Rival Lines: "This is our toughest test yet at the Liberty," says Swansea Oh Swansea

Rival Lines

Match Preview: Swansea City v AFCB

Blogger Interview: Swansea Oh Swansea
Twitter: @StevenSOS1987

I managed to catch a quick word with Steven Caroll at the Swansea Oh Swansea Fanzine ahead of tonight's game. Swansea City have had a strong start to the season and sit in fourth place just a point behind Bournemouth and they have a very good home record.

CC: Are Swansea City better equipped to make a sustained promotion push this season?

SOS: I think so, we have more squad depth this year which is vital with the schedule being so hectic. All in all, I would say a top-six finish should be the target.

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CC: Steve Cooper has done well in management since he took the Swansea job. What do you like about him as a manager?

SOS: His contacts have enabled us to get high-quality players on loan which is vital when your finances aren’t good. Last season wasn’t convincing at times but once we changed to a back three we clicked and had a late surge into the Play-Offs.

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CC: André Ajew is still banging in the goals for you. Does he look as good as ever this season?

SOS: Yes, he’s still doing the business, we’d be lower in the table without his goals and round play. Keeping him fit is vital for the rest of the season.

CC: What have you made of young striker Liam Cullen?

SOS: Not seen much of him, to be honest, I’d like him to have a run of games to give him a real chance. If not I’d loan him out so he can play regularly.

CC: Do you still wish you had Sam Surridge at Swansea?

SOS: Yes, because we need a striker. He was decent last season and was improving when he returned to your club. But in truth, he wasn’t as good as Rhian Brewster who we replaced him with.

CC: You have only lost one game at home to Huddersfield, so do you see this game as a real test of your home form?

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SOS: Definitely, I think relegated clubs have a fair advantage this term having not lost as many players as they usually would have. Plus you gave Barnsley a hammering last week. This is our toughest test at the Liberty yet.

CC: As I write this, Swansea have the best defensive record in the division with 10 goals against. So who has been the star at the back so far?

SOS: Joe Rodon until he left was immense but Ryan Bennett has been great since replacing him. Marc Guehi has come on leaps and bounds since last year and Connor Roberts is in form of his life.

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CC: Which game would you say was Swansea's best win of the season and why?

SOS: Probably Millwall in October (2-1 win). Purely because we usually struggle against sides who sit deep against us at home

CC: How have Swansea been doing with goals from midfield - anyone we should look out for?

SOS: Goals have been a struggle in general, no one in middle has chipped in with many, Palmer has one, as does Grimes and Fulton.

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CC: How might Swansea line up for this game?

SOS: I’d guess Woodman, Roberts, Guehi, Cabango, Naughton, Bidwell, Smith, Grimes, Dhanda, Lowe, Ayew

CC: What is your score prediction?

SOS: I think we’ll lose this one 2-0.

CC: I was expecting a bolder score prediction from Steven at SOS. Swansea City's home form is impressive and Bournemouth have a habit of losing form very quickly just when you think they have found their stride. I was not overly convinced by the win at Barnsley. While the scoreline was good a better team would have put some of Barnsley's chances away. Swansea might not be scoring many but in André Ayew they have a striker that doesn't miss too many chances. I am playing this one safe expecting a much closer game and a scoreline that might be seen a better result after the game than before - I am going for a 1-1 draw.

Make sure to drop in on the  SOS website to check out more on Swansea City. Thanks to Steven for his fabulous insight on the Welsh club.

Swansea City Home Form:

WWWDW

AFCB Away Form:

DLWDW

Previous post on Cherry Chimes: Bournemouth are finding the back of the net from all angles

Rival Lines: "Ancelotti was not going to turn us into world-beaters overnight," says RBM

Rival Lines

Match Preview: Everton v AFCB

Blogger Interview: Royal Blue Mersey
twitter: @chandler98_

For the final Rival Lines of the season, I was contacted by Matthew Chandler of the Royal Blue Mersey website. Everton have stabilise din mid-table but perhaps they expect better now that they have a highly acclaimed manager. While Eddie Howe has faced Ancelotti before in a friendly match against Real Madrid, to be hie Everton is rather a must on Sunday.

CC: What have Everton fans felt about Ancelotti since his arrival?

RBM: Almost unanimous support for him, I'd say. We were so tepid and mentally fragile under Marco Silva that we realise Ancelotti was not going to turn us into world-beaters overnight, and the squad is still a poor squad, but he's made us harder to beat and more resilient. Fans just want this slog of a season out of the way so we can start looking forward to what will hopefully be a better campaign next year.

