Liverpool are finally back in Premier League action after a wait of 20 days.
The Reds have played twice – once in each domestic cup – since their last league game. But now without a match of any kind in almost two weeks, supporters will be delighted to see their team back. It won’t be an easy one, with Bournemouth in good form. And with injuries to deal with, here’s the XI we expect Jurgen Klopp to send out.
Defence
Having deferred to Caoimhin Kelleher for last week’s Carabao Cup game, Alisson Becker will be back between the sticks for this one.
With Trent Alexander-Arnold still injured, Klopp will likely keep the faith in 20-year-old Conor Bradley. Bradley was good against Fulham last time out and deserves to retain his spot.
Helping the young man out will be the experienced duo of Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk.
And although Andy Robertson looks near to a return, he isn’t back just yet. Joe Gomez will surely be the man at left-back once more.
Midfield
Klopp doesn’t have too many options to choose from in midfield tomorrow.
Dominik Szoboszlai had suggested that he might be back in time to face the Cherries, but that turned out to be wishful thinking. The Hungarian is still missing.
As a result, we don’t see the manager changing things from the win over Fulham 11 days ago.
That will see Alexis Mac Allister continue in the No.6 role, with Ryan Gravenberch to his right and Curtis Jones to his left. Jones has been in good form and will be needed to step up at Dean Court.
Attack
Klopp will have been pleased with what he’s seen from his attack in Mohamed Salah’s absence. Two games, two wins, a couple of them on the score sheet.
One of those to have bagged a much-needed goal is Luis Diaz. And having looked handy from Salah’s right-hand slot late on against Arsenal, we’re backing him to start there on Sunday.
Through the middle, we’d be amazed if Darwin Nunez doesn’t return. The 24-year-old was the difference maker in the Carabao Cup and should now be fresh to go after a little bout of cramp ahead of that game.
Although he missed the start, Nunez came on to deliver what Klopp termed a ‘special’ display against Fulham. We’ll have more of the same again please, Darwin.
Finally, we think Klopp will ignore Cody Gakpo and stick Diogo Jota out left.
Liverpool’s predicted XI vs Bournemouth: Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Gomez; Mac Allister, Gravenberch, Jones; Diaz, Nunez, Jota
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