Liverpool Team Revealed: Slot's Bold Wirtz-Gakpo Decision Sparks Excitement as Reds Face Bournemouth Test
Liverpool's impressive 13-game unbeaten streak faces a test this Saturday evening against Andoni Iraola's inconsistent Bournemouth side.
The Merseyside club hasn't been entirely convincing throughout their extended undefeated period, with four consecutive draws falling short of Arne Slot's Premier League expectations. However, his team delivered a commanding performance against Marseille in a dominant 3-0 Champions League victory in midweek.
Positive developments emerge from Bournemouth's current struggles with form. Following an encouraging season opener, the Cherries have dropped to 15th position and managed only six points from their previous 18 opportunities.
Match Snapshot
Match Snapshot
Team News
Team News
Liverpool will miss several key players for their trip to the south coast, though the major headline brings optimism—Mohamed Salah has returned from Africa Cup of Nations commitments, ready to move beyond his December disagreement with the club.
The injury list features £125 million British record acquisition Alexander Isak, sidelined with a leg fracture, and Ibrahima Konaté—granted compassionate leave after his father's passing.
Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni are unlikely to feature again this campaign, while young midfielder Stefan Bajcetic nears a comeback from his hamstring injury.
Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs. Bournemouth
Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs. Bournemouth
GK: Alisson—The Brazilian goalkeeper faced fewer challenges than anticipated against attacking Marseille yet delivered crucial saves to preserve Liverpool's clean sheet. Premier League shutouts have proven more elusive for him recently.
RB: Jeremie Frimpong—The creator of Liverpool's second goal in France, Frimpong is finding his rhythm after an injury-plagued start on Merseyside. His explosive speed and attacking mentality make him a formidable threat.
CB: Joe Gomez—With Ibrahima Konaté likely unavailable again Saturday due to family circumstances, Gomez stands as Liverpool's sole remaining centre-back option. The English defender delivered an impressive showing in Marseille.
CB: Virgil van Dijk—The 34-year-old has enjoyed minimal rest this campaign, demonstrating exceptional endurance despite his demanding schedule and advancing years. The Dutch captain remains crucial for any strong Liverpool performance.
LB: Milos Kerkez—Making his initial return to the Vitality since departing last summer, Kerkez hopes to maintain his recent excellent form. Following an uncertain start with the Reds, he's beginning to regain his confidence.
DM: Ryan Gravenberch—Similar to his Dutch teammate Van Dijk, the defensive midfielder rarely receives rest opportunities. Despite Wataru Endo's recent injury recovery, Gravenberch remains Slot's sole trusted option in the holding role.
DM: Curtis Jones—Alexis Mac Allister featured against Marseille with a solid display, but Jones may return as Slot seeks rotation in positions where he possesses adequate depth.
RW: Mohamed Salah—Salah's most recent Premier League outing was the Brighton & Hove Albion victory in mid-December, and he'll be keen to resume scoring for Liverpool after his productive AFCON campaign.
AM: Dominik Szoboszlai—A creative free-kick in France provided Szoboszlai redemption following his penalty miss last weekend, with the Hungarian also contributing to Liverpool's third goal through an elegant touch.
LW: Florian Wirtz—The German has contributed goals or assists in four of his past six Premier League matches, displaying flashes of his Bayer Leverkusen brilliance. He'll aim to showcase his talents against a defensively vulnerable Bournemouth.
ST: Hugo Ekitiké—VAR decisions and the goalframe frustrated Ekitiké during his French return, but the energetic striker remained central to Liverpool's attacking play. He poses a continuous threat and already scored against Bournemouth in August's reverse encounter.