Liverpool’s Premier League title credentials face a stern challenge as they head south to take on an in-form Bournemouth side on Saturday afternoon.
Arne Slot’s men return to domestic action following a 3-2 Champions League defeat to PSV Eindhoven, while their hosts come into the game brimming with confidence after a dominant 5-0 victory over Nottingham Forest.
Despite an early goal from Eindhoven native Cody Gakpo, a much-rotated Liverpool squad suffered their first European defeat of the season.
However, their top spot in the group was already secured, thanks in part to Barcelona’s failure to beat Atalanta.
With their Champions League knockout opponents yet to be determined, Liverpool now shift their focus back to their relentless title pursuit.
Last weekend, the Reds eased past Ipswich Town with a 4-1 win, a match that saw Mohamed Salah surpass Arsenal legend Thierry Henry in the Premier League’s all-time scoring charts.
They remain six points ahead of Arsenal, with a crucial game in hand set to take place in the coming weeks against Everton at Goodison Park.
Liverpool’s league form has been formidable, as they remain unbeaten in their last 18 Premier League matches—the longest active streak in the division.
Additionally, they are the only team yet to lose an away game this season, a record that will be put to the test at a stadium where both Arsenal and Manchester City have already suffered defeats.
Despite losing key strikers Evanilson and Enes Ünal to serious injuries, Bournemouth have defied expectations under Andoni Iraola.
Their recent 5-0 demolition of Nottingham Forest was another statement victory, with Dango Ouattara netting a hat-trick, while Justin Kluivert and Antoine Semenyo also found the back of the net.
This resounding win followed their impressive 4-1 thrashing of Newcastle United, lifting the Cherries level on points with Chelsea and just one point outside the top four.
Bournemouth are currently enjoying a 12-match unbeaten run across all competitions, including their last 11 Premier League fixtures.
Since late November, no team in the division has collected more points than Iraola’s side.
Aiming for their fourth consecutive home clean sheet, Bournemouth face a significant challenge against a Liverpool side that has beaten them in their last four meetings, including a 3-0 victory at Anfield in September.
However, given the Cherries’ remarkable resurgence, Reds fans might approach this fixture with more caution than in previous seasons.
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