Liverpool’s trip to the Vitality Stadium on Sunday will carry an extra layer of significance for Andoni Iraola, who is set to face his former club for the first time since leaving Bournemouth.The Spanish coach spent three seasons on the south coast and guided the Cherries to European qualification last campaign. Bournemouth have already made history by playing in Europe for the first time, beginning their continental adventure with a win at Real Sociedad on Thursday.MATCHDAY on the south coast 👊🌊We travel to Bournemouth in the Premier League ⚪️ #BOULIV pic.twitter.com/sSQQjEYo6J— Liverpool FC (@LFC) September 20, 2026 t>Marco Rose has suffered only one defeat across his first six games in charge, although his side are still searching for their first Premier League victory. After losing their opener, Bournemouth have drawn each of their next three league matches.Liverpool have also been frustrated by a series of draws, with three stalemates already on their league record. Iraola’s men did, however, return to winning ways in their previous away outing against Ipswich Town. The Reds will now be expected to take another three points from their visit to the south coast, especially after their impressive midweek Carabao Cup victory over Tottenham Hotspur.That 3-1 triumph provided plenty of encouragement, with Mac Allister, Gakpo and a spectacular strike from Szoboszlai sending Liverpool through to the next round. The result also preserved Iraola’s unbeaten start, although his early spell at the club has not been without problems.##EDITORS_CHOICE##Liverpool have yet to fully adapt to the demands of their new manager, particularly when it comes to maintaining intensity and defensive structure. Their midfield has repeatedly been exposed, especially when opponents break quickly, while the transition into Iraola’s system remains a work in progress.Although consecutive Premier League clean sheets have offered some relief, they came against relatively limited opposition and have not completely erased concerns surrounding the Reds’ defence.Bournemouth, meanwhile, know exactly what kind of approach they can expect from their former manager and will look to exploit any weaknesses Liverpool leave behind. Alex Scott has impressed in a deeper creative role, while Rayan, Marcus Tavernