Bournemouth beat Real Sociedad 2-1 in their first-ever European tie on Thursday night, but now face a new challenge with a 64-hour turnaround for Liverpool.
Liverpool’s next opponents warmed up for their visit with an historic European debut, with Bournemouth travelling to San Sebastian to face Real Sociedad.
Marco Rose named an unchanged side from the 2-2 draw with Brentford at the weekend and saw goals from Justin Kluivert and Rayan within the first 20 minutes.
Bournemouth held on as Sociedad took momentum for most of the second half and reduced the deficit through Sergio Gomez, and were able to secure all three points in the Europa League.
The full-time whistle blew around 10pm UK time and the Cherries are now recovering after flying back ahead of a 2pm kickoff against Liverpool on Sunday.
While Bournemouth have played a two-game-a-week schedule before, they have never before contended with the pressures of balancing a squad in the Premier League and Europe.
And Rose is now tasked with preparing a side to face an improving Liverpool having only used 12 players as regular starters this season so far.
Bournemouth vs. Real Sociedad: Petrovic; Smith (Diakite 63′), Hill, Silva, Truffert; Rayan (Gannon-Doak 71′), Scott, Adams (Christie 63′), Tavernier; Kluivert (Brooks 83′), Evanilson (Rodriguez 71′)
The only position he has rotated in league and Europe so far is one of his two midfielders, with Tyler Adams and Lewis Cook sharing the minutes alongside Alex Scott.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Tuesday, February 10, 2026: Bournemouth's Rayan Vitor Simplício Rocha celebrates after scoring his side's first and equalising goal during the FA Premier League match between Everton FC and Bournemouth AFC at Bramley-Moore Dock. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Tuesday, February 10, 2026: Bournemouth's Rayan Vitor Simplício Rocha celebrates after scoring his side's first and equalising goal during the FA Premier League match between Everton FC and Bournemouth AFC at Bramley-Moore Dock. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
His remaining choices have been consistent: Djordje Petrovic in goal, a back four of Adam Smith, James Hill, Antonio Silva and Adrien Truffert, Scott with one of Adams or Cook in midfield and Rayan, Kluivert and Marcus Tavernier supporting Evanilson.
Whether that changes after Bournemouth’s first foray into Europe remains to be seen, but it seems unlikely given the opposition for Sunday.
Midfielder Ryan Christie, wingers David Brooks and Ben Gannon-Doak, striker Alvaro Rodriguez and defender Bafode Diakite have been the usual options from the bench.
Ben Gannon-Doak could be an option vs. Liverpool
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - Friday, March 20, 2026: Bournemouth's Ben Doak during the FA Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Manchester United FC at Dean Court. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - Friday, March 20, 2026: Bournemouth's Ben Doak during the FA Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Manchester United FC at Dean Court. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
It could be that Gannon-Doak comes in against his former club but the chances are he will remain in his role as an impact substitute.
Liverpool, meanwhile, will have had four clear days between their midweek tie and their trip to Dean Court.
Iraola made 10 changes for the 3-1 Carabao Cup win over Tottenham, including starts for Trey Nyoni, James McConnell and Lewis Koumas.
The expectation is that his key players will be restored against Bournemouth and hopefully Liverpool will benefit from their rest period when compared to their weekend opponents.
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