Bournemouth vs Liverpool Prediction: Reds to pick off lively Cherries

Bournemouth have won just three matches in all competitions this season, but having finally got off the mark in the Premier League last Saturday, they will approach this EFL Cup fourth-round clash with Liverpool on Wednesday night in decent spirits.

That 2-1 win over fellow strugglers Burnley snapped a three-match losing streak for the Cherries, but they have taken this competition seriously, and have overcome tricky ties with Championship raiders Swansea and Stoke to set up this mouthwatering tie with Liverpool.

And although Bournemouth's chances of further progress in the EFL Cup look unlikely, a much-changed Reds outfit could take time to gel and that may present the south-coast side with one or two opportunities in what should be a lively encounter.

Team news

Max Aarons limped off in Saturday's win over Burnley and is unlikely to feature, while Tyler Adams (thigh), Emiliano Marcondes (foot), Ryan Fredericks (calf) and first-choice goalkeeper Neto (foot) will also miss out for Bournemouth.

Lewis Cook must also serve the second of a three-game ban, while Marcos Senesi is touch-and-go with a muscular problem.

Jurgen Klopp will likely make a host of changes from the side who beat Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

Cody Gakpo could start in attack as he builds up his fitness, but Andrew Robertson (shoulder), Stefan Bajcetic (calf), Thiago Alcantara (hip) and Ben Doak (muscle) are absent.

Match Odds

Bournemouth are the expected underdogs at 5/1 to claim the victory in 90 minutes, while Liverpool are 1/2 for the win.

A draw on the night at the Vitality Stadium is available at 10/3, while Mohamed Salah at 23/20 is the shortest-priced anytime goalscorer.

Liverpool to win & both teams score @ 15/8

Liverpool have been in fantastic form this season and the goals have flowed for Klopp's men who brushed aside Nottingham Forest 3-0 on Sunday without barely needing to get out of second gear.

The Reds' only loss this season came in the controversial 2-1 defeat at Tottenham, and they have won 11 of their 14 matches in all competitions, while drawing just twice.

The 2022 EFL Cup winners are a short price to win this fixture, and it is hard to argue with odds of 1/2 about the Merseysiders coming out on top, but they may not have things all their own way with Klopp likely to ring the changes for this contest.

A second-string Liverpool side was good enough to see off Championship leaders Leicester 3-1 in the third round, and a similar outcome looks likely on Wednesday.

There is still plenty of talent at Klopp's disposal but a rejigged side can often find it hard to gel quickly and that may present Bournemouth with at least a few good goal-scoring opportunities, and they have enough players capable of taking advantage.

Liverpool have kept just four clean sheets in their 14 matches this season and a home goal shouldn't be ruled out as Bournemouth managed to get on the scoresheet in their 3-1 defeat at Anfield in August.

Philip Billing to score at anytime @ 4/1

Philip Billing scored a stunning 40-yard strike in Saturday's win over Burnley but the beanpole striker is also a threat in the air and he could cause Liverpool plenty of problems, as he has in the past.

The powerhouse midfielder scored the winner in Bournemouth's 1-0 league win over the Reds in March, and he bagged seven goals in 34 matches for the Cherries last term.

Liverpool's backline may have several unfamiliar faces lining up on Wednesday and Billing won't give them an easy ride, particularly at set-pieces, and he looks great value to get on the scoresheet.

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