Liverpool will journey to Bournemouth this weekend feeling well-rested, however the Cherries have the potential to repeat their 1-0 win on the south coast final season.
The Reds could have had a 10-day break by the point Sunday’s sport rolls round, permitting Jurgen Klopp and his gamers to refresh forward of the title run-in.
The weekend journey to the Vitality Stadium might have seemed simpler on paper earlier within the season, however Andoni Iraola’s facet have seemed spectacular of late, sitting twelfth within the desk.
Forward of kickoff, TIA’s Henry Jackson spoke to Tom Jordan (@TomJordan21), Bournemouth fan and co-host of Again of the Internet podcast, to debate Sunday’s match, the important thing battles and much more.
How pleased are you with Bournemouth’s season to date?
Very pleased! After a tough begin, Bournemouth have tailored to their new model effectively and are beginning to reap the rewards.
Remaining within the Premier League is at all times our minimal expectation, however we’re beginning to consider we are able to surpass that comparatively comfortably.
What have been the principle causes in your success below Iraola?
We’re are lastly enjoying in a means that fits the attributes of our squad.
In earlier seasons, we have now tried to comprise sides, sit deep and nearly pay our opponents an excessive amount of respect, however below Andoni Iraola, we’re much more entrance foot.
We’re utilizing our offensive expertise to harm the opposition and it’s way more thrilling to observe, with the outcomes now justifying that model of play.
Who has shone and struggled for Bournemouth this season?
We’ll come onto Dominic Solanke, who has clearly flourished below the brand new gaffer, however a shoutout to Ryan Christie, who’s a very completely different beast this season.
Typically utilised from a large place previously, Christie has usually flattered to deceive, however now enjoying in a deeper central function, he has change into invaluable to the way in which we play.
All motion, vitality to burn, he’s making us tick from that space of the pitch.
In distinction, I must say David Brooks is struggling at present. He has undoubted high quality, however he’s discovering it powerful to adapt to his function in the way in which Iraola desires us to play.
For that purpose, a mortgage transfer might effectively be across the nook.
Simply how good has ex-Liverpool man Solanke change into?
Solely time will inform if Liverpool made the appropriate name, as a result of it’s a special degree competing for titles, however right here at Bournemouth, we’re over the moon to have him main our line.
All the time a favorite right here and by no means doubted his high quality and software for the workforce, the one query mark was would he rating sufficient objectives?
He’s definitely answering that now.
It goes again to the change of fashion – Solanke is now in a position to keep additional ahead and has gamers round him who will create possibilities he can get on the top of.
Beforehand, he was extremely remoted.
What’s one factor you’d change at Bournemouth?
It’s a problem to wish to change an excessive amount of to how we’re enjoying at present, however off the pitch, a brand new stadium is crucial to the membership’s progress.
Thankfully, it’s taking place, so we could have a stadium of round 20,000 capability in a couple of years time, which is thrilling.
How do you assess Liverpool’s title possibilities?
Liverpool have a cracking probability of successful the Premier League title, in my view.
I might nonetheless make Man Metropolis favourites with the return of Kevin De Bruyne, however the Reds have proven their high quality, regardless of having not fairly hit their ranges simply but for me.
I believe it is going to be contact and go till the top of the season.
The place will the important thing battles happen on Sunday?
I believe broad areas on either side can be key this weekend.
Liverpool are more likely to be with out each first-choice full-backs, and Bournemouth are probably nonetheless with out our left-back.
Who exploits these fragilities might come out on prime.
Lastly, give us your prediction…
My head says Liverpool can be that bit too robust for us, however my coronary heart believes we are able to nick one thing. All the time comply with your coronary heart.
I’ll go for an thrilling 2-2 draw.
