LIVERPOOL'S dismal start to the Premier League season has taken everyone by surprise and they desperately need a win at home to AFC Bournemouth to stop losing further ground in the title race.
Having come close to an unprecedented Quadruple last season, it was expected Jurgen Klopp's men would regroup and make another bid to snatch the crown from Manchester City.
But the disappointment of ending up with just the two domestic cups, allied to a crippling injury list, has seen the Reds stutter in the first three games of the campaign.
Draws with Fulham and Crystal Palace hinted that something wasn't quite right but Liverpool were still expected to get back on track against a Manchester United side that had just been humiliated 4-0 by Brentford.
Our man Mark was one of many who tipped the Anfield men to pile on the pain but it was Klopp's side who ended up on the canvas as Erik Ten Hag's men battled to a deserved 2-1 victory.
That lifted Manchester United above Liverpool in the table and left Klopp's side five points behind champions City already and seven adrift of early pace-setters Arsenal.
They need to start stringing some wins together and it would be a surprise if the first didn't arrive against newly promoted Bournemouth.
The Cherries got off to a flier by beating Aston Villa at home but have since suffered heavy defeats to Manchester City and Arsenal.
Scott Parker rested most of his first team for the midweek League Cup tie with Norwich and it paid off, with his side sneaking past Norwich on penalties after a 2-2 draw.
Now they face another big beast with a trip to Anfield and Parker will be wary of a bite from the wounded animal as the Reds look to sink their teeth back into the title hunt.
How the bookies view it
Despite their struggles so far this season, Liverpool are still red-hot favourites for this one at a best 1/8 with SBK. Bournemouth are as big as 28/1 at Bet365 and even the draw pays 10/1 with William Hill.
Recent head to head
These sides have only met 13 times and Bournemouth have won just once, a thrilling 4-3 triumph on the south coast in 2016. Liverpool have won seven of the eight Anfield meetings, including a 2-1 triumph when the Cherries last came calling (below) in 2020.
Players to watch
Fabio Carvalho made a difference for Liverpool when he came off the bench at Old Trafford and could be handed a start for this one. The former Fulham kid is 17/10 with Unibet for anytime scorer.
Kieffer Moore will be an important out-ball for Bournemouth as they bid to relieve the Anfield pressure. The big striker is also a threat from set-pieces and is 6/1 at Unibet for a goal.
Anything else catch the eye?
Liverpool will fly out of the traps as they bid to banish their Old Trafford demons so I like the look of over 1.5 first half goals at 21/20 with Coral.
Adam Smith has been booked in all three games this season and that makes the Bournemouth stopper the best option for a card at generous odds of 10/3 with Bet365.
Unibet are offering 6/5 on Bournemouth having under 6.5 shots in the game and that also appeals as the same bet came up in their games with Manchester City and Arsenal.
This English Premier League match between Liverpool and AFC Bournemouth will be played on Aug 27, 2022 and kick off at 15:00. Check below for our tipsters best Liverpool vs AFC Bournemouth prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
