Liverpool look to maintain their ascendancy in the 20232/4 Premier League title race and extend their lead on top of the league table when they face an unpredictable Bournemouth side at the Vitality Stadium on Sunday (January 21).
The Reds are on a five-match winning streak, but face a Bournemouth side that has punched above its weight and overcome the odds time and again this season. Liverpool are currently without their star winger Mohamed Salah, who is playing in the Africa Cup of Nations and also without some important players like Dominik Szoboszlai and Trent Alexander-Arnold for the trip to Bournemouth.
Hence, this will not at be an easy task for Jurgen Klopp’s side – who have to be very careful not to let their momentum drop and maintain their charge towards the title.
Liverpool have a great record against the Cherries in the last few years, having won four of their last five meetings – including a massive 9-0 thrashing at Anfield in 2022. Despite all their injuries, the Reds still have a strong squad with a lot of firepower to cause trouble in this clash.
This match should be expected to be an entertaining, end-to-end affair between the two Premier League sides. Liverpool have scored 43 goals in 20 matches this season, the third-most for any side while Andrea Iraola’s side have scored three goals in three of their last five league games. Hence, it could be smart to bet on this match having three or more goals – especially with Liverpool’s backline weakened by the lack of Alexander-Arnold or Andy Robertson.
As this match should be a highly entertaining affair between the two attack-minded teams, both goalkeepers are likely to be put to work. Bournemouth have averaged over 14.5 shots per game in the Premier League this season and face a Liverpool side that has allowed their opponents to average 12.9 shots against them in away trips this season. Hence, it can be a logical gamble on Bournemouth managing more than 10 shot attempts in what should be a lively clash.
All eyes will be on Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke in this match. The ex-Liverpool forward faces his former side while flying high on form, having scored 12 goals in the Premier League this season. He has scored four goals in his last three home games and is absolutely soaring in momentum right now. So to gamble on him scoring against his former side knowing his impressive form can be a logical one.
One rather interesting aspect of about these two teams is that they have normally maintained a clean nature in terms of physicality in the matches. Bournemouth has averaged just 1.8 yellow cards this season, as compared to Liverpool’s slightly higher 1.9 bookings per game in the Premier League. It can be smart to bet on this match having less than 5 yellow cards knowing how either side are that reckless or aggressive enough to see that many bookings.
This match, should, however be an end-to-end thriller that can also be decided on the set-pieces. Both teams have their strengths in corners and have put that to good use this season. The Reds are averaging 6.7 corners per 90 minutes in the Premier League, compared to Bournemouth’s 5.8. This game should, hence have its share of corners and betting on the overall corner climbing over 10 corners could be a smart one.
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