19 August 2023 , 05:49
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Liverpool are poised to bring in Harvey Elliott for their clash against Bournemouth at Anfield on Saturday afternoon with Jurgen Klopp coy on a potential debut for Wataru Endo.
The Reds, who began their season with a draw at Chelsea, have bolstered their ranks this week with the capture of the Japanese international, who will bring added quality in midfield following a summer exodus.
It appears unlikely though that Klopp will throw his new signing straight in when they face the Cherries, but he is likely to bring in a midfielder and do away with what was effectively a four-pronged attack last time out with Diogo Jota, Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo all starting.
Jota is set to be the one to drop out with Elliott coming in to play alongside Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai. Liverpool continue to juggle injury issues with several options still not available to the Reds boss, who said on Friday: "Stefan Bajcetic, really close but not there yet. We really count on him. Thiago Alcanatara, really close but not there yet.”
On his new arrival, who has already featured at their Kirby training base, he added: “OK, Endo is now in and he's allowed to train this afternoon. If he’s allowed to participate in the game tomorrow, I don’t know, we will see that.”
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Liverpool's back four is set to remain the same despite some uncertain moments in the stalemate with the Blues six days ago. Liverpool started the better, taking the lead courtesy of Diaz, but were pegged back and saw Chelsea spurn several second-half chances.
This fixture last season proved to be a mauling as Liverpool equalled the record win in the Premier League era as they smashed nine past Bournemouth. Five of those were scored in the first-half as the Reds ran riot to record their first win of the season and it could be the same scenario once again.
Klopp said on their first home outing: "I've missed Anfield, the atmosphere. I'm pretty sure the people are excited to see us again, so let's use that as well. You have to be ready, fight and that's what I want to see."
Liverpool: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, van Dijk, Robertson; Szoboszlai, MacAllister, Elliott; Salah, Gakpo, Diaz