Bournemouth vs Liverpool Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, Saturday, 24 January

Bournemouth will face Liverpool in a highly anticipated Premier League clash at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday, 24 January. The match is set to kick off at 18:30, with both teams eager to secure valuable points in the league standings. The phrase ‘Bournemouth vs Liverpool Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips’ highlights the significance of this encounter, as Bournemouth look to leverage their home advantage against a formidable Liverpool side.

Liverpool, renowned for their attacking prowess, will aim to dominate possession and break down Bournemouth’s defence. Meanwhile, Bournemouth will focus on capitalising on counter-attacking opportunities to surprise their opponents. The atmosphere at the Vitality Stadium is expected to be electric, with fans eagerly anticipating how these two teams will match up. This fixture is crucial for both sides as they strive to improve their positions in the Premier League table.

Bournemouth vs Liverpool Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
More than 2.5 goals in the first half	5.5

Examining the statistics and current form, there is clear potential for a high-scoring match. Bournemouth’s tendency to play openly at home and Liverpool’s aggressive attacking approach suggest an eventful first half. Therefore, our recommended betting tip is Over 2.5 goals in the first half.

• Liverpool have scored in 82% of their away matches this season, demonstrating their attacking strength.
• Bournemouth’s aggressive starts often leave them vulnerable at the back, leading to early goals.
• Both teams have shown defensive vulnerabilities early in matches, increasing the likelihood of a high-scoring first half.

Betting Odds

Liverpool travel to the Vitality Stadium as favourites, with odds of 1.89 reflecting their strong position. Bournemouth, however, should not be underestimated at 3.72, especially with home advantage potentially playing a crucial role.

Betting Tip	Odds
Bournemouth to win	3.72
Draw	3.89
Liverpool to win	1.89

The draw is priced at 3.89, suggesting a competitive encounter. For those interested in the goals market, considering Liverpool’s attacking prowess, the over 2.5 goals market could be worth considering.

Bournemouth Analysis & Recent Performance

Bournemouth’s recent form has been mixed, with their last five matches yielding one win, two draws, and two losses. Their sole victory came in an impressive 3-2 triumph over Tottenham, showcasing their ability to compete against top-tier teams. However, they have struggled to maintain consistency, as seen in defeats to Arsenal and a penalty shootout loss to Newcastle in the FA Cup.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Brighton	Bournemouth	1 – 1 (Draw)	Premier League	19 Jan 2026
Newcastle	Bournemouth	N/A	FA Cup	10 Jan 2026
Bournemouth	Tottenham	3 – 2 (Win)	Premier League	7 Jan 2026
Bournemouth	Arsenal	2 – 3 (Loss)	Premier League	3 Jan 2026
Chelsea	Bournemouth	2 – 2 (Draw)	Premier League	30 Dec 2025

Recent Form:
In attack, Bournemouth have shown promise, scoring an average of 1.80 goals per match in their last five encounters. Eli Junior Kroupi has been a standout performer, leading as their top scorer with seven goals this season. Despite their offensive efforts, Bournemouth’s defence remains a concern, conceding an average of 2.40 goals in the same period, and they have yet to keep a clean sheet in their last five games.

Team Statistics:

• DLWLD

Bournemouth currently sit 15th in the league with 27 points. They have won 20% of their matches at home, giving them a slight edge at the Vitality Stadium. However, their inability to secure clean sheets and a high frequency of both teams scoring (100% in recent matches) highlight defensive vulnerabilities. Maintaining possession has also been problematic, as shown by their 34% possession in the recent draw against Brighton.

Bournemouth Suspensions & Injuries

Bournemouth face significant challenges with several key players unavailable due to injury. The absence of Justin Kluivert, out until mid-April 2026 following knee surgery, is a major blow, as his dynamic wing play has been crucial in previous matches. Tyler Adams and Ben Doak, both sidelined until late February 2026, further limit Bournemouth’s midfield options, potentially forcing Andoni Iraola to rely heavily on younger talents such as Alex Scott and Eli Junior Kroupi.

