Liverpool will embark on their first Premier League game while Mohamed Salah is away at AFCON this weekend.
The Reds take on Bournemouth on Sunday in what is a tricky looking match-up for Jurgen Klopp’s side. With the Cherries in form, they’re going to have to turn up.
And speaking on his That Peter Crouch Podcast, former Liverpool striker Peter Crouch has backed them to do just that.
Despite missing Salah, Crouch has backed the Reds to come out on top.
“Salah missing is the big one,” mused the 42-year-old. “I’ve gone 3-1 Liverpool.”
Crouch backs Liverpool to come out on top
Crouch may have backed Liverpool to beat Bournemouth, but not everyone has been so confident.
Making his own prediction earlier this week, West Ham United forward Michail Antonio claimed that the Reds will come away from Dean Court with a 1-0 defeat.
Given that Antonio has gotten himself into a running feud with Liverpool fans recently, that prediction may not have been made in the best fait.
Nevertheless, it should be a warning to the Reds that this will not be easy for them.
Even with Salah on the team sheet, they laboured to a 2-1 victory in the Carabao Cup against the Cherries back in November.
That day Cody Gakpo and Darwin Nunez came up trumps. Nunez in particular was the hero, having scored a majestic winner.
If Liverpool are to pull off a result that Crouch thinks they’re capable of, they’re going to need both forwards again.
Thankfully, the Reds aren’t coming in cold to this one. They’ve had to get by without Salah for two games already since he left for AFCON. They won them both.
With news of Mo’s injury while playing for Egypt yesterday, Liverpool know they have to use what they have. Let’s hope it’s enough.
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