After securing the top spot in the UEFA Champions League this week, Liverpool travel travel to Bournemouth for a 15:00 kick off.

Vallecas to the South Coast

Andoni Iraola was named January manager of the month after Bournemouth went undefeated, earning 10 points out of a possible 12. The euskaldunak arrived in June of 2023 after impressing with Rayo Vallecano de Madrid, earning a promotion to La Liga, then an 11th place finish the following season. Andoni’s style focuses on counter pressing and recovering the ball in the opposition half. It’s made the cherries a opponent hard to live with. Pep Guardiola stated “today, the modern football is the way that Bournemouth play,” after Manchester City lost 2-1 at the Vitality Stadium in November.

Bournemouth’s Impressive Offensive

Bournemouth scored 17 goals across 5 games last month, ending the month with a 1-4 away win at St James’ Park and a 5-0 win at home to Nottingham Forest.

Justin Kluivert and Dango Ouattara both hit hat-tricks in recent weeks. The duo have a combined 17 Premier League goals this season. Winger Antoine Semenyo has also weighed in with 7 goals.

Liverpool’s Strong Record at the Vitality

Liverpool have won 5 times at the Vitality Stadium since Bournemouth were promoted to the Premier League for the first in 2015. Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez both scored twice last season in a 0-4 victory for the reds.

Early Team News

Arne Slot might have the full squad at his disposal, he confirmed Joe Gomez, Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez were all set to train on Friday to asses their match fitness.

Andoni Iraola will be without Julian Araujo, Evanilson, James Hill, Alex Scott, Marcos Senesi, Adam Smith and Enes Unal. In more positive news for the cherries, Luis Sinisterra returned to first team training this week after a period out on the sideline since October.

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