Match Preview: Liverpool v AFC Bournemouth

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Evanilson missed a golden chance from the spot last weekend. Photo Credit: Getty Images

AFC Bournemouth face Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday afternoon, as the Cherries look to bounce back from last weekend's home defeat to Chelsea.

Last time out, Christopher Nkunku scored the only goal of the game as Andoni Iraola’s side suffered their first defeat of the new Premier League campaign, with Bournemouth missing a hatful of chances throughout the contest.

This Saturday, another tough test awaits as The Cherries head to fourth-placed Liverpool, who have won three from a possible four this term.

However, Bournemouth can travel to Anfield with some positivity, as first-choice shot-stopper Kepa Arrizabalaga is back and available for selection. 

The Spaniard was unable to feature against his parent club Chelsea at the weekend, meaning it was a rare start for backup Mark Travers, who impressed.

Bournemouth were also without wide man Dango Ouattarra against Chelsea, after he sustained an ankle injury during the international break, and the Cherries boss is still yet to decide whether the Burkina Faso international will be included in the squad for Saturday.

Iraola said: “The only one who is 100% out is Tyler [Adams], which you know. 

“The one who I want to assess today is Dango [Ouattarra], it’s probably too early but he normally has very good recoveries so we will see, everyone else is available.” 

Iraola’s side were unable to convert their opportunities last time out, summer signing Evanilson’s first-half penalty could've given Bournemouth the lead, but the Brazilian’s tame effort was denied by Robert Sanchez, and it proved to be a costly miss. 

The Cherries have had the third-most shots in the Premier League so far this season, and Iraola is keen for his side to continue to create chances.

He said: “It’s good numbers to have, but numbers don’t give you points.

"I hope we can continue because chances are the most important thing and I trust my players to score the goals.” 

The Spaniard also shared what type of game he’s expecting from the trip to Merseyside, he said: “Liverpool are top athletes and we are probably facing the most physical team in the Premier League, we have to be ready for a challenging game physically, but I feel we can match them in that sense.”

Liverpool vs AFC Bournemouth kicks off at 3pm on Saturday 21st of September.

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