Bournemouth v Liverpool: Another away roller coaster for Reds

Paul Robinson
16 December 2017

Jurgen Klopp will be hoping his forwards will be more on the ball against Bournemouth

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All eyes will be on Jurgen Klopp's team selection on the South Coast this Sunday, but whoever he picks, Paul Robinson thinks that there will be goals...

"Three of those wins have come from their last three on their travels and they racked up a dozen goals in the process."

Back Liverpool and BTTS @ 3.185/40

Bournemouth v Liverpool
Sunday 17 December, 16:30 GMT
Live on Sky Sports Football

Bournemouth flirting with danger

The Cherries appeared to be ripe for the picking at Old Trafford on Wednesday evening but they actually put up a decent fight and were only beaten 1-0 in the end.

Nevertheless, that result still extends their winless run to five matches and while three of them were draws, they didn't face the toughest of schedules during that period.

It will be interesting to see if Jermain Defoe returns to the starting line-up as after his brace against Crystal Palace last weekend, he was dropped to the bench against United. I appreciate that Eddie Howe will be aware that Defoe is no spring chicken, but it did appear to be a strange move on Wednesday, given the striker's return to form.

This is the first of a tricky three match run for Bournemouth as they have to travel to Chelsea and Manchester City, before a home fixture on Boxing Day against West Ham. They are 14th in the table, but with just a two point cushion between themselves and the relegation zone, they could find themselves in a spot of bother come the new year.

Reds need to bounce back from Anfield disappointment

Jurgen Klopp restored his 'Fab Four' to the starting XI against West Brom on Wednesday, but there was nothing fab about them as they could only draw 0-0 with West Brom at Anfield.

I personally feel that Klopp was unfairly criticised for his selection against Everton last weekend as the players he picked completely dominated The Toffees and it was just their wastefulness in front of goal that cost them - before the obligatory individual defensive error of course.

The Reds find themselves out of the top four ahead of this trip to the South Coast and it wouldn't surprise me if the manager changed his team once again. Sadio Mane could be one of the bigger names most at risk as he has been below par of late and Liverpool have plenty of depth in his position.

Liverpool win likely with goals at both ends

The away win is the clear market leader at 1.558/15 as The Reds look to complete their fifth victory of the campaign away from Anfield. Three of those wins have come from their last three on their travels and they racked up a dozen goals in the process.

It wouldn't be a shock at all if Liverpool picked up another impressive victory at The Vitality Stadium on Sunday but they will have to do it without the suspended Emre Can.

On the other hand my jaw wouldn't exactly hit the floor if Bournemouth won, rewarding anyone who backs them at 7.06/1. The draw is available at 4.77/2.

Eddie Howe's side have a pretty poor record at home this season as they have won just two of eight, drawn the same and lost the other four. Watford, Man City, Chelsea and Burnley have all won on this ground and last time out they failed to beat Southampton.

One market I would keep an eye on is the Match Odds and Both Teams to Score. On the Sportsbook The Reds are available to back at 15/8 for this, and that would appear to be a bit of value as they have kept just one clean sheet away from Anfield this year and just the straight win is down at the 1.558/15 mark. If you can pick up a bit of 3.185/40 on the Exchange - which I'm sure you will nearer kick off - I'd have a piece of that.

Attack to topple defence

The Over/Under 2.5 Market is as expected with Over 2.5 trading at around the 1.68/13 mark and Under 2.5 at 2.447/5.

The stats are indeed pointing towards the former as seven of Liverpool's eight on their travels this year have had at least three goals, with scorelines such as 1-5, 1-4, 4-1, 2-3, 5-0 and 3-3 included.

Things haven't been exciting in Bournemouth but four of their eight have still seen Over 2.5 backers collect. It's also hard to forget this fixture last year when the hosts came from 3-1 down after 75mins to win 4-3 - even harder for me as I'd backed a scorecast of Liverpool to win 3-1 and Mane to net first.

I don't want to be backing at 1.68/13 though, not when I can have Over 4.5 Goals at 4.57/2. That's a much tastier proposition and if we get another 'classic' Liverpool away performance, it's certainly a bit of value.

Ref Watch

Andre Marriner disappointed me during the week as he failed to show a single card in the Huddersfield v Chelsea match. I fancied a few bookings in that one, especially as Chelsea were involved, and Marriner had been in charge for a couple of card-fests recently.

I don't expect a particularly dirty game here, but Marriner's stats are quite erratic, so I'm going to suggest that all card/bookings markets are avoided.

Recommended Bets
Back Liverpool and BTTS @ 3.185/40
Back Over 4.5 Goals @ 4.57/2

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2017/18 P/L (1pt each bet)

Wagered: 34pts
Returned: 48.28pts
P/L: +14.28pts

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