Divock Origi tweets his excitement ahead of potential Anfield debut
They trained well last night and obviously we’re looking forward to the game on Monday.
Without wishing to be rude, the south coast outfit will be favourites to go straight back down to the Championship this season, so Monday’s game will be another indication of how Liverpool will fare. If Callum Wilson can shoulder a lot of the goal scoring burden by getting into double figures for his side, their chances of safety are much greater than they if he continues to miss chances like last week.
Was Eddie Howe right to stick with players who helped his side gain promotion? Bournemouth also made the biggest signing in the history of the club, adding Tyrone Mings from Ipswich Town for £8 million.
Despite their good relationship Howe explained that was something for which he has little sympathy, but while the wisdom of the recent recruitment of Christian Benteke, Roberto Firmino and others has been a source of further criticism, Howe believes that they will prove stronger than anything Rodgers has had before. The Reds started their road campaign with a victory and will expect to do the same at home.
Liverpool youngster Divock Origi has taken to social networking site Twitter to express his excitement at the prospect of making his home debut for the club.
Defender Joe Gomez has impressed Rodgers since arriving in the summer.
Liverpool will be without Jon Flanagan and Daniel Sturridge who remain long-term absentees.
Howe, meanwhile, has a number of decisions to make – with several players available to make their first contributions since signing during the summer. Midfielder Harry Arter however, will miss the trip to Liverpool. Shaun MacDonald may have recovered from a toe injury to play some part. Bournemouth’s Goldsands Stadium awaits.
Overall: Liverpool – four wins/Draws – two/Bournemouth – 0 wins.
In midfield, Emre Can is pushing for a start after his impressive second half cameo as an impact substitute against Stoke, but with Jordan Henderson and James Milner nailed on starters, Rodgers may have to consider a change of shape in order for the German to play from the beginning. They have lost to Liverpool in two cup matches in recent years, both at Dean Court – or the Vitality Stadium, as sponsors permit us to call it these days.
It’s not just Brendan Rodgers who’s been talking to the press ahead of Monday night’s game. Liverpool came through a very tough opening day visit to the Britannia with 3 points and a cleansheet.
He did come under criticism from Sunderland manager Gus Poyet in January, after he showed red to Liam Bridcutt in the Reds’ 1-0 away win.