LIVERPOOL legend John Barnes insisted the Reds' trip to Vitality Stadium would prove a high-scoring affair and predicted a narrow defeat for Eddie Howe's troops.

Part of the last Liverpool team to win the top-flight title in 1990, Barnes believes Cherries will not take a cautious approach against Jurgen Klopp's attack-minded side.

And the 54-year-old former England international feels that will result in a blockbuster encounter which the visitors will edge.

Barnes, a brand ambassador for Bonus Code Bets, told the Daily Echo: “If you look at the way teams stop Liverpool, they defend deep and in numbers and don’t necessarily commit players to attack.

"But that is not Bournemouth and that is not Eddie Howe. Eddie Howe has a way of playing which doesn't change. I think it will be an entertaining, open game and Bournemouth will cause Liverpool problems.

"You have to be true to the way you play, regardless of who you play against.

"Bournemouth will be confident they can create chances but they will also be aware Liverpool will cause them problems as well because of the way they play.

"I would go for a 3-2 win to Liverpool this time."

Cherries enjoyed significant success against the Merseysiders last season, scoring six goals across two Premier League clashes and racking up four points.

Howe's men came back from 2-0 and 3-1 down to win 4-3 in the initial clash, the introduction of substitute Ryan Fraser inspiring a dramatic late fightback sealed by Nathan Ake's close-range strike.

And there was further drama in the teams' second meeting, Joshua King's ninth goal in 10 league games snatching Cherries a 2-2 draw at Anfield.

Cherries are currently 14th in the Premier League table and two points clear of the drop zone having suffered a 1-0 defeat at Manchester United on Wednesday.

But Barnes says the Dorset club are "fairly well placed" to ensure they do not end up in the bottom three come the end of the campaign.

He added: "I think Bournemouth have done what they expected. They are competing and the good thing about them is they can score goals, so they will win matches.

"Teams who don't score goals will find it difficult because they may get draws but you would much rather lose a few and win a few than lose some and draw some.

"As much as it going to be hard for Bournemouth, I think they are fairly well placed to survive."

Barnes was involved in a lively debate with fellow beIN Sports pundit Andy Gray following Liverpool's 1-1 draw with Everton on Sunday.

The ex-Watford winger criticised Everton for a lack of creativity, with Gray justified the minimal attacking potency by stating the Toffees team was "in its infancy".

Liverpool went on to draw 0-0 with West Brom in midweek.

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