Bournemouth vs Liverpool

The late kick-off on this busy Saturday, January 24, 2026, sees a rejuvenated Liverpool travel to the south coast to face an injury-ravaged Bournemouth. Kick-off at the Vitality Stadium is set for 17:30 GMT (12:30 ET).

This is a high-stakes encounter for both clubs' seasonal targets. Liverpool sits in 4th place (36 points), looking to break a frustrating streak of four consecutive Premier League draws and pull away from the chasing pack in the Champions League race. Bournemouth, in 15th place (27 points), is desperate to halt a slide that has seen them win just once in their last 14 league matches.

Match Information

Bournemouth: An "Attacking Crisis" for Iraola

Andoni Iraola’s side has been the league's Great Entertainer this season—their matches have seen a combined 76 goals—but they are currently hobbled by a significant injury crisis. The Cherries have led at some stage in every match played in 2026 so far, yet they have only one victory to show for it.

Team News and Selection:

• Major Absences: The wing department is decimated. Marcus Tavernier (hamstring), David Brooks (ankle), Justin Kluivert, and Ben Doak are all sidelined.

• The "Semenyo" Gap: Following the departure of Antoine Semenyo earlier this month, Bournemouth has struggled for verticality in transition.

• Home Hope: Despite their form, they beat Tottenham in their last home outing and will rely on the physical presence of Evanilson to trouble a makeshift Liverpool defense.

• Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Petrovic; Smith, Hill, Senesi, Truffert; Scott, Cook; Jimenez, Krupi, Adli; Evanilson.

Liverpool: The Return of the King

Arne Slot’s Reds are currently on the longest unbeaten run in Europe’s "Big Five" leagues (13 matches), though their domestic progress has been slowed by a month of stalemates. However, a dominant 3–0 win over Marseille in midweek has restored confidence, largely thanks to the return of a certain Egyptian superstar.

Team News and Selection:

• Salah Returns: Mohamed Salah is set for his first Premier League start in two months following his return from the Africa Cup of Nations.

• Defensive Shuffles: Ibrahima Konaté is unavailable due to personal reasons (compassionate leave), meaning Joe Gomez will partner Virgil van Dijk.

• The New Era: The 2026 Liverpool squad features stars like Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong, both of whom have been instrumental in Slot's tactical evolution. Miloš Kerkez also faces his former club today.

• Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Frimpong, Gomez, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Wirtz; Ekitike.

? Premier League Standings (Top 5)

Tactical Analysis and Prediction

Bournemouth’s "thin" squad is their biggest hurdle. Iraola’s high-pressing style requires immense energy, and with four starting-caliber attackers missing, they may struggle to maintain intensity for 90 minutes.

For Liverpool, the objective is simple: stop the draws. With Mohamed Salah back to pull defenders out of position and Florian Wirtz operating in the pockets of space, the Reds should have too much creative firepower for a Bournemouth defense that has conceded 41 goals this term. If Liverpool can navigate the early "Vitality atmosphere," their superior bench depth should see them through.

Final Score Prediction: Bournemouth 1–3 Liverpool