Liverpool are suddenly faced with a test of character after suffering three defeats inside four matches heading into this contest against Bournemouth.
The Cherries need the points more, yet Jurgen Klopp’s side now need a performance perhaps more so than Saturday’s visitors given the impact it will have on their hopes of overturning the 1-0 aggregate deficit against Atletico Madrid in the delicately-poised last 16 Champions League tie.
Worryingly for the Reds the numbers do not lie with no goals in all three defeats in this poor run. Klopp will therefore be forced into fielding a strong side against Eddie Howe’s outfit.
Download the new Independent Premium app
Sharing the full story, not just the headlines
Deep in the battle against relegation, Bournemouth proved their resilience last weekend to storm back against Chelsea, though they did concede later and were forced to settle for a point against the Blues.
Here’s how you can watch the game live on television or on the move with a live stream.
When is the match?
The match is on 7 March at 12:30 at Anfield.
What TV channel is it on?
The match will be shown live on BT Sport 1 with coverage beginning at 12:00.
Subscribers will be able to access a live stream of the match through the BT Sport app here.
Team news and official line-ups
Alisson is out of the match with a muscle injury and will also miss the crunch second leg of the last 16 Champions League tie against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday. Naby Keita is back in training and could feature, but Jordan Henderson is still injury, as is Xherdan Shaqiri.
Liverpool XI: Adrian; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson; Oxlade-Chamberlain, Fabinho, Wijnaldum; Salah, Firmino, Mane
Charlie Daniels (knee), Arnaut Danjuma (foot), Chris Mepham (knee) and David Brooks (ankle) are all out injured, while Harry Wilson is ineligible based on the terms of his loan deal from the Reds. Eddie Howe could welcome back Lloyd Kelly after resuming training this week.
Bournemouth XI: Ramsdale; Stacey, Francis, Cook, Ake, Smith; Fraser, Billing, Lerman, King; C. Wilson
Prediction
The Reds will face a nervous moment or too here with Bournemouth desperate for points to boost their hopes of Premier League survival, but the firepower and an Anfield-inspired rally ought to see the hosts through to salvage some confidence ahead of the one that truly matters on Tuesday. A timely first goal at Anfield this season for Roberto Firmino would be welcomed by Klopp, and we see the Brazilian notching in the second half to drag them to victory after a period of the game with the score level. 3-1 to the champions-elect.
Odds
Liverpool 1/4
Draw 11/2
Bournemouth 9/1
Source: Read Full Article