Liverpool FC v AFC Bournemouth – Match preview
Following last week’s slaying of the ghost of seasons past, Liverpool welcome AFC Bournemouth to Anfield for the first home fixture of this 2015/16 season. This is a match many would expect the hosts to win and win easily but Eddie Howe’s outfit should not be underestimated.
Johnny Weissmuller the American Olympic swimmer – or Tarzan as I remember him growing up, said: With but few exceptions, it is the underdog who wins through sheer willpower. This expression speaks for itself. Come tomorrow night, Liverpool’s willpower must be greater than that of Bournemouth’s as an upset can easily happen. Brendan Rodgers needs to maintain that same mentality that served the side against Stoke, into this match.
In view of the performance against Stoke, it’s fair to say the starting line up should remain. However, having said that there are two factors to take into account: firstly, Liverpool are playing at home. Thus I don’t see the need for as cautious a formation as the 4-2-3-1 we saw deployed against Mark Hughes’ side. Secondly, the opposition won’t be set up in the same way as the last. That’s to say the physicality of the visitors will not be such an issue. Howe’s team are renowned for their purest approach and I don’t see this changing against Liverpool. In light of these two factors, I believe there will be one or two changes.
For me, Adam Lallana disappointed in the last match not for the first time. I find the ex-Southampton front man is not imposing himself in games and against Stoke, he totally disappeared at times. Because of this, I’d prefer Rodgers started with a 4-3-3 structure which would allow for a front three of Philippe Coutinho and Jordan Ibe either side of Christian Benteke. One could argue that against supposed “lesser” opposition perhaps Lallana would excel but I don’t think concessions should be made so early in the Premiership season with so much at stake.
Form should dictate the selection and for this reason, Emre Can should take Lallana’s place, stationed in behind Jordan Henderson and James Milner. Because we can expect a more open game against Bournemouth, this should allow for more attacking movement between the two advanced midfielders. Can in a withdrawn role proved to be a success against Stoke and I believe it will be even more so tomorrow. Behind this trio, I don’t see any change in the defense even though I remain unconvinced with Dejan Lovren.
Yes, he had a good game against Stoke, probably his best yet but for me the jury remains out. Yes play him, give him a run in the team, just beware of the consequences. Rodgers is developing a dangerous habit of sticking with his “Brendan Buys” even when there are better options around, as in Mamadou Sakho. The latter being the more appropriate foil for Martin Skrtel. I’m hoping I’ll be proved wrong and the Frenchman will get the nod after his time off for Parental Leave. Recent reports of a departure to Roma on loan however, do not bode well. Thus a likely back line of Nathaniel Clyne, Skrtel, Lovren and young Joe Gomez.
In terms of tactics, this will be a game for the purists and possession will be the name of the game. That said, possession does not guarantee results. The priority has got to be the movement around Benteke who will surely be heavily marked. The front line here will ensure a good tactical mix and playing Henderson and Milner in advanced pressing roles should provide for plenty of expression and interchange between the two and the full backs with the wide attackers.
One thing I did notice in Bournemouth’s last game against Aston Villa is that their central defenders were often too far apart when defending crosses – in particular for the goal conceded to Rudy Gestede – and were generally a little a little slow in attacking the ball from set pieces. Whether this is simply them needing to get used to the increased quality of the Premiership perhaps, but this is something Rodgers is sure to have noticed. The need to get direct passes in to the front three will be key.
One word often used by Rodgers in recent weeks is “unpredictability”. This is very interesting. My interpretation of this is that in signing the likes of Benteke and Firmino, the manager is looking to achieve a varied mix of tactical approaches. This variation lends itself to… well… not being predictable. The case where opposition sides cannot determine how the team will play. OK, they may see a 4-3-3 structure, but this in itself doesn’t say much. One can still play long ball football within a 4-3-3- formation, just as well as tiki-taka.
A win would keep Liverpool in the mix at the top of the table and build on the win from last week. Already we’ve seen Arsenal, Chelsea drop points. This would be an ideal chance for the Reds to make some early ground in what is looking already as if it’s going to be a very interesting season indeed.
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