupi, and J. Araujo, three of the four players listed as absentees.
• Liverpool are without C. Bradley, F. Chiesa, and G. Leoni, three of the four ruled out.
• Liverpool have clearly had more of the ball than their opponents on average, while Bournemouth have been about even on the ball.
• Bournemouth have been prolific in the first half, scoring eight goals compared to Liverpool's three in that period.

Liverpool look better placed given their form and superior record in recent meetings between the sides. C. Gakpo remains a key influence for the visitors, having totalled six goal contributions over the listed matches. While Bournemouth have proven difficult to beat at home, M. Tavernier's three goals over the listed matches will need to be at their best to challenge a Liverpool side that has maintained defensive consistency.