Our Liverpool FC writers Paul Gorst and Ian Doyle select their line-ups for this evening's Premier League clash away to Bournemouth
MARSEILLE, FRANCE - JANUARY 21: Alexis Mac Allister of Liverpool FC during the UEFA Champions League match between Olympique Marseille v Liverpool at the Stade Vélodrome on January 21, 2026 in Marseille France (Photo by Eric Verhoeven/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Alexis Mac Allister pictured ahead of Liverpool's Champions League win in Marseille in midweek (Image: Verhoeven/Soccrates/Getty Images)
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Liverpool will look to end a run of four straight draws in the Premier League when they take on Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium this evening (5.30pm). The defending champions haven't won in the top flight since their 2-1 triumph at home to Wolves on December 27.
But after last Saturday's disappointing stalemate with Burnley at a frustrated Anfield, the Reds responded in midweek with an impressive 3-0 win at Marseille in the Champions League.
A similar performance today would surely warrant three precious points in the fight for a top-four finish against a Bournemouth side who, while very dangerous on their day, have won just one of their last 14 matches in all competitions.
So does Arne Slot stick with the same team that swept aside Marseille? Or does he freshen it up? Our Liverpool writers have their say...
Paul Gorst
Another impressive Champions League showing from Liverpool this week but the real quiz is the Premier League, where they are looking to end a run of four draws when they are entertained by Bournemouth today.
It's been a pretty ordinary few weeks for Arne Slot and his players in the league but they do arrive at the Vitaliy on a 13-game unbeaten sequence and in the driving seat for the fourth Champions League spot in the table.
Having said that, it looks like centre-backs will be few and far between in the match-day squad. With Ibrahima Konate still taking some compassionate leave to be with his family in France following the passing of his father, Joe Gomez starts alongside Virgil van Dijk once more. Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong keep their places at left and right-back respectively.
Wataru Endo can be on the bench for the 'break-glass' option at centre-half.
In midfield, just to keep things fresh, I am recalling Curtis Jones and subbing out Alexis Mac Allister, who had a good game at Marseille on Wednesday night. Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai make up the rest of the engine room.
Up top, it's another start for Mohamed Salah, Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz. Cody Gakpo can wait in the wings if needed.
I like elements of Liverpool's 4-2-2-2 the other night, so I suspect Slot will keep things largely as they were on the south coast.
My team (4-3-3): Alisson; Frimpong, Gomez, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Jones, Szoboszlai; Salah, Ekitike, Wirtz.
Ian Doyle
Another day, another South Coast examination. But while in midweek it was France, this time it's back in England where Liverpool will be put to the test.
Bournemouth have won only one of their last 14 games but always put up a strong fight and won their last home game against Tottenham Hotspur. What, then, is Reds boss Arne Slot to do?
While it is tempting to say same again, a little rotation could go a long way here. Not in goal, though, as that's Alisson Becker. And the rest of the rearguard remains the same, with Joe Gomez partnering skipper Virgil van Dijk at centre-back while Milos Kerkez is left-back and Jeremie Frimpong right-back.
There can, however, be a change in midfield, where Curtis Jones comes in alongside Ryan Gravenberch at the base. Dominik Szoboszlai is the number 10.
And reverting to 4-2-3-1 sees Hugo Ekitike down the middle with Florian Wirtz out left and Mohamed Salah on the other flank.
My team (4-3-3): Alisson; Frimpong, Gomez, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Jones, Szoboszlai; Salah, Ekitike, Wirtz.