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CC: Theo Walcott did Bournemouth and some other teams a big favour with his last few minutes goal against Aston Villa. Is he really good enough though for the Everton fans?

RBM: Hard to say. Walcott works hard but his end product just often isn't there, not to mention he's 31 now so is unlikely to drastically improve from here. He probably shouldn't be starting for us next season but there are other players who need getting rid of more urgently this summer. I'd be content with him staying as a squad player.

CC: Where do Everton need to strengthen to finish higher next season?

RBM: In central midfield, above all else, because we haven't really had one this season. It's just been one big gaping void in our team for much of it. Gylfi Sigurdsson is finished and can't run, Tom Davies probably just isn't good enough unfortunately, Jean-Philippe Gbamin was supposed to replace the excellent Idrissa Gueye following his PSG move but has been injured since August, Fabian Delph has been a disaster, and André Gomes will take time to get going after that horrific injury. In fact, for some of the season, our best midfielder has looked like being Mason Holgate, who has also probably been our best central defender. So an overhaul is needed there.

I'd also be after probably two wingers, a right-back to be Seamus Coleman's long-term successor, and a new goalkeeper, because Jordan Pickford is totally unreliable.

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CC: What is happening about the new ground for Everton?

RBM: It was projected to be finished by 2023, but it remains to be seen how much that will be held up by coronavirus. The plans along Liverpool's waterfront all look spectacular and have been carried out with constant consultation with supporters, which has been heartening. Though, the stadium architect Dan Meis left the project last month which, having built up a strong rapport with fans, was disappointing. I'm sure that won't have a disastrous effect on the entire project, though.

CC: Who has been Everton's player of the season in your view?

RBM: Richarlison. Took a while to get going but has been consistently one of Everton's best players for much of the season. Closely followed by Holgate, who only broke into the team in late October but has probably been Everton's most-improved player.

CC: Everton really got up for the Liverpool derby in June, but do you feel that Everton have got after other teams as well since the restart?

RBM: Probably not, but I think it's a combination of a sub-par squad and tired legs, to be honest. Like I alluded to before, it's hard to win games when your midfield is basically bypassed. You need legs to press so aggressively game after game; Everton don't have that. Plus, the necessary evil of playing multiple games each week since the restart hasn't helped the side, either.

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CC: Everton are unbeaten at home this calendar year. So, is it a good time to play Bournemouth at Goodison on the last day of the season, knowing we need a win to have any chance to stay up?

RBM: I have to say I'm fairly confident about beating Bournemouth. Not only because Bournemouth are in such a predicament, but because we're unbeaten at Goodison since Ancelotti's arrival and have been pretty good at seeing off the non-top 6 sides under him, certainly at home. The issue will be whether Bournemouth are simply more motivated because they must win, and there's not much riding on this game for Everton besides pride. We saw against fellow strugglers Aston Villa last week at Goodison how Everton struggled to match their intensity there. They must learn from that game and be stronger here.

CC: Which Bournemouth player do you most fear about spoiling the last day of the season for Everton?

RBM: I like Callum Wilson and Josh King and both have struck against Everton before, so even if they're obvious choices as strikers, I'd go with them. But Everton do have a knack of conceding to forwards who barely score, so maybe Dominic Solanke should be the one to worry us.

CC: What is your score prediction for the game?

RBM: 3-1 Everton (sorry!). I just think Bournemouth will have to go for it and can see Everton picking them off, not least because Bournemouth's defence has leaked so many goals this season. It's not nice to relegate teams, but I would suggest that it won't be this game that really sent Bournemouth down over the course of this season. Eddie Howe was my initial choice to replace Silva before Ancelotti became available, though, and I'm sure you'll bounce back under him.

CC: Some great views from Matthew on Everton and Bournemouth's predicament. I don't know what will happen on Sunday, but the omens are not good when you look at Everton's home record. But if we need a positive feeling we need to go back to last September when Bournemouth last played Everton. A 3-1 win away might not be possible, but Bournemouth have to try and beat their away form duck in 2020 and it might not be too late for them if they can do it in this game. To read more of Matthew's Everton thoughts, visit Royal Blue Mersey where you will also see Cherry Chimes answer some questions ahead of the game on opposition view.

