Liverpool will be hoping to continue their winning start to the new Premier League season when Bournemouth make the trip to Anfield next Monday.
The Reds claimed all three points in their opening match against Stoke City last weekend thanks to Philippe Coutinho's stunner, but the Cherries started life in the top flight with a narrow defeat to Aston Villa.
Liverpool
© Getty Images
It was largely a season to forget for Liverpool last term and they finished a disappointing sixth place in the league, just months after nearly claiming the title.
Their campaign ended on a desperate low note, as they suffered a humiliating 6-1 defeat at Stoke City, who were their first opponents of the new season last weekend.
They were not fancied by many to go to the Britannia Stadium and pick up all three points, but a late strike from Coutinho just four minutes from the end of time earned them a hard-fought 1-0 victory.
Brendan Rodgers would have been delighted to see his team gain a modicum of revenge for their previous loss to the Potters, and although the Reds were far from their best, they showed a togetherness and an improved resilience at the back.
They have not made any new signings since their trip to Stoke, but a string of recent reports have suggested that they could make a move for Real Madrid midfielder Asier Illarramendi, while many fans are calling for another striker to deputise for Christian Benteke, following Rickie Lambert's recent exit.
Recent form: W
Bournemouth
© Getty Images
There was huge excitement last weekend at a packed Dean Court, as Bournemouth played their first ever match in the Premier League, just seven years after nearly going out of business.
Their rise through the leagues has been nothing short of spectacular, with Eddie Howe completely transforming their fortunes in his two spells in charge.
Due to the way that the Cherries played in the Championship last season on their way to the title, there have been many who believe that the club are capable of proving themselves in the top flight.
However, they were given a harsh lesson on the opening day of the campaign, as a late header from Rudy Gestede saw them slip to a 1-0 defeat against Aston Villa.
They were not overwhelmed by their opponents, but a string of missed chances proved costly and Howe may be wondering if he needs to make any more additions to his squad before the transfer window slams shut at the end of the month.
Following their visit to Anfield things will not get any easier for them, as they are set to travel to West Ham United next weekend, before hosting an in-form Leicester City side just before the international break.
Recent form: L
Team News
© Getty Images
Roberto Firmino could be handed his first start for Liverpool, after coming off the bench in the closing stages last weekend.
However, Daniel Sturridge and Jon Flanagan are still ruled out for the Reds, while Joe Allen is facing three more weeks on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.
Meanwhile, the visitors may give a debut to Max Gradel, who joined the club from Saint Etienne last week.
Sylvain Distin and Tyrone Mings could also come into the side, but Harry Arter is set to miss out again after struggling with a groin problem.
Liverpool possible starting lineup:
Mignolet, Clyne, Skrtel, Sakho, Gomez, Milner, Can, Henderson, Coutinho, Firmino, Benteke
Bournemouth possible starting lineup:
Boruc, Francis, Elphick, Cook, Mings, Ritchie, Gradel, Surman, Gosling, Kermorgant, Wilson
Head To Head
These teams have only played each other six times before, and Bournemouth have never come out on top, having drawn two matches and lost the other four.
Their two most recent meetings have come in the past two seasons, where Liverpool have beaten Bournemouth in the early rounds of the FA Cup and the League Cup.
Video Preview
Hit play below to see what the Sports Mole Sofa had to say about this encounter:
We say: Liverpool 3-1 Bournemouth
The Reds were fortunate to beat Stoke last weekend, but they showed great strength and character which will have given their players a huge boost of confidence. They have plenty of quality in their side, although it will take time for their new signings to gel. Bournemouth are sure to travel to Anfield with hopes of earning a surprise result, but Liverpool should have too much for them, which is why we are backing the Reds to extend their winning start to the season.
Alex Meyers
