Bournemouth vs Liverpool
Liverpool are still searching for their first Premier League victory in 2026, and they have a chance to get it on Saturday, when they visit a downtrodden Bournemouth squad at the Vitality Stadium. Because of their sluggish start, Arne Slot’s side is unlikely to be in the title mix. However, getting into the Top 4 in the end is a great consolation.
The Reds have registered four consecutive league draws against Leeds United (0-0), Fulham (2-2), Arsenal (0-0), and Burnley (1-1) to start the new year. They also won 4-1 against Barnsley to progress to the FA Cup fourth round, and won 3-0 against Marseille in the Champions League yesterday. As a result, Liverpool are fourth in the Premier League and Champions League standings.
Bournemouth are 11 notches below Liverpool. However, they’re undefeated in their last two games, including last Monday’s 1-1 draw against Brighton.
Talking Points
Bournemouth still reeling from Semenyo’s departure
Andoni Iraola remains in search of a solution, as his squad has gone downhill since the club sold Antoine Semenyo – their top attacking threat – to Manchester City earlier this month. Since Semenyo moved to the Etihad, the Cherries bowed out of the FA Cup third round, losing to Newcastle United on penalties, and dropped points against Brighton last time out.
The 1-1 draw against Brighton was particularly disappointing, as Bournemouth had a one-goal lead for most of the night. To make matters worse, Marcus Tavernier, who gave them the lead in the 32nd minute (before Charalampos Kostoulas scored the equaliser in stoppage time), was forced off the pitch in the 71st minute after sustaining a hamstring injury.
After the game, Iraola said Tavernier could be out for a few weeks, which is a massive blow to their frontline, as Tavernier is their second-leading scorer this season with five goals. Besides Tavernier, the Cherries will continue to be without Ben Gannon-Doak, Tyler Adams, Justin Kluivert, and Enes Unal. David Brooks is doubtful to play due to a sprained ankle.
Szoboszlai has been Liverpool’s steadying force
Dominik Szoboszlai has been a standout performer for Liverpool this term, notching six goals and four assists in all competitions. The Hungarian midfielder has been the team’s steady hand amid their injuries and up-and-down form, so much so that he has been tipped as the future Reds captain.
Szoboszlai missed the penalty kick against Burnley in the 1-1 draw, but bounced back with a solid performance against Marseille earlier today in the Champions League. Besides scoring the opening goal before halftime, he also created two wonderful chances for striker Hugo Ekitike.
Meanwhile, Mohamed Salah returned to the starting XI after returning from international duty, but he was pretty quiet at the Stade Velodrome. The Egyptian forward is expected to do better against the Cherries, and will likely join Ekitike and Cody Gakpo in the final third.
History
Liverpool won 4-2 against Bournemouth in the reverse fixture at Anfield last August, as Federico Chiesa and Mohamed Salah scored two late goals to steal three points. Before this, Hugo Ekitike and Cody Gakpo built a two-goal lead, which was erased by Antoine Semenyo’s second-half brace.
The Reds, who are undefeated in their last 10 Premier League matches, have won 12 of their last 13 Premier League matches against the Cherries, with the exception being a 1-0 loss in March 2023. Overall, Bournemouth have conceded 52 goals in their 17 Premier League matches against Liverpool.
Bournemouth have won just one of their last 13 Premier League matches (D6, L6), winning 3-2 against Tottenham earlier this month. Since the start of this run, the Cherries have conceded more goals than any other side (30).
Betting Tip
The Premier League 2026 odds have Liverpool taking maximum points on Saturday at the Vitality Stadium. Liverpool are 1.92 favourites to win, while Bournemouth are pegged to win at 3.39, and a draw is at 3.51 in the 1X2 market. Fans who will watch this match live should expect to get their fair share of Premier League 2026 highlights. We believe Liverpool have enough quality to see this through, which would help in their Top 4 push. Other than our recommended bet, SBOTOP punters may also consider adding Over 2.75 at 1.74, Over 3.00 at 1.98, Over 3.25 at 2.21, and even Total Goal 4-6 at 2.69 if you fancy a high-scoring affair. Moreover, the Correct Score of 4-2 in favour of the Reds – the result of their reverse fixture – is on offer at a staggering 44.00 your bet.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT)
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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