Previous post on Cherry Chimes - AFCB still have everything to play for

Rival Lines: 'I’m expecting us to lose, but I wouldn’t be hugely surprised if we did,' says City fan

Rival Lines
Match Preview: Man City v AFCB
Blogger Interview: One football
T@FussballDan

I asked these questions before Bournemouth played Leicester City and wasn't too optimistic that Bournemouth would have passed the 30 points mark. I spoke with Dan at One Football who is a massive Man City fan and is looking forward to seeing silverware this season for the sky Blues - quite a different season from what AFCB fans are experiencing.

CC: What is the common feeling on how Man City have played this season?

OF:  It’s been hugely disappointing league campaign from City. Before the start of the season I backed us to pick up at least 95 points and probably win the title again, but the best we can now end up with is 81 points.

We’ve lost nine games (more than Manchester United!) and dropped some really silly points. The defeat away to Norwich back in September still irritates me greatly and I’m actually surprised Pep Guardiola hasn’t come in for more criticism for the way City have surrendered the title to Liverpool, because I think it’s been quite embarrassing frankly.

Injuries to key players like Aymeric Laporte haven’t helped, and I suppose it was probably a lot to ask for them to play at such a high level three seasons in a row, but I’m hoping for much better in 2020/21.

CC: Who has been City’s best player?

OF: It’s been Kevin De Bruyne by quite some distance, although Sergio Agüero also deserves an honourable mention.

De Bruyne is just sensational when it comes to pretty much every aspect of the game. He’s the best midfielder in the world and probably only behind Lionel Messi in terms of the best players overall on current form.

I think he will win the PFA Player of the Year this year, and deservedly so.

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CC: Would winning the Champions League this year make it the best ever?

OF: That’s a really good question because even though I really hope we win the Champions League this season, it won’t feel quite as good as it would have done if the games weren’t being played behind closed doors and we could celebrate it properly.

The fact it’s also going to be a truncated version of the competition with one-legged ties all played in neutral venues means it probably won’t be viewed as a “proper” Champions League win either.

So it will be lovely to win it, but it won’t come anywhere near to topping our first Premier League title win in my opinion.

CC: Where did it go wrong against Southampton?

OF: We didn’t put the ball in the net despite creating an incredible amount of chances. In fact, we had more shots against Southampton than Leicester did when they beat them 9-0 earlier in the season!

We’ve had a few games like that this season where we’ve dominated but not been able to score, and been beaten by a defensive error at the other end.

Given we’ve registered back-to-back 5-0 victories since the Southampton game, scoring goals isn’t something we’re overly concerned by at the moment, but Pep needs to put it right over the summer somehow.

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CC: Who are you most scared of losing?

OF: Monday’s verdict by the Court of Arbitration for Sport that City won’t be banned from the Champions League means I’m a lot less worried about losing our best players this summer than I was.

The likes of De Bruyne, Agüero and Raheem Sterling seem happy where they are for now and though Leroy Sané’s departure was disappointing, it’s not the end of the world when all’s said and done.

It will be really sad to see David Silva leave this summer, though. The little magician is a bit past his best now but he’s arguably the club’s greatest ever player and it won’t be the same without him next season.

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CC: Who is the most popular player at City with the fans now - Phil Foden?

OF: To be honest Foden has been popular with the fans since before he even made his first-team debut. He’s a local lad, a boyhood City fan and he’s absolutely class. What’s not to love?

There have been concerns at times that he wasn’t being used as often as he should have been and I wondered whether he might get itchy feet and want to go somewhere else, as happened with Jadon Sancho.

But Guardiola seems to be putting a bit more faith in him these days and with Silva leaving in the summer, I think next season will be Foden’s time to truly shine.

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CC: Why have performances been so inconsistent?

OF: I really wish I had an answer to this question but I’m not sure even Guardiola himself could tell you.

I think failing to replace Vincent Kompany has been our biggest problem this season, especially after Laporte got injured.

The defence has been too flimsy, the midfield hasn’t been protective enough, and I think Sané’s injury deprived us of an extra option in attack.

That win over Liverpool was a great demonstration of what City are capable of, but the defeat to Southampton was the story of our season really.

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CC: Are you surprised Bournemouth are in trouble?

OF: A little bit yes, because you seemed to have established yourselves as a pretty comfortable lower mid-table club and I would have backed you to stay up pretty easily before the season began.

I must admit I haven’t watched a great deal of Bournemouth this season, but I did see the recent Newcastle defeat and I was pretty alarmed by your performance that night.

