Bournemouth - Liverpool predictions and free betting tips [21/01/2024]

On Saturday, the 20th of January, under the 21st APL round framework, Bournemouth will host Liverpool on their home ground. Both teams rested a full two weeks after recent successes in the FA Cup: the Merseyside reds triumphed over Arsenal 0-2 in the 1/32 finals, while the Cherries won a spectacular shootout against the Queens Park Rangers (3:2).

Predicted Line-Up

Bournemouth: Neto; Aarons, Zabarnyi, Mepham, Çakır; Christie, Cook; Tavernier, Billing, Kluivert; Solanke.
Liverpool: Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Gomez; Jones, McAllister, Gravenberch; Jota, Núñez, Dias

Bournemouth

Bournemouth currently stands comfortably at the 12th position in the Premier League table, with a solid nine-point lead from the relegation zone. The campaign start was unfortunate for the Cherries, as they didn't win any of their first nine league matches, but then got into fine form. The team lost to Tottenham 3:1 in the final round before the New Year, a result which ended an excellent streak of seven unbeaten matches (6 victories and 1 draw). In early January, Andoni Iraola's lads were challenged to defeat QPR 2:3 in the FA Cup's 1/32 finals. Sinclair Armstrong and Lyndon Dykes each scored in the first half, moving the capital club ahead, but then Marcus Tavernier, Kieffer Moore, and Justin Kluivert turned the tables. An interesting fact: the hosts have been defeated in all nine APL encounters against teams starting the tour in the upper half of the table. Their home record is less than impressive, having only gathered 12 points from nine matches, scored 11, and conceded 12. 

Such figures do not inspire confidence, especially with defenders Kelly and Çakır, back-up goalkeeper Randolph, and Adams and Fredericks all ruled out due to injury. Centre-back Marcos Senesi got his fifth yellow card against Spurs, ruling him out due to suspension against Liverpool; with Chris Mepham expected to take his place. Dominic Solanke, the club's top scorer in the APL this season with 12 goals, will pair up with Justin Kluivert in attack. Miloš Çakır is back after an injury and is expected to take his place on the left wing on Sunday. Regarding the January transfer window, the team lost Traoré (to Napoli) and Rothwell (to Southampton).

Liverpool

Following a disappointing campaign last year, Liverpool is back to compete for the championship title. The Merseyside club currently tops the Premier League, two points clear of their closest pursuers. The Reds haven't lost in their last 12 rounds, taking confidence from this record. After sharing points with Manchester United (0:0) and Arsenal (1:1), Jürgen Klopp's charges resumed their winning ways, dispatching Burnley (0:2) and Newcastle (4:2). Quite recently, Liverpool overcame Arsenal in the FA Cup (0:2) and Fulham in the first semi-final match of the League Cup (2:1). A mistake by Virgil van Dijk led to Willian's goal, but the introduction of Darwin Núñez and Cody Gakpo turned the tide in the Reds' favour: the former scored, while the latter provided an assist to Curtis Jones. The Reds have won each of their last three away APL matches. 

Having topped their Europa League group, the visitors advanced directly to the knockouts. However, Liverpool opens the tie weakened by absences, most notably Salah, who is participating in the African Cup of Nations with Egypt, and Japanese midfielder Endo, who is engaged in the Asian Cup. In addition, they will certainly miss injured defensive players Alexander-Arnold, Robertson, Tsimikas, seasoned Matip, Thiago Alcantara and young Bajcetic. Lastly, the participation of key midfielder Szoboszlai remains in question due to injury concerns. Teenage right-back Conor Bradley is likely to start owing to these shortages. In Salah's absence (14 goals and 8 assists), the attacking burden will fall on Luis Diaz, Núñez, Gakpo, and Diogo Jota.

Head-to-Head

In the first leg of the championship, Liverpool overcame the Cherries 3:1 at Anfield, before knocking them out of the League Cup (1:2) in the autumn.

Match Forecast: Bournemouth vs Liverpool

Bournemouth's dreadful track record against APL leaders cannot inspire the underdog's supporters to believe in success on Sunday evening. However, Liverpool will arrive at the Vitality in a weakened state regarding personnel. The number of unavailability for Klopp can't help but impact the Reds' quality, so it makes sense to bet on Bournemouth's handicap +1.

Total forecast

In every head-to-head this season, both teams have found the net. Considering the Merseysiders' defensive personnel issues, it seems reasonable to bet on such an outcome this time.