Liverpool travel to Bournemouth on Sunday afternoon as Andoni Iraola returns to the club he left during the summer after three years on the south coast.
Iraola probably knows the route to the away dressing room at the Vitality Stadium better than anyone in it.
His old side are still waiting for their first Premier League win under Marco Rose. However, their performances have been considerably better than three points from four games might suggest.
Bournemouth had 20 shots and 10 on target in last weekend’s 2-2 draw with Brentford. Somehow, Brentford scored twice from their only two efforts on target.
They then made history on Thursday.
Goals from Justin Kluivert and Rayan earned Bournemouth a 2-1 win at Real Sociedad in their first-ever European fixture. Not a bad way to spend your Thursday night.
Liverpool arrive unbeaten in the Premier League, although their four games have produced only one victory. Iraola’s side have drawn with Newcastle, Nottingham Forest and Fulham alongside a 2-0 win at Ipswich.
This is far from a straightforward afternoon for the Reds.
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What are the best betting tips for Bournemouth vs Liverpool?
Bournemouth double chance
Bournemouth are still waiting for their first Premier League win of the season.
However, their performances have been better than the results suggest.
The Cherries have drawn three of their opening four league games. They have also scored in every competitive match this season.
Last weekend was a perfect example.
Bournemouth had 20 shots against Brentford, with 10 hitting the target. Yet they somehow had to settle for a 2-2 draw.
Liverpool have hardly been convincing either.
The Reds have won only one of their first four Premier League games. Their other three matches have ended in draws.
Therefore, backing Liverpool at the Vitality Stadium does not appeal to us.
Bournemouth are creating chances and have been difficult to beat. They also have home advantage on Sunday.
We are giving ourselves the protection of two results.
Alexander Isak 3+ shots
Isak gives us a different way to back Liverpool’s main attacking threat.
The striker has attempted 12 shots in four Premier League appearances this season. That works out at three per game.
Bournemouth’s approach could also suit him.
Marco Rose wants his side to press and play on the front foot. As a result, Liverpool should find space if they can beat the first wave of pressure.
Isak is perfectly suited to exploiting it.
He constantly looks to run beyond defenders. Liverpool will also look for him whenever they attack quickly.
Most importantly, he does not need to score for this selection to land.
Three attempts will be enough.
Bournemouth over 1.5 team goals
This is our more aggressive Bournemouth selection.
The Cherries have scored twice in each of their last three matches.
They put two past Newcastle and Brentford in the Premier League. Bournemouth then scored twice at Real Sociedad in their historic first European match.
Liverpool’s defence gives us another reason to like this market.
The Reds have allowed opponents plenty of opportunities during the opening weeks of the season. Bournemouth certainly have the attacking players to take advantage.
Marcus Tavernier has made an excellent start. Justin Kluivert and Rayan provide another threat behind the striker.
Meanwhile, Bournemouth are creating chances in volume.
They managed 10 shots on target against Brentford alone last weekend.
Therefore, we are happy to back the Cherries’ attack again.
If Bournemouth can maintain their recent attacking output, Liverpool could have a difficult afternoon.
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Where can I watch Bournemouth vs Liverpool?
Bournemouth vs Liverpool kicks off at 2pm BST on Sunday, September 20 at the Vitality Stadium.
The game will be shown live in the UK on Sky Sports.
US viewers can watch the match on NBC and Peacock.
What have the managers said?
Marco Rose
Bournemouth come into Sunday’s game after making club history in Spain.
Rose was pleased with the performance against Real Sociedad. However, he admitted his side lost some energy after the break.
“We deserved to win.”
Bournemouth now have little time to enjoy the result.
Thursday night in Spain is followed by Liverpool on Sunday afternoon. Therefore, Rose will have to manage his squad carefully.
Andoni Iraola
There is a little more emotion attached to this one for Iraola.
The Liverpool boss spent three years at Bournemouth before leaving for Anfield.
He admitted he is looking forward to seeing some familiar faces.
“On the personal side, I’m really looking forward to meeting them, to hug them.”
However, that friendliness will disappear at kick-off.
“We need to go there and beat them and be as ruthless as possible.”
Iraola also revealed that he was happy to see Bournemouth win their first European game on Thursday.
What is Bournemouth’s predicted team?
(4-2-3-1) Petrovic; Smith, Hill, António Silva, Truffert; Adams, Scott; Tavernier, Kluivert, Rayan; Evanilson.
Injured: Julian Araujo, Amine Adli, Veljko Milosavljevic, Junior Kroupi.
Bournemouth’s injury list remains relatively short.
However, Thursday’s Europa League trip could lead to some changes. Rose now has to balance European football with the Premier League for the first time.
What is Liverpool’s predicted team?
(4-2-3-1) Alisson; Araujo, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Gakpo, Wirtz, Barcola; Isak.
Injured: Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni, Hugo Ekitike, Federico Chiesa.
Liverpool have no fresh injury concerns.
Alisson, Virgil van Dijk and Florian Wirtz are all expected to return after being rested against Tottenham.
Isak should also return to the starting XI after coming off the bench in midweek.
Bournemouth vs Liverpool prediction
Bournemouth’s league position does not tell the whole story.
The Cherries are still winless. However, they have drawn three of their four matches and continue to create plenty of chances.
Their confidence should also be high after Thursday’s historic European victory.
Liverpool have the individual quality to punish them.
Isak, Wirtz and Barcola can cause problems if Bournemouth leave too much space behind their press.
However, the Reds have won only once in four Premier League games.
That makes them difficult to trust at the Vitality Stadium.
Bournemouth should cause Iraola problems on his return.
We fancy the Cherries to extend Liverpool’s run of draws.
Score prediction: Bournemouth 2-2 Liverpool
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