Before the win over Leicester I wouldn’t have given you much hope of survival, but now you never know.

CC: Did Guardiola bring in enough players?

OF: As I mentioned earlier, I think not replacing Kompany was a huge mistake and one they need to rectify as a priority in the summer. We probably also need a new left-back as Benjamin Mendy can’t be relied upon week in, week out.

And I’m wondering if it might be time to bring in a striker as I’m not convinced by Gabriel Jesus, personally. But apart from that we have a great squad that’s capable of beating anyone on its day.

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CC: Is there any hope for Bournemouth?

OF: Given City play Arsenal in the FA Cup semi-final on Saturday, I think there’s a good chance of Guardiola resting players for the Bournemouth game, so there’s some hope for you there.

The fact it’s also a massive game in terms of Bournemouth’s survival hopes but a dead rubber for City could give your boys the edge too. I’m not saying I’m expecting us to lose, but I wouldn’t be hugely surprised if we did.


CC: Wow, a Man City fan who thinks it is possible for them to slip up against lowly Bournemouth. Thanks Dan, I'll take any hope you can provide in what has been a desperate position for AFC Bournemouth. I suppose even a weakened Man City team will have players trying to prove a point to the manager tough and I think that could be the danger in this game. Man City are a good team whoever they put out and it is all for Bournemouth to do. Still, being the underdog has never  shaken Bournemouth and they'll try and rise to this game like it was a final.

Please take a look at One Football for some more excellent Football views.

Previous post on Cherry Chimes - Stanislas is so underrated

Premier Talk - is the impossible escape on for AFCB?

AFCBTV Preview

Rival Lines: "Our front five must be pretty scary for any opposing side!"

Rival Lines

Match Preview

Man Utd V AFCB

Blogger Interview - Old Trafford Faithful
Twitter: @OTFaithful

This week I spoke with Jordan Street from the Old Trafford Faithful website on the form of Manchester United ahead of the match with Bournemouth. United are looking stronger than ever with the inclusion of Bruno Fernandes who has scored five goals in eight games and the striking power of Anthony Martial who hit three against Sheffield United. They have had two clean sheets in their last two Premier League games so the Cherries are really up against a form side today.

CC: Are you surprised that Anthony Martial has suddenly hit the sweet spot in his scoring having had the first hat-trick for Man Utd in an absolute age?

OTF: I'll be honest, I am. I'm not the biggest Anthony Martial fan out there, though I appreciate he's a super-talented young man. Inconsistency has really hampered his growth over the last few seasons, but now with a manager in place who believes in him, perhaps he can take his game to that next level? I'm more than happy to be proven wrong!

CC: Marcus Rashford is the best role model in English football at the moment. But how has he done since the restart on the§ football field?

OTF: He's struggled, though we have to remember he was suffering from a pretty serious back injury before lockdown. I'm happy to give him another couple of weeks to get back up to speed before judging him too harshly, though!

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CC: What would be success for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer this season - FA Cup winners and fifth place? And is it good that the press have stopped talking about him losing his job?

OTF: I'm pleased that the press is off his back for now, because I genuinely believe he has been the best manager we've had since Sir Alex Ferguson.

To me, it's all about trophies. An FA Cup win would be lovely, while I give us a great shot in the Europa League, too. A top-four finish would be the icing on the cake as Champions League football is key when it comes to attracting those big-name signings.

CC: Do you expect Man Utd to make a move for either Josh King or David Brooks this summer?

OTF: I think the Josh King boat has probably sailed. I said it at the time, but there were definitely worse options available in January than the former United man.

As for David Brooks, I love watching him operate. It's a shame that injury has wrecked his season because he was outstanding last term. He definitely fits the player-profile that Solskjaer had shown a preference towards. He'd be pretty pricey, but it's a deal I'd fully get behind.

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CC: Where do Man Utd need to strengthen to become a challenger for the Premier League title next time around?

OTF: United need a world-class right-winger, another centre-half and some more depth in midfield - hence why I like the possibility of the versatile Brooks joining.

CC: What do you think of how Bournemouth have performed this season and their league position?

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OTF: I, like all Bournemouth fans I'm sure, are feeling pretty disappointed. The results and overall displays haven't been anywhere near the level I expected - though I appreciate injuries and behind-closed-doors situations (Ryan Fraser) haven't helped...

It's sad because I love Eddie Howe and the work he is doing down there. I just hope Bournemouth stay up!

CC: Which three teams do you think will go down?

