Liverpool team news vs Bournemouth: Key man left out as Slot makes Gakpo and Nunez calls

After securing their spot in the Champions League knockout rounds, the Dutch manager was able to rest most of his regular starters, while their substitutes suffered a 3-2 defeat away at PSV.

Returning to Premier League action, Slot is expected to make several changes for their match against a Bournemouth side in good form, who have managed to cope with the injury absences of strikers Evanilson and Enes Unal.

Here, Express Sport provides a look at the likely Liverpool lineup to face Bournemouth on Saturday.

Liverpool predicted XI to face Bournemouth (4-3-3)

Goalkeeper: Alisson

Though Caoimhin Kelleher is one of the best backups in world football, Alisson remains the undisputed number one at Anfield and will return to the starting lineup after Kelleher had a rare start in Europe.

Liverpool FC v LOSC Lille – UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Group Stage MD7

Alisson is set to return to goal. (Image: Getty)

Defence: Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson

Andy Robertson is the only player from the back four that started against PSV who will feature here, although he will shift away from the center-back role he was filling.

Robertson was substituted after an hour against PSV, while Kostas Tsimikas played the full 90 minutes, possibly signaling which left-back will be selected to handle a Bournemouth attack that has scored 16 goals in their last four matches.

Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk will rejoin Ibrahima Konate to form a familiar and strong defensive line.

Midfield: Szoboszlai, Gravenberch, Mac Allister

Bournemouth has made it clear they’re unafraid to take on the Premier League’s “Big Six,” so Liverpool’s midfield will need to be at its best to take something from the match at the Vitality Stadium.

Slot will likely return to his preferred midfield trio of Dominic Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch, and Alexis Mac Allister, despite Curtis Jones being available once more.

Liverpool FC v Ipswich Town FC – Premier League

Dominic Szoboszlai will be crucial in handling Bournemouth’s midfield. (Image: Getty)

Attack: Salah, Nunez, Diaz

Darwin Nunez likely would have started against PSV had he not been sidelined by illness.

Both Nunez and Diogo Jota returned to training on Friday and are expected to feature against Bournemouth.

Cody Gakpo was given another start in the Netherlands on Wednesday and, although substituted after 52 minutes, might make way for Nunez to start and allow Gakpo to rest ahead of a packed fixture schedule.

Bournemouth’s aggressive out-of-possession style could provide an opportunity for more direct play from Liverpool, where Nunez could excel and show that he has a future in the team under Slot.