"I don't think this is going to be easy for Liverpool" - Chris Sutton makes prediction as Reds prepare to face Bournemouth
BBC Sport columnist Chris Sutton has backed Liverpool to defeat Bournemouth 2-0 in their upcoming Premier League fixture at Anfield on Saturday, September 21. However, he admitted he doesn't expect it to be an easy game for the Reds, especially after they suffered their first loss of their season against Nottingham Forest last weekend.
Arne Slot has made a decent start to his tenure as Liverpool manager. After guiding the Reds to three league wins on the bounce, they shockingly lost 1-0 to Forest at home. To their credit, they did bounce back with an impressive 3-1 away win against AC Milan at San Siro in the UEFA Champions League (September 17).
The Reds are currently fourth in the Premier League table with nine points, three behind leaders Manchester City. In contrast, Bournemouth are 11th with five points, having won one game, drawn two, and lost one. The Merseysiders will be the firm favorites to win, having won nine out of their last 10 league fixtures against the Cherries, losing 1-0 in March 2023.
Sutton wrote (via BBC Sport):
"I am back at Anfield for Radio 5 Live for this game, after watching Liverpool lose there to Nottingham Forest last week. Arne Slot's side responded well to win at AC Milan in the Champions League on Tuesday but this is an interesting game and I don't think the Reds will have things all their own way."
"Slot has got to marry his side's journey in Europe with their Premier League campaign and that is not easy to navigate. Too many of their players were below their best against Forest, especially Mohamed Salah."
He added:
"Liverpool's midfield were not quite there either, and they were really wasteful with their final ball, although at the same time you have to recognise that Forest were superb. Bournemouth are an awkward team under Andoni Iraola and have deserved more than they have got from a couple of games already this season."
"I don't think this is going to be easy for Liverpool but I am not going to base this prediction on what I saw from them last week. Instead, because their response was good in Milan, I am going to say they can't play as badly as they did against Forest. Therefore, I think they will create chances and I am backing them to be a bit more ruthless, and take them."
Sutton's Prediction: 2-0
Liverpool working on making sensational £110m bid for Bayern Munich star: Reports
According to Football Insider (via SPORTbible), Liverpool are working on a £110 million bid to sign Bayern Munich's Jamal Musiala. The Reds signed Giorgi Mamardashvili, who stayed on loan at Valencia, and Federico Chiesa this summer. However, Arne Slot and Co. are already looking to bolster their squad in the upcoming transfer windows.
Musiala currently had two years left on his current deal with the Bavarians. Despite the Bundesliga outfit opening negotiations with the 21-year-old to re-sign, they could consider selling him next summer if he chooses not to. The likes of Real Madrid, Arsenal, and Manchester City are also allegedly interested in signing the Germany international.
Jamal Musiala would be a massive acquisition for any European side. He has garnered 45 goals and provided 34 assists in 168 appearances across all competitions, establishing himself as one of the best youngsters in the continent.