Bournemouth were on a high after back-to-back victories against West Ham and Chelsea. The Cherries ran riot against Maurizio Sarri’s side, beating them 4-0 at The Vitality.
However, they slipped up against Cardiff City over the weekend where a victory would’ve helped them leapfrog Everton and Watford to 8th place. Now Eddie Howe will be looking to turn things around on Saturday as his troops head to Anfield to face league leaders Liverpool.
Callum Wilson is ruled out of the tie after he underwent a minor knee surgery earlier this week. Young midfielder David Brooks is also out with an ankle problem. Defender Simon Francis and midfielder Lewis Cook are long-term injuries, while Nathaniel Clyne is ineligible to face his parent club Liverpool.
Boruc replaced Asmir Begovic in goal against West Ham and has since kept 2 clean sheets in 3 games. The Pole, however, will have to be at his best against Liverpool.
Rico has spent the last 5 games on the bench with Adam Smith taking his spot on the left side of the defence. He is expected to start at left-back and needs to do well against Mohamed Salah.
Ake has been consistent for the Cherries this season and is one of the first names on the team sheet.
The 27-year-old has been a mainstay in Eddie Howe’s squad and has played every minute in the league so far this season. He will partner Ake in central defence.
Smith has started the last 4 games at left-back but with Simon Francis sidelined and Nathaniel Clyne ineligible against Liverpool, the 27-year-old will start at right-back.
Gosling has started each of Bournemouth’s last 5 games after returning from a knee injury. He will keep his place in the team against Liverpool.
Bournemouth’s record signing, Lerma has appeared 19 times for the Cherries this season and will provide some much-needed steel in the midfield.
Stanislas has featured 19 times for Eddie Howe this season and will be chosen over former Liverpool man Jordon Ibe on the right flank.
Fraser has scored 5 goals and has picked up 9 assists this term in 23 starts. The 24-year-old is certain to start on the left wing against the Reds.
The Norwegian will start just behind the striker for the Cherries, a position from where he has already scored 8 times this season.
The January arrival is yet to find the net for Bournemouth but will be eager to prove a point when he faces his former club Liverpool at the weekend.