Enes Ünal’s muscle injury, with a return expected in early February 2026, leaves Bournemouth light in attack, placing additional pressure on Evanilson to deliver goals. David Brooks, recovering from an ankle injury and expected back by late January 2026, should hopefully bolster the squad soon. The absence of these players necessitates tactical adjustments, possibly resulting in a more conservative approach to maintain balance.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Matai Akinmboni	Muscle strain	Unknown
Ben Doak	Hamstring strain	Late February 2026
Tyler Adams	Knock	Late February 2026
Will Dennis	Ankle sprain	Late March 2026
Justin Kluivert	Knee operation	Mid April 2026
Enes Ünal	Muscle strain	Early February 2026
David Brooks	Ankle sprain	Late January 2026

With no suspensions affecting the squad, Bournemouth can at least count on the rest of their starting lineup for consistency. The squad’s depth will be tested, but reliance on a solid defensive setup with Marcos Senesi and Bafodé Diakité becomes crucial. Betting markets may view this injury list as a disadvantage for Bournemouth, potentially affecting the odds against a strong Liverpool side.

Bournemouth Key Players

Bournemouth’s attacking threat is led by their top scorer, Eli Junior Kroupi, who has scored 7 goals this season. Kroupi is a dynamic presence in midfield, capable of breaking down defences with his dribbling and precise finishing. His ability to link up with forward Evanilson could be pivotal against Liverpool’s backline. Evanilson, as the lone striker, will look to capitalise on Kroupi’s creativity and provide the crucial finishing touch.

In midfield, Lewis Cook and Alex Scott play crucial roles. Cook’s vision and passing range help orchestrate Bournemouth’s play, while Scott’s energy and ball-winning abilities provide a solid platform for launching attacks. Defensively, Bafodé Diakité and Marcos Senesi form the backbone of the team, tasked with containing Liverpool’s formidable attack. Diakité’s tackling and Senesi’s aerial prowess are key components of Bournemouth’s defensive strategy.

Expected lineup for Bournemouth:

• Goalkeeper: Djordje Petrovic
• Defence: James Hill, Bafodé Diakité, Marcos Senesi, Adrien Truffert
• Midfield: Lewis Cook, Alex Scott, Alex Jiménez, Eli Junior Kroupi, Amine Adli
• Forward: Evanilson

Bournemouth Tactics and Formation

Bournemouth Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Evanilson
• Midfield Pivot: Lewis Cook and Alex Scott
• Defensive Strength: Struggled defensively with no clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Emphasises quick transitions and exploiting width through wingers.

Bournemouth’s 4-2-3-1 formation is designed to provide balance between defence and attack. With Lewis Cook and Alex Scott in the midfield pivot, they focus on breaking up opposition play and launching quick counterattacks. Amine Adli and Eli Junior Kroupi offer width and pace on the wings, supporting Evanilson as the central striker.

Defensively, the back four consists of James Hill, Bafodé Diakité, Marcos Senesi, and Adrien Truffert. Despite their efforts, Bournemouth have struggled to maintain defensive solidity, failing to keep a clean sheet in recent matches. This highlights a vulnerability that Liverpool could exploit.

Offensively, Bournemouth rely heavily on rapid transitions and exploiting the flanks. Eli Junior Kroupi, their top scorer, plays a crucial role in converting chances, which will be vital against a formidable Liverpool defence.

Liverpool Analysis & Recent Performance

Liverpool’s recent form has been impressive, with the team maintaining an unbeaten streak in their last five matches across all competitions. They secured two victories, including a dominant 3-0 win against Marseille in the Champions League, along with three draws, showcasing their defensive solidity and ability to grind out results.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Marseille	Liverpool	0 – 3 (Win)	Champions League	21 Jan 2026
Liverpool	Burnley	1 – 1 (Draw)	Premier League	17 Jan 2026
Liverpool	Barnsley	4 – 1 (Win)	FA Cup	12 Jan 2026
Arsenal	Liverpool	0 – 0 (Draw)	Premier League	8 Jan 2026
Fulham	Liverpool	2 – 2 (Draw)	Premier League	4 Jan 2026

Recent Form:
Liverpool have demonstrated balanced performances, averaging 2.00 goals scored per game while conceding only 0.80 goals on average in their last five fixtures. Their defensive efforts have resulted in two clean sheets, reflecting a strong backline. Away from home, Liverpool have been particularly effective, with a win ratio of 0.60, having won three out of their last five away games. This suggests a team well equipped to handle the pressures of playing on the road.

In attack, Hugo Ekitike stands out as a key player, contributing significantly with 8 goals this season. Liverpool’s ability to control possession and create numerous chances—highlighted by their 32 shots against Burnley—demonstrates their offensive capabilities. However, the team have also shown vulnerabilities, particularly in conceding goals from set-pieces, as evidenced by the seven corners conceded against Marseille.

