Bournemouth vs Liverpool Preview: Reds Seek First League Win of 2026

Liverpool return to Premier League action on Saturday evening with a trip to the Vitality Stadium, as they look to finally secure their first league win of 2026 against a AFC Bournemouth side battling for consistency.

Despite an impressive 3–0 Champions League victory over Marseille in midweek, domestic success has so far eluded the Reds in the new year. Four consecutive league draws have kept Arne Slot’s side in fourth place, but the lack of victories has allowed Manchester United and Chelsea to close the gap, while Brentford, Newcastle United and Sunderland remain firmly in the hunt.

Liverpool have not lost in 13 matches across all competitions and boast the longest unbeaten streak in Europe’s top five leagues. Another draw on Saturday, however, would mark their fifth successive stalemate in the Premier League something the club have not experienced since 1980. Their away form offers encouragement, having not been beaten on the road since November’s heavy defeat at Manchester City, while their record against Bournemouth is similarly commanding.

The Reds have won 12 of their last 13 league meetings with the Cherries and have kept five clean sheets in their previous six visits to the south coast. Mohamed Salah, back from AFCON and straight into the starting XI against Marseille, has been particularly prolific in this fixture, scoring 12 times in 12 Premier League appearances against Bournemouth.

For the hosts, this season has been defined by fine margins and fluctuating momentum. Since the turn of the year, Andoni Iraola’s side have managed just one win — a notable success against Tottenham — alongside two draws and a defeat. Sitting 15th in the table, Bournemouth are closer to the top four on points than they are to the relegation zone.

Their wider form remains a concern, with only one victory in their last 14 matches across all competitions. However, performances at the Vitality Stadium have been far more encouraging. The Cherries have lost just twice in their last 12 home league fixtures, winning six and drawing four, and have developed a reputation for fast starts, scoring more goals than any other side in the opening 15 minutes this season.

Bournemouth’s resilience is further reflected in their ability to protect leads, having lost only one of their last 30 league matches when ahead at half-time.

With Champions League qualification firmly in their sights, the visitors know that draws will no longer be sufficient. As defending champions, Liverpool’s current position represents a clear underachievement, with consistency in avoiding defeat failing to translate into authority. While their unbeaten run points to resilience, their Premier League performances have often lacked conviction, and unless that changes quickly, their grip on a top-four place will continue to weaken.

Team News

Liverpool will assess the fitness of Federico Chiesa, who picked up an unspecified issue in training earlier this week and missed the Marseille fixture. His availability remains uncertain. Ibrahima Konaté was also absent in midweek due to family reasons and is a doubt for Saturday.

Salah is expected to continue after his immediate return from AFCON, while Alexander Isak, Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni remain sidelined with leg and knee injuries.

Bournemouth are facing mounting injury concerns of their own. Marcus Tavernier has been ruled out with a hamstring injury sustained against Brighton, while Amine Adli is expected to recover in time to feature. Will Dennis, Enes Ünal, David Brooks, Tyler Adams, Ben Doak and Justin Kluivert all remain unavailable.

Neither side arrives in peak condition. Liverpool’s league performances have lacked fluency and cutting edge, while Bournemouth have struggled to sustain momentum. With both teams capable of strong spells but rarely dominant, Saturday’s meeting may hinge on moments of brilliance rather than control across 90 minutes.