WELL, Cherries’ date with League Cup destiny is finally here, so let’s start the day with some reasons to believe a shock can happen against Liverpool.
1. The form guide
So much has been made of how the two teams have fared over the past few weeks and the numbers make only strengthen the case for a Cherries victory.
Cherries have won nine of 12 matches in all competitions since the start of October, a run that has seen them rattle in no fewer than 32 goals.
Liverpool have lost seven of 16 matches in that time with a winless streak of five games in the Champions League ending their quest in Europe’s top club competition.
2. A razor-sharp right-sided duo
Eddie Howe has shuffled his pack in every round of the League Cup so far but in Simon Francis and Matt Ritchie, he has a prolific pairing to call upon down the right.
Francis and Ritchie have either scored or assisted 20 goals in the Championship so far, four more than Sheffield Wednesday, Rotherham United and Blackpool have mustered overall.
3. Liverpool’s lack of bite without Suarez and Sturridge
Following the sale of Luis Suarez to Barcelona and an injury to Daniel Sturridge, Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has had to get by without the services of a front pairing that netted 45 league goals between them last season.
Steven Gerrard and Raheem Sterling are the Anfield club’s joint-top scorers in the Premier League so far with three goals apiece. Gerrard has five in all competitions.
4. Keeper confusion
Under-fire goalkeeper Simon Mignolet was axed by Rodgers for Sunday’s 3-0 defeat to Manchester United but stand-in Brad Jones – who played at Dean Court last season – fared little better in an off-colour display.
5. Fortune favours the brave
In yesterday’s pre-match press conference, Howe was adamant Cherries would not change their attacking style for Liverpool’s visit.
“Part of our game plan will be to make a fast start and be positive,” said Howe.
“We have got nothing to lose in this game. It is a great occasion for the supporters and we want to give them something to shout about.
“Part of our blueprint is to be positive and go and attack and I don’t think that will be any different. We won’t change our approach in this game.
“I think it is important to see a Bournemouth team playing as we do and whether that is good enough or not, we can walk off the pitch knowing we have played our way.”
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