OTF: I think Villa and Norwich are already gone. West Ham, Watford and Bournemouth are all in danger of finishing eighteenth and going down. Personally, I think it'll be Watford as the other two have so much quality in their ranks, but right now it's a toss-up...

CC: Bournemouth managed to beat Man Utd at Dean Court this season, so is this far from a gimmie for Man Utd at Old Trafford despite AFCB's recent poor away form?

OTF:  There must be something in those South Coast waters as we always struggle down there! Jokes aside, I feel far more comfortable with this game being at home, and we're playing pretty well right now.

No game is a gimmie, and United will have to perform, but I'm hopeful we can pick up all three points here, sorry folks!

CC: How would you expect Man Utd to line up for this game?

OTF:  As strong as we can. We need to win every single fixture to give ourselves the best shot at finishing in the top four.

David de Gea, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Nemanja Matic, Paul Pogba, Bruno Fernandes, Mason Greenwood, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial.

That's about as good as it gets for us right now, though that front five must be pretty scary for any opposing side!

CC: How many do you think Man Utd should win by?

OTF: Two? Three. I'll go for a 3-1 United win...

Well thanks Jordan for confirming that United are ready to get some revenge on AFCB. It is just about the worse time to play Man Utd at Old Trafford but the lack of a crowd may make it different for our players. Of course Bournemouth have not played well yet in an empty stadium and all the prospects are for a United victory. United have lost to Burnley at home in the league this calendar year so it is not impossible to win there. Still,  I fear for a drubbing in this game. Bournemouth can only go out and try and improve on their recent performances and at leasts try and get a few shots on targets, which has been woeful since the restart. Do take a look at Old Trafford Faithful for more news and views on the Man United team.

Man Utd Home Form
LDWWW

AFCB Away Form
LLLLL

Possible AFCB line up

AFCB Subs: Boruc, Stacey, Mepham, Rico,
Billing, Danjuma, H Wilson, Surrdige, Solanke

AFCBTV Preview

Rival Lines: "We've waited 30 years for the Premier League Title," says This is Anfield

Rival Lines
Match Preview
Liverpool v AFCB 
Blogger Interview - This is Anfield
Twitter @thisisanfield

CC: I talked to Henry at This is Anfield just before their latest FA Cup defeat against Chelsea. Although their has been a bit of a slump in Liverpool's results, I don't see a big concern about their performance as they have so many great players, it only takes two or three to have an exceptional game to sweep a side any team in the Premier League. Once they pick up a win I expect they will just put their blip behind them. What I am worried about is that Bournemouth provide them with the perfect game to get back to winning ways.

CC: You are nearing Liverpool's first Premier League title. Can you imagine what the celebrations will be like in the city when you do get over the line?

TIA: I honestly can’t, unless the coronavirus has struck! It will be an incredible party in the city, making last season’s Champions League celebrations pale into insignificance. We’ve waited 30 years for this, so it will be something special to witness. These players will be heroes forever, assuming Liverpool get over the finish line.

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CC: Liverpool's recruitment has been amazing over the last two seasons, but is there a position that you'd like to see strengthened in the summer?

TIA: In terms of the best possible XI, no. This is an incredible team and there are six or seven players who are among the best in the world in their position. A new creative midfielder is the one player that could potentially improve the team further - Kai Havertz has been linked and is a special talent - but it’s more about signing backup players, such as at left-back. Timo Werner would be a great signing in attack, adding even more competition for places. I think that will happen.

CC: What do you think has been Jurgen Klopp's best statement of the season - it could have been something amusing he said, something showing his frustration or his humility?

TIA: Good question! I actually loved what he said the other day about the coronavirus, both in terms of playing down it ruining Liverpool’s season, but also stressing the importance of listening to experts rather than him. He is so modest, which is part of his charm, and realises that he is just a great football manager, nothing more.

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CC: Was the unbeaten run becoming a bit of a burden for the club and more of a big deal for pundits rather than Liverpool's fans?

TIA: I wouldn’t say it was a burden, to be honest, but I think it would’ve been if we’d won the title and still been unbeaten. In a weird way, I am slightly relieved it’s over now, and that it didn’t happen against a rival. Man City ending it, or Arsenal or Chelsea doing us right at the end of the season, would’ve been grim. It was certainly a bigger deal for those looking on from the outside, rather than for Klopp and his players.

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CC: Do the two defeats to Atletico Madrid and Watford as well as the difficult win over West Ham indicate that Liverpool's players could be feeling drained with such a long season?

