Bournemouth have to fly out of the traps at Anfield. If they want respect they have to get in the faces of Liverpool right from the off and show them it is going to be a tough afternoon for the league leaders. Bournemouth's away record will provide Liverpool with a feeling of comfort, and that is anything but what AFCB want to hand a team that is five points clear at the top.
Bournemouth have secured a point up at Anfield before, but winning there would be something special. There is no coincidence that Howe has signed so many Liverpool players. He sees AFCB as a club that is trying to play and develop in a similar way and you might as well learn from the team that has won more European Champions League titles in England than any other club. But the players are going out with their manager's instructions and for Howe the challenge is not only for his players to play well but to get the tactical fight win against Klopp. This is where Howe needs to test himself against the top six managers.
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| AFCB have to find a way of halting their awful away form. |
Mind games between the managers might be hidden by the smiles and warm welcome between Howe and Klopp, but both managers need a result on Saturday for different reasons. The away record of AFCB has been dismal and there is every reason to expect it to continue that way against the league leaders. But if teams like West Ham can roll their sleeves up and battle for a draw against Liverpool, then it should be within Bournemouth's compass to also put up a good fight.
Bournemouth have secured a point up at Anfield before, but winning there would be something special. There is no coincidence that Howe has signed so many Liverpool players. He sees AFCB as a club that is trying to play and develop in a similar way and you might as well learn from the team that has won more European Champions League titles in England than any other club. But the players are going out with their manager's instructions and for Howe the challenge is not only for his players to play well but to get the tactical fight win against Klopp. This is where Howe needs to test himself against the top six managers.
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I expect Bournemouth to go out full pelt against Liverpool and try and make them defend for the opening few minutes rather than seeing an onslaught of Liverpool attacks. But AFCB have to do it without leaving Steve Cook and Nathan Ake up against the pace of Salah and Mane on the break. Howe can be adventurous but he really needs to protect the back four with a sitting player in this game, probably Surman. What I can't see is a 0-0 scoreline. Bournemouth need to score first though to stand a chance of getting something from the game in my opinion and that could make it a rally thrilling game with Liverpool looking to come from behind, while AFCB try and catch them on the break. What we don't want is to see Liverpool romp away to a 3-0 lead before half time, because it will mean that AFCB are still unable to compete when it comes to the really big games.
Possible AFCB line up
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| AFCB Subs: Begovic, Rico, Mepham, Stanislas, Gosling, Ibe, Mousset |
AFCB Away Form
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Liverpool Home Form
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Liverpool's press conference
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AFCB TV Preview
Liverpool's press conference
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