Overview
Bournemouth just had a historic victory when they defeated Real Sociedad 2-1 right in Spain, thereby winning all 3 points in their first time playing in European cups.
The challenge for them at this time is to maintain the intensity and energetic playing style after having to strain themselves in the Europa League.
Bournemouth has not won any victories after the first four rounds of the Premier League. They have drawn Everton, Newcastle United and Brentford, respectively, besides losing to Manchester City in the opening match.
Despite not having a win in the Premier League, Bournemouth still maintains an unbeaten record at Vitality Stadium this season with two draws and one win in all competitions. They have also not lost in their last 12 home matches, winning four in this period.
Bournemouth scored at least 2 goals in 7 of the 12 matches mentioned above. However, the defense also revealed problems when conceding 2 or more goals in 5 matches.
On the opposite side, Liverpool had a fairly favorable start under the new coach. The Merseyside team won three of the first 6 matches, including a 3-1 victory over Tottenham in the Carabao Cup.
However, Liverpool still needs to improve many aspects if they want to maintain their progress. The Kop have made changes in both attacking and defensive capabilities. They have kept a clean sheet in 2 of their last 4 matches and scored 7 goals during this period.
However, the midfield is still the area where Liverpool cannot be completely assured. Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch have difficulty supporting defense, while Liverpool are said to be interested in some personnel strengthening options.
Head-to-head history is leaning towards Liverpool. They have won six of the last seven times against Bournemouth. However, the last time the two teams met at Vitality, Bournemouth created a surprise with a 3-2 victory in January.
That was also the match where Iraola helped Bournemouth defeat Arne Slot's Liverpool.
Personnel situation
Bournemouth is likely to make some changes compared to the starting lineup in the victory against Real Sociedad in the Europa League. Ryan Christie is one of the options being considered to replace Tyler Adams.
To limit Liverpool's attacking ability on the left wing, Bafode Diakite can be placed in the right-back position. Rayan and Marcus Tavernier are likely to take on two wing positions in the attack.
On Liverpool's side, Iraola confirmed that no new injuries have arisen. Hugo Ekitike, Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni and Federico Chiesa are expected to continue to be absent.
Trey Nyoni may also be considered for the midfielder position. However, this young player played for about an hour in the match against Tottenham in the Carabao Cup and is said to be not fully fit. Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister are likely to take on two positions in the center of midfield.
Expected lineup:
Petrovic, Diakite, Hill, Silva, Truffert, Christie, Scott, Rayan, Kluivert, Tavernier, Evanilson.
Alisson, Araujo, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Kerkez, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Gakpo, Wirtz, Barcola, Isak.
The match between Bournemouth and Liverpool takes place at 8:00 PM on September 20th (Vietnam time).
