Liverpool didn’t get off to a terrific start this season, but their first match result will have been pretty easy to stomach. Philippe Coutinho’s wonderstrike gave them all three points, while Stoke’s fightback against Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend will have assured them that they aren’t the only ones who will have trouble with the Potters this season.
Liverpool vs. Bournemouth live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch online
The Cherries face a tough trip to Anfield just two weeks into their first Premier League campaign.
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Their second game of the year is, theoretically, a much easier one -- at home against newly promoted AFC Bournemouth. The Cherries are in the Premier League for the first time in their history and lost their opener, falling by one goal to Aston Villa. They haven’t spent big this summer, instead choosing to bank their Premier League TV money and rely on the players who got them into the Premier League.
Christian Benteke, James Milner and Joe Gomez made starts last week, but fans are still waiting to see Roberto Firmino get a chance from the first kickoff. He might get that opportunity on Monday, and that’ll be welcomed by Benteke -- at times, he looked extremely isolated up top against Stoke. He had more help at Aston Villa under Tim Sherwood than he did in his Liverpool debut.
Upset potential - Moderate
Bournemouth turned in a solid performance against Aston Villa in their first game, but they’re looking a bit more Burnley than Swansea at the moment. They’re ambitious and they have a solid back line, but they’re looking a bit lacking in creativity without star attacking midfielder Harry Arter. Expect Liverpool to win.
Key matchup - Joe Gomez vs. Matt Ritchie
Gomez exceeded expectations in his first Premier League start against Stoke, and he’s up against a tough test on Monday. With Arter out, right winger Matt Ritchie is going to be expected to carry almost all of the creative load for Bournemouth -- especially since he’ll be matched up against Liverpool’s most inexperienced defender.
Liverpool injuries and suspensions
Out: Joe Allen (hamstring), Jon Flanagan (knee), Daniel Sturridge (hip)
AFC Bournemouth injuries and suspensions
Out: Shaun McDonald (ankle), Christian Atsu (back), Harry Arter (hip)
Match date/time: Monday, 3 p.m. ET, 8 p.m. local
Venue: Anfield, Liverpool, England
TV: NBCSN (U.S. - English), NBC Universo (U.S. - Spanish), Sky Sports 1 (U.K.), Sportsnet World (Canada)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (U.S.), Sky Go (U.K.), Sportsnet World Now (Canada)
For listings from more countries, check out LiveSoccerTV.
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