Liverpool-Bournemouth Statistical Preview

Team News Liverpool Daniel Sturridge and Jon Flanagan are both sidelined for Brendan Rodgers' side, while Joe Allen is sidelined for three more weeks with a hamstring problem sustained in pre-season. Rodgers has gone with the same starting XI from the side that narrowly beat Stoke City last weekend, which means Roberto Firmino will have to wait before making his full debut. Bournemouth Bournemouth will still be without last season's supporters' player of the season, with Harry Arter still struggling with a groin problem. Howe might be tempted to turn to the experience of summer signing Slyvain Distin for this clash, whereas Tyrone Mings may have to wait before making his Premier League bow. Yann Kermorgant will return in place of Joshua King and Howe could hand a full debut to Max Gradel, who showed signs of things to come when he came on in their defeat to Aston Villa at the weekend. Lee Tomlin may have to settle with a place on the bench. Prediction Brendan Rodgers will be looking for more from his players when they entertain newly promoted Bournemouth on Monday night. Liverpool were fortunate to come away with a 1-0 win against Stoke on the opening weekend of the season, but Rodgers will just have been relived to have taken all three points following a summer of uncertainity regarding his position at the club. The Anfield faithful will not accept those kind of performances at home, but Rodgers has resisted temptations of tinkering with his line up and given those that started against Stoke another chance to impress. As for Bournemouth, they will travel to Merseyside looking to overcome a disappointing opening day defeat to Aston Villa. Eddie Howe's men were unfortunate to come away with nothing and will be hoping to spring an upset against one of English football's most successful clubs. This one might be beyond the Cherries, however.