Klopp's Liverpool are on the upward path

We know next weekend's foe very well, perhaps even too well now. Klopp's Liverpool are better organised than Rodgers' team even if they are basically the same players. Already making their way in Europe and closing in on a top six finish there is much to be respectful of the team from Anfield that is finally beginning to gain some direction.

When AFCB played Liverpool back in August they could count themselves unlucky not to get something from the game and even in the Capital Once Cup they gave the Reds a difficult match. But holding them is not something that Eddie Howe has achieved yet and while points are still vitally important to pick up, there is a sense of AFCB need to beat a team like Liverpool at some point if they are really to start being seen in a different light among the Premier League's elite.

The Cherries at Anfield earlier in the season.

The league positions may look close with 11th playing eighth and the difference between the teams of seven points is not what many would have guessed at with so many games having been played in the season. Liverpool, like AFCB, have had players out though for much of the season and they have not only begun to get acquainted with their German manager who has already given them a new mentality and resolve that has given them some big wins over teams like Man City and Chelsea on the road. Those were without Daniel Sturridge too who is fit again now and looking for form ahead of the Euros and it will be tempting for Klopp to play him alongside Divock Origi in a new look stroke partnership. The quick forwards have become a signature of Klopp's reign and with the intelligent Coutinho and Firmino adding some Brazilian sparkle to the package, there is much to like about the way Liverpool have been going about their business of late. 

Former AFCB striker, Danny Ings is another player that Klopp is likely to want to keep this summer as his energy is just what Klopp wants from his forwards, but luckily for AFCB he won't be back yet.

So Liverpool are in good shape having just beaten Stoke 4-1 and even without their captain Jordan Henderson, Eddie Howe will know that this Liverpool side is better than what he has faced in recent encounters. Liverpool have learnt to play to their strengths and they have youngsters coming through like Jordan Ibe, Divock Origi and Kevin Stewart to join established players such as Adam Lallana and James Milner.

Once they have won some silverware, I see them starting to challenge for the top four places. Under Klopp Liverpool are getting back to where they once were and AFCB will have just as hard a game against them as they had against Man City at home in their last game at Dean Court.

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