Liverpool travel to Bournemouth in the Premier League as the Reds aim to extend the gap to their rivals chasing a top-four finish. Here’s all you need to know.
Bournemouth vs. Liverpool
Premier League (23) | Vitality Stadium
January 24, 2026 | 5.30pm (GMT)
In all competitions, Liverpool have scored at least twice in 16 of the last 17 encounters with Bournemouth, indicating that we can expect goals on the south coast.
Moreover, Andoni Iraola’s tendency not to compromise on his principles of play, and Liverpool beginning to attack with more intent, sets us up for an interesting Saturday evening.
1. Ibrahima Konate is unavailable
While Slot didn’t explicitly say Ibrahima Konate won’t play against Bournemouth, it was quite obvious from his phrasing that the centre-back won’t be involved.
Speaking about the death of Konate’s father, Slot said: “I spoke to him a few times and I think these are private matters and they should stay between us.
“But it’s very obvious that if something like that happens, then the player needs time to be there for his family and also time for himself.”
2. Liverpool team news
As well as Konate, Liverpool could be without Federico Chiesa on the south coast. Alexander Isak, Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni also remain sidelined, with long-term injuries.
Chiesa got injured in the warm-up before Liverpool’s win over Marseille, so the Italian is “50-50” to face Bournemouth.
“There was a recovery session yesterday, so we have to wait and see today,” Slot explained.
“It’s difficult to say if he is available for Bournemouth. We don’t expect him to be out for long, so it would be 50-50 maybe if he is available for tomorrow.
“For the rest, at this moment in time, no one picked up a knock, no one had a problem after the game.”
3. Liverpool predicted XI
When Liverpool return from a European trip, they tend to go back to facing teams that will sit in and keep things tight.
Bournemouth, however, may offer more positivity than some of their fellow bottom-half sides, potentially suiting the Reds.
Therefore we could see an unchanged lineup, with Curtis Jones the main contender to come in if any of Liverpool’s midfielders are in need of a rest.
Alternatively, the Reds could return to a 4-3-3 involving an attacking trio of Mo Salah, Hugo Ekitike and Cody Gakpo.
Possible Liverpool XI: Alisson; Frimpong, Gomez, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister; Salah, Wirtz, Ekitike
4. Bournemouth’s form has taken a dip
While they haven’t quite thrilled audiences like last season when they earned 67 points, their highest top-flight total ever, Bournemouth are still having a solid campaign when you measure the size of the club against their stature in the Premier League.
On November 1, the Cherries were second in the league, having won five of their nine games. Since, they have won one of the last 13, with six draws and six losses.
Iraola’s side have hit a sticky patch, winning just one of their last 14 matches in all competitions. However, despite the lack of points picked up, they have still been scoring goals, notching 14 in their last seven league games.
5. Bournemouth team news
Having lost their most influential player, Antoine Semenyo, Bournemouth haven’t been helped by the mounting injuries with which they are dealing.
Justin Kluivert underwent knee surgery on Thursday, plus former Liverpool winger Ben Gannon-Doak is out with a hamstring issue, as is Marcus Tavernier, and Tyler Adams has torn his MCL.
In addition, David Brooks (ankle) and Will Dennis (ankle) will also miss the match against Liverpool, leaving Iraola with a very young bench.
In more positive news for the Cherries, Enes Unal “could have a chance” of returning, said Iraola, and new midfield signing Alex Toth is “definitely available.”
Possible Bournemouth XI: Petrovic; Smith, Hill, Senesi, Truffert; Scott, Cook; Jimenez, Kroupi, Adli; Evanilson
6. Did you know?
Liverpool have scored fewer league goals (3) in the opening half hour of Premier League games this season than any other team.
They are unbeaten in the last 13 in all competitions (seven wins and six draws). It is currently the longest undefeated run of any team in Europe’s top five leagues.
However, not since November 1980 have the Reds drawn five successive league games, a tally they would match with a sole point on Saturday evening.
7. Bournemouth are “one of the most intense teams”
While Bournemouth have won just one of their last 13 league games, they have still been exciting, and Slot knows all about the threat Iraola’s side will pose.
“I think Bournemouth is one of the most intense teams in the league,” the Dutchman said.
“In every running stat, they are either on top or in the top two, three or four. So you know if you go there, you have to be intense yourself.
“That is a lot to ask from the players because I think we’re the only team that plays in Europe that has two days’ rest, except for the ones that play on Thursday, and that’s not for the first time this season. But also not for the first time this season, we’ve shown that we’re able to do so.”
8. Who is the referee for Bournemouth vs. Liverpool?
The referee for Bournemouth vs. Liverpool is Michael Salisbury from Lancashire.
He will be assisted on the south coast by Marc Perry and Simon Long, with Andrew Kitchen taking on fourth official duties.
Meanwhile, John Brooks will be the video assistant referee, with Simon Bennett on hand to assist.
At 40 years old, Salibsury has taken charge of Liverpool once in the past, when the Reds beat Ipswich 4-1 last season. In each of his last four matches at Bournemouth, the Cherries have lost and failed to score.
9. Follow the match with TIA
Bournemouth vs. Liverpool is live on Sky Sports Premier League with kickoff at 5.30pm (GMT).
TIA’s matchday live blog will be up and running from 4.45pm, with Harry McMullen tasked to keep you entertained and up-to-date.
Come on you Reds!
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