Liverpool vs Bournemouth
Premier League
Saturday 19th
August 2023
Anfield
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of game week 2 of the Premier League fixture between Liverpool and Bournemouth.
Liverpool vs Bournemouth: Preview
Liverpool form analysis
The Reds ended last season in strong form, winning 2 and drawing 2 of their last 4 Premier League games. They picked up wins against Brentford (1-0) and Leicester City (3-0).
The draws came against Aston Villa (1-1 after equalizing late) and Southampton (4-4 after leading). Liverpool scored 10 goals across these 4 matches, with the frontline contributing goals. But they conceded 8 times, highlighting some defensive lapses.
Their home and away split was 2 wins from 2 home games, and 1 draw and 1 high scoring draw from 2 away games. In summary, Liverpool were in good form to finish last season, despite some defensive weaknesses. Maintaining their momentum will be key to challenging for the title this campaign.
This season against Chelsea, Liverpool dominated the early stages and opened the scoring but couldn’t extend their lead. Salah was lively as ever and could have had a couple goals with better finishing. Diaz took his chance well to score. Liverpool’s midfield controlled possession but lacked incisiveness in the final third aside from the goal. The defense looked shaky at times, especially on set pieces, although Van Dijk made some important clearances. Substitutes like Nunez and Elliott helped energize Liverpool’s attack later on but there was no breakthrough.
Bournemouth form analysis
Bournemouth’s end of season form was poor as they lost 4 and drew 1 of their final 5 league matches. Their only point came in a credible 1-1 home draw against Champions League-chasing Newcastle. However, Bournemouth suffered defeats in their other 4 games including losses to relegation rivals Everton (0-1) and Leeds (1-4) which proved pivotal.
Bournemouth scored just 2 goals in their last 5 games, from only 8 shots on target. Their lack of attacking threat was a major concern. Defensively they were extremely porous, conceding 12 goals across the games and keeping 0 clean sheets. Their home and away form contrasted as they picked up their only point at home but lost all 3 away matches, shipping 9 goals on their travels Overall, Bournemouth’s form collapsed towards the end of the season.
Against West Ham, Bournemouth had some good chances to take the lead including Rothwell hitting the crossbar and Solanke missing a header. They struggled to create many clear openings until Solanke finally equalized from close range in the 82nd minute. Defensively they were solid overall aside from the goal conceded, with center backs Senesi and Zabarnyi making some important blocks and interceptions.