TIA: I don’t think there’s tiredness necessarily setting in, I just think the winter break has completely killed the rhythm of this side. They were flying, then they stopped, went away and haven’t been able to find their previous level. Since returning, the players simply haven’t look as sharp, and Klopp’s system demands perfection. Watford was particularly terrible. I do think the rhythm will come back, but I must admit I’m very worried about the Atletico Madrid game now.

CC: Are Liverpool coping without Jordan Henderson or is he a bigger miss than you might have expected?

TIA: After a slow start to begin with, this has been Henderson’s best season in a Liverpool shirt. He has been outstanding, especially since November. He finally looks like he belongs as Liverpool captain, but he has not only led superbly, his quality has been great through. He remains one of the most underrated players of his generation, in terms of rival supporters still blaming he is ‘average’. Henderson has been a massive loss since getting injured, with his drive and passion make an enormous difference. We need him back ASAP.

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CC: What have you made of Adam Lallana's time at Liverpool?

TIA: Disappointing. When he arrived in 2014 I had high hopes for him, but he has flattered to deceive too often. Injuries have certainly played a part, but when he is fit, he looks like he is making things happen but actually isn’t. The constant Cruyff turns are painful, and one goal and assist apiece since May 2017 sums it up. He is a strong leader off the pitch, in fairness, and he has had some good moments this season, but he has definitely underperformed at Liverpool.

CC: Do you expect Harry Wilson to play for Liverpool next season or could he be loaned out again or even sold?

TIA: I don’t think he will be at Liverpool next season. He is a good young player, without question, but he is no longer at the Reds’ level, considering they are arguably the best club side in the world. Liverpool are now in a position where they need really top class backup players and I don’t believe Wilson will ever be that good. I see his future lying at someone like Bournemouth - he would be a really good permanent signing for you, in my opinion.

CC: Which game was the most satisfying of the season so far?

TIA: Leicester away on Boxing Day was the most complete team performance - Liverpool were unbelievable that night, at a time when the Foxes were flying. It was 4-0 and could possibly have been more. The Reds were also great at home to Manchester City, winning 3-1 and comprehensively outplaying the champions at a time when the title race was far closer.

CC: Which three teams do you think will be relegated from the Premier League?

TIA: If I had to put money on it, I would go for Norwich, Aston Villa and West Ham. I like Bournemouth as a club, so I hope you stay up. It will be very tight, though, and I’m afraid you will be in for some nervous afternoons between now and May. I wouldn’t bank on the Cherries staying up, I’m afraid.

CC: What have you made of AFC Bournemouth's season and seeing them struggle even with Harry Wilson and occasionally Dominic Solanke in the side?

TIA: Watching Liverpool achieve such incredible things has dominated things this season, and for the first time ever, I feel like I have switched off a little in terms of knowing exactly how everyone else is doing. From what I’ve seen, though, Bournemouth have just seemed too nice a team at times to play against, rarely being able to win ugly or make life tough for opponents. When I see Bournemouth away in the fixture list, it’s a game that always looks appealing on paper, because Eddie Howe tries to play football and that makes it easier to pick you off. It’s admirable in many ways, but also a bit naive. It just feels like your natural cycle in the top flight is slowly edging towards its conclusion. Sorry. Wilson appears to have faded, when fit, while Solanke looks to have been a bit of a disaster, showing why Klopp was right to sell him.

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CC: How do you think Liverpool will line up against Bournemouth considering you have the second leg against Atletico Madrid to follow our game?

TIA: I would go for this: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson, Fabinho, OxladeChamberlain, Wijnaldum, Salah, Mane, Firmino.

Klopp may have an eye on the Atletico Madrid game, though, so I may be wrong with a couple of selections.

CC: What is your score prediction for Liverpool v AFC Bournemouth?

TIA: I will go for Liverpool 3-1 Bournemouth. A return to winning ways, but not always massively convincing.

CC: Some great answers from Henry. I don't think This is Anfield are that worried about losing a couple of games. If they were to slip up against Bournemouth though then we could see some slightly worried faces in the Kop. Jurgen Klopp has a way with dealing with set-back's he just rubs it off his shoulder. But Bournemouth know they'll be up against it at Anfield and that the mighty Liverpool won't be sure about how they will play considering recent results. It could be an interesting first 30 minutes, Bournemouth's task is to spread the contest over 90 minutes.

Look out for my return question and answers on This is Anfield

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