Liverpool travelled to Bournemouth for Saturday’s 5:30pm Premier League kick-off.
The team news was released just over an hour prior to the clash getting underway, and there were a couple of notable decisions made.
Firstly, Andy Robertson was included in the squad against Bournemouth despite talk around a move to Tottenham Hotspur intensifying in the last 24 hours.
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Elsewhere at the back, Ibrahima Konate remains out for personal reasons, and Conor Bradley is a long-term absentee.
Mohamed Salah started his first game since November in the Premier League, joining a front line of Florian Wirtz and Cody Gakpo.
Any surprises for the Bournemouth starting XI?
Joe Gomez pictured in action during Liverpool's Carabao Cup match against Southampton at Anfield (Credit: Getty Images/Liverpool FC).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Liverpool FC
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Why did Cody Gakpo start over Hugo Ekitike vs Bournemouth
When the team news was revealed, fans were no doubt left wondering what caused Arne Slot to make such a change.
Jamie Carragher has defended Slot this week for some of the criticism aimed at the manager on social media.
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Some things said on social media, of course, go too far and are wholly unacceptable, but general criticism of both Liverpool and the manager this season does make some sense.
The Reds have been out of the title race for some time, and even though they have not lost since November, performances have largely been poor.
A 3-0 win over Marseille in midweek looked to be a turning point, and there was a strong feeling of optimism going into this clash.
But then Slot decided to drop Hugo Ekitike – Liverpool’s top scorer and most consistent summer signing across 2025/26 – for Gakpo.
Slot is backing Liverpool for a top-four finish. Where do you think the Reds will end 25/26?
Slot predicted Liverpool will earn Champions League football in his pre-Bournemouth press conference!
Arne Slot prior to Liverpool v Leeds United - Premier League
Credit: Liverpool FC/Getty Images
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Firstly, while he can play there, the Dutchman’s more natural position is the left-wing spot.
Secondly, Liverpool fans have questioned Gakpo several times this season for how he’s been playing, constantly cutting inside and shooting rather than trying to find his teammates.
There is a growing feeling that Slot favours the ex-PSV man over other players, and it’s easy to see why after the Bournemouth team news was released.
This fixture was the perfect chance for Liverpool to start building some momentum and put in another good display after the midweek triumph, but Slot will have instantly annoyed much of the fanbase by putting Ekitike on the bench for Gakpo.
The Liverpool manager has no real reason to do this, and it shows exactly why many supporters have grown tired of the 47-year-old this season.
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