• WDWDD

Liverpool Suspensions & Injuries

Liverpool head into their match against Bournemouth with a few key absences due to injury. Joel Matip’s season-ending cruciate ligament injury is a significant blow to their defensive options. With Conor Bradley also out for the season, Liverpool’s defensive depth is notably impacted. Stefan Bajcetic, expected back by late January, leaves a gap in midfield that Ryan Gravenberch will need to fill effectively. The absence of Alexander Isak due to a broken leg until late April leaves Liverpool reliant on Hugo Ekitike to lead the line.

The unavailability of these players may prompt tactical adjustments from coach Arne Slot. With a 4-2-3-1 formation, the team will likely focus on utilising their available attacking talents such as Mohamed Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai to compensate for defensive losses. The midfield combination of Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister will be crucial in maintaining balance and supporting both defence and attack.

The injuries to Matip and Bradley could influence betting markets, as Liverpool’s defensive solidity might be perceived as weakened. However, with a strong attacking lineup, they remain formidable opponents.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Joel Matip	Cruciate ligament injury	Out for season
Stefan Bajcetic	Hamstring injury	Late January 2026
Giovanni Leoni	Cruciate ligament injury	Early August 2026
Jayden Danns	Hamstring injury	Unknown
Alexander Isak	Broken leg	Late April 2026
Conor Bradley	Knee injury	Out for season

Liverpool Key Players

Leading the line for Liverpool is Hugo Ekitike, the team’s top scorer with 8 goals this season. Ekitike’s clinical finishing and ability to find space in the box make him a constant threat to opposition defences. His presence at the forefront of Liverpool’s attack is pivotal, especially given his knack for scoring crucial goals in tight matches.

In midfield, Mohamed Salah remains an influential figure, often operating from a wide position but cutting inside to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. Alongside him, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai provide a blend of creativity and work rate, ensuring Liverpool maintain control in the middle of the park. Defensively, Virgil van Dijk’s leadership and aerial prowess are essential for organising the backline, particularly against set pieces.

Expected lineup for Liverpool

• Goalkeeper: Alisson Becker
• Defence: Jeremie Frimpong, Ibrahima Konaté, Virgil van Dijk, Milos Kerkez
• Midfield: Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, Mohamed Salah, Dominik Szoboszlai, Florian Wirtz
• Forward: Hugo Ekitike

Liverpool’s tactical approach is heavily influenced by these key players, with the team’s fluid attacking style relying on the interplay between Ekitike and the midfield trio. The defensive solidity provided by van Dijk allows the full-backs, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez, to push forward, adding width and depth to Liverpool’s offensive efforts. This strategic balance and the individual brilliance of these players make Liverpool a formidable opponent.

Liverpool Tactics and Formation

Liverpool Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Hugo Ekitike
• Midfield Pivot: Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister
• Defensive Strength: Five clean sheets in the last ten games
• Notable Strategy: Exploiting wide areas and high pressing game.

Liverpool’s 4-2-3-1 formation under Arne Slot optimises both their attacking dynamism and defensive solidity. The midfield pivot of Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister provides a blend of defensive resilience and creative playmaking, crucial for maintaining possession and dictating the game’s tempo. The advanced midfielders, including Mohamed Salah and Florian Wirtz, are pivotal in breaking down defences with their pace and dribbling skills.

Defensively, Liverpool rely on the experienced Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté at the heart of defence, supported by full-backs Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez, who add width in attack. This setup has contributed to Liverpool achieving five clean sheets in their last ten matches, highlighting their defensive stability.

Offensively, Liverpool excel in pressing high and exploiting wide areas, particularly through Salah on the right flank. Hugo Ekitike, as the central striker, plays a vital role in finishing chances created by the midfield and wingers, contributing to their impressive goal-scoring record.

Bournemouth vs Liverpool Head-to-Head Record

The head-to-head record between Bournemouth and Liverpool is heavily tilted in Liverpool’s favour, with 18 wins out of 21 encounters. Bournemouth have managed just 2 wins, with a solitary draw. The last time these two met, Liverpool secured a 4-2 victory at Anfield in the Premier League.

The last Premier League meeting at the Vitality Stadium saw Liverpool triumph 2-0 in February 2025. Bournemouth have struggled to contain Liverpool’s attacking prowess, as evidenced by the 60 goals Liverpool have scored against them in total.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Liverpool	AFC Bournemouth	4 – 2	Premier League	2025-08-15
AFC Bournemouth	Liverpool	0 – 2	Premier League	2025-02-01
Liverpool	AFC Bournemouth	3 – 0	Premier League	2024-09-21
AFC Bournemouth	Liverpool	0 – 4	Premier League	2024-01-21
AFC Bournemouth	Liverpool	1 – 2	EFL Cup	2023-11-01