The Reds hope to continue their strong start to the season and take aim at the fifth round of the League Cup.
Bournemouth vs Liverpool
After a poor 2023-24 and a big midfield overhaul, Liverpool’s somewhat surprising assault on all available competitions continues apace as the Reds travel to Bournemouth for the Round of 16 of the League (aka EFL aka Carabao) Cup.
When these two Premier League teams played in August, the Reds won 3-1 despite playing with 10 men and seemed fully deserving of the victory over the Cherries, who are currently in 17th place.
With only six points after the first ten games, Bournemouth have had a rough start to the season. With a trip to Manchester City coming up soon, they will likely be obliged to change their side for the domestic cup. A starting eleven is unlikely to help them much against City.
Manager Andoni Iraola will be without Tyler Adams, Ryan Fredericks, and Lewis Cook on Wednesday due to injury, but he will have the option of starting explosive wingers Justin Kluivert and Dango Ouattara, as well as former Red Dominic Solanke.
Lineup I expect to see from Liverpool (4-3-3)
Elliott, Gakpo, and Doak; Kelleher, Gomez, Matip, Quansah, Chambers; End, Jones, and McConnell; and End
For the Reds, Joe Gomez and Luke Chambers are in line to start at fullback while Andrew Robertson recovers from shoulder surgery. Kostas Tsimikas and Trent Alexander-Arnold are also expected to be rested. It’s likely that the central midfielders Jol Matip and Jarell Quansah will play significant roles.
/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2023/08/19/3765460-76599128-2560-1440.jpg)
While midfielders Stefan Bajcetic and Thiago are still sidelined, Curtis Jones has returned from suspension and is eager to regain his form. Wataru End and James McConnell, with either Dominik Szoboszlai or Alexis Mac Allister rounding out the midfield, are possible options. Ryan Gravenberch, having featured in the last two games, seems less likely.
Neither Darwin Nez nor Mohamed Salah are out of the question, but up top, Ben Doak is back in training and could be due a start, possibly shifting Harvey Elliott to the left side and letting Cody Gakpo hold the center.
The search for Luis Diaz’s father has continued without him.
