Liverpool Confirmed XI vs Bournemouth as Gakpo Starts on the South Coast

Liverpool have confirmed their starting XI for the trip to Bournemouth, with Arne Slot making just one change as the Reds look to build momentum away from home. The confirmed line-up sees Cody Gakpo return to the starting side, while Hugo Ekitike drops to the bench, and Andy Robertson is also among the substitutes amid growing interest from Tottenham.

This is Liverpool’s second away fixture in four days, and the significance is clear. The Reds can claim back to back away victories for only the third time this season, a marker of consistency that has occasionally proved elusive on their travels. Slot’s selection suggests trust in a settled core, with minimal disruption to a side that continues to compete across domestic and European fronts.

Defensive unit shows Slot’s trust

Slot has once again placed his faith in Alisson, who starts behind a familiar back four of Jeremie Frimpong, Joe Gomez, Virgil van Dijk and Milos Kerkez. It is a combination that blends recovery pace, positional intelligence and leadership, with Van Dijk continuing to anchor the defensive structure.

The selection of Gomez alongside Van Dijk underlines Slot’s preference for stability, particularly in away matches where concentration and game management are at a premium. Frimpong and Kerkez offer width and athleticism from full back, providing Liverpool with the capacity to stretch Bournemouth while also tracking runners in transition.

Midfield continuity underlines control

Ryan Gravenberch remains an ever present in midfield, a testament to his growing importance within Slot’s system. He is once again flanked by Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, a trio designed to combine technical quality with vertical running and pressing intensity.

This midfield unit offers balance. Mac Allister’s composure and intelligence allow Liverpool to dictate tempo, while Szoboszlai provides energy and late runs into the box. Gravenberch’s presence adds physicality and ball carrying, helping Liverpool progress play through the centre against a Bournemouth side that will look to disrupt rhythm and force turnovers.

Slot resisted the urge to restore Curtis Jones to the starting lineup, though he remains an option from the bench. His availability gives Liverpool flexibility should control or tempo need adjusting in the second half.

Gakpo returns as attack reshaped

The headline change comes in attack, where Cody Gakpo replaces Hugo Ekitike. Gakpo joins Florian Wirtz and Mo Salah in a forward line that offers a blend of movement, creativity and finishing.

Salah’s record against Bournemouth adds further intrigue. The Egyptian remains the club’s leading scorer against the Cherries, with 12 goals in 13 appearances. His presence alone alters the dynamic of any fixture, and Bournemouth’s defensive planning will inevitably be shaped around limiting his influence.

Wirtz continues to be a central creative force, operating between the lines and linking midfield to attack. Gakpo’s inclusion brings a different profile to the frontline, with his ability to drift wide or occupy central spaces offering Slot tactical flexibility during the match.

Ekitike is named on the bench and could still play a role, particularly if Liverpool need a different type of forward threat later in the game.

Bench options and absentees shape narrative

Andy Robertson’s place on the bench is notable, especially amid increasing likelihood of a move to Spurs. While there is no immediate indication that his omission from the starting XI is directly linked to that speculation, it adds an additional layer of intrigue to team selection.

Federico Chiesa has not travelled after his issue during the warmup at Marseille, ruling him out of contention. His absence reduces Liverpool’s wide options, placing greater emphasis on the starting attackers and the remaining substitutes to provide impact.

The bench includes Curtis Jones, Ekitike and Endo, offering Slot a range of tactical options. Whether Liverpool are protecting a lead or chasing a goal, there is enough variety to adjust shape and intensity.

Bournemouth vs Liverpool Confirmed Line-Ups

Liverpool: Alisson; Frimpong, Gomez, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo.

Substitutes: Mamardashvili, Woodman, Robertson, Endo, Ramsay, Jones, Nyoni, Ngumoha, Ekitike.

With this confirmed line-up, Liverpool travel to Bournemouth with a blend of continuity and subtle adjustment. The focus is clear. Maintain momentum, manage the away challenge, and give themselves the best chance of another valuable three points on the road.