Arne Slot could prove his Liverpool team have finally turned a corner in their Premier League clash with Bournemouth.
The Reds hammered Marseille 3-0 in the Champions League earlier this week, which was arguably one of their best displays across 90 minutes all season.
Whether Liverpool are able to build on that win or it was simply a blip remains to be seen, as the Dutchman generally struggles a lot more in the Premier League this term.
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Will Liverpool get their first Premier League win of 2026 vs Bournemouth?
Federico Chiesa celebrates after scoring for Liverpool in the Premier League against Bournemouth at Anfield (Credit: Getty Images/Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA
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To Slot’s credit, the system change against Marseille worked wonders and is likely a key reason his side were so successful in France.
Not only did it mean Mohamed Salah did not have to defend as much, but it also got the most out of Liverpool’s attack-minded full-backs.
Arne Slot change vs Bournemouth could hamper Milos Kerkez
Jeremie Frimpong forced an own goal from Marseille on the night and is already forming a good understanding with Salah despite their limited time on the pitch together this term.
On the opposite flank, Liverpool fans praised Milos Kerkez for his display, highlighting how much better he has become since first signing.
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Kerkez has proven Alan Shearer wrong and should now be looking to continue that fine form when he returns to his former club this weekend.
However, it would not be surprising to see Slot make a change that negatively impacts the Hungarian.
Kerkez has already explained his upturn in form, highlighting the connection he and Florian Wirtz have formed down the left-hand side.
But as we have seen many teams this season, the addition of Cody Gakpo limits the effectiveness of Liverpool’s left-back.
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Gakpo spends much of his time on the ball, cutting inside and shooting instead of trying to link up with the marauding full-back to whip in a cross.
In turn, it would make sense for Wirtz and Kerkez to continue thriving on the left when Liverpool travel to Bournemouth this weekend.
However, it has become clear that despite fans being frustrated with Gakpo, the Dutchman is one of the manager’s favourites.
Gakpo spent some time out of the eleven this winter due to an injury issue, but after returning to full fitness, he has started the last three Premier League games in a row.
Now, with Salah back as well, it wouldn’t be at all surprising to see a frontline of Gakpo, Hugo Ekitike and the Egyptian deployed on Saturday afternoon.
However, as mentioned, this would likely hinder the impact of Kerkez and also result in Wirtz being dropped or playing in a role where he has been less effective.
There’s no real reason to change the Liverpool eleven this weekend, unless there are unknown injury issues, but fans know how much Slot likes to start Gakpo.
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