With a game in hand, Liverpool have the opportunity to return to the top of the Premier League table with either a win or a draw against Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon. The former is preferable for Jurgen Klopp's team as they look to reignite their challenge for the title this season.

Current Form

Liverpool

Liverpool are going through a rough patch of form at the moment and will be looking to get back on the right track with a win here. The Reds are currently sat in 2nd place in the league table, behind leaders Manchester City on goal difference, albeit with a game in hand. In their previous 5 games, Liverpool won 2, lost 1, and drew 2.

Statistically, Liverpool have been impressive so far this season. They've scored 56 times, an average of 2.15 goals per game. Defensively, the Reds have also been solid having only conceded 15 times, an average of 0.58 goals per game. This has been rising recently, however.

Bournemouth

Bournemouth have had some interesting results lately, demolishing the likes of Chelsea while being defeated by Cardiff. They currently find themselves in 10th place in the league table on 33 points. In their previous 5 games, Bournemouth won 2, lost 2, and drew 1.

Statistically, Bournemouth have been hit and miss so far this season. They've scored 37 times, an average of 1.48 goals per game. However, they have also conceded 44 times, an average of 1.76 goals per game.

Head to Head

In the previous 10 meetings between the clubs, Liverpool won 8, Bournemouth won 1, and there was 1 draw. Notably, Liverpool won all 3 previous times in this fixture, scoring 11 times in total and conceding 0.

Analysis

Liverpool

There's no doubt about it, Liverpool have had a blip recently. With consecutive draws under their belts, the Reds have allowed Manchester City to leapfrog them at the top of the Premier League, although Liverpool do have a game in hand and can return to the top here. There has been a lot of talk about pressure recently and, although there is certainly a need to win in this game, much of the issues can be explained somewhat by injuries to the defence and midfield combined with terrible pitch conditions against Leicester. However, Liverpool do need to go out on Saturday and show this to be the case with a win and Klopp will be looking for his players to make a statement.

Liverpool supporters around the world will be happy to hear that Alexander-Arnold, Henderson, and Wijnaldum all returned to full training recently and should be fit to play a part in this game against Bournemouth. These players will add energy and defensive stability to the team at an important time. With Oxlade-Chamberlain almost ready to return, Liverpool's squad could soon be looking strong as we head into the business end of the Premier League season. There is also a push for match-going supporters to make a difference this weekend after a somewhat nervy performance from the crowd in the previous home game against Leicester. Liverpool have shown over the years that the crowd can play a big part in upping player performances and this could certainly have an impact on this game. Strategically, Klopp will be looking for his team to play expansive football at a high enough pace to cause Bournemouth problems. Passing phases have been laboured recently and this has allowed teams to sit in deep and keep Liverpool's attacking players at bay.

Bournemouth

Bournemouth have struggled away from home recently and this is something they'll need to be aware of as they look to cause Liverpool issues on Saturday. Losses to Everton, who have been in dreadful form, and even Cardiff show that this team is vulnerable to conceding away goals at the moment and this could be dangerous with the likes of Salah, Mane, and Firmino looking to get Liverpool back to winning ways.

Strategically, Bournemouth's biggest threat is perhaps frustrating Liverpool for long enough to cause anxiety within the crowd. This could cause Liverpool serious issues as the players tend to feed off the energy in the stands. Playing attacking football would play into Klopp's hands as Liverpool can be devastating on the break so Bournemouth are likely to try to absorb pressure with a solid defensive line before launching counter-attacks when opportunities arise. Notably, Clyne will not be eligible for selection in this game as he is currently on loan from Liverpool.

Predictions

Liverpool's performances in the last couple of games have been disappointing but they have enough quality to bounce back and that's exactly what I expect to happen at Anfield on Saturday. The Reds have scored a lot of goals in this fixture lately and this is something to consider in the betting markets.

Prediction: Liverpool win

Score Prediction: Liverpool 3 - 0 Bournemouth

Betting Picks

Liverpool to win didn't offer enough value for me to bother with it so I have taken up some positions in the over goal markets.

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