Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs Bournemouth
Liverpool head to the Vitality Stadium this weekend with momentum firmly on their side and a familiar dilemma facing Arne Slot, rotate or reward the players who delivered so emphatically in midweek. A 3-0 Champions League win away in Marseille showcased the squad depth Slot has built since winning the Premier League in his first season, but the short turnaround leaves room for subtle adjustments.
The headline, as ever, is Mohamed Salah. Fresh from his return from the Africa Cup of Nations, the forward wasted little time making an impact in France and now looks set to start again on the south coast.
“Knowing Mo, he is ready to play,” said Slot on Friday. “Because he has shown that so many times in his career.”
That certainty gives Liverpool a familiar attacking edge, even as Slot weighs up whether to stick or twist with his wider selection.
Salah return boosts Liverpool attack
Salah’s presence instantly raises Liverpool’s ceiling and Bournemouth are well aware of the threat. With Florian Wirtz drifting between the lines and Hugo Ekitike offering a mobile focal point, Liverpool’s front four looks increasingly fluid. Add Dominik Szoboszlai’s ability to carry the ball at pace and the visitors arrive with plenty of firepower.
Federico Chiesa remains the main fitness concern. The winger missed the Marseille game and Slot admitted he remains a “50/50” call.
Slot said: “For the rest, no-one picked up a knock after the game. I expect all the same players to be available again.”
That leaves the manager with genuine choice rather than enforced compromise, a luxury Liverpool have not always enjoyed in recent seasons.
Defensive reshuffle for Bournemouth trip
At the back, Liverpool will again be without Ibrahima Konate following a family bereavement. Slot has handled the situation with sensitivity and made it clear the player will not be rushed.
“I spoke to [Konate] a few times,” said Slot. “I think these are private matters and they should stay between us.
“It’s very obvious that if something like that happens, a player needs time to be there for his family and also time for himself.”
Joe Gomez is expected to partner Virgil van Dijk at centre-back, with Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez providing pace and width from full-back. There is also uncertainty around Andy Robertson, who may miss out amid ongoing transfer discussions with Tottenham.
Midfield options under Arne Slot
Curtis Jones is pushing for a return in midfield, potentially slotting in alongside Ryan Gravenberch and Szoboszlai. That trio offers a blend of control, athleticism and creativity, which could be key against a Bournemouth side likely to press aggressively at home.
Slot’s system relies heavily on positional discipline in midfield and Jones has often thrived in those roles, particularly in away fixtures where game management becomes crucial.
Liverpool predicted XI
Alisson; Frimpong, Gomez, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Jones; Salah, Szoboszlai, Wirtz; Ekitike
Doubts: Chiesa
Injured: Isak, Bradley, Leoni
Unavailable: Konate
Kick-off is at 5.30pm on Saturday, January 24, 2026, with live coverage on Sky Sports.
For Bournemouth, this represents a stern test against champions who are growing more confident each week. For Liverpool, it is another opportunity to underline their title credentials and maintain pressure at the top of the table. Slot’s challenge is not finding quality, but deciding which version of it he wants to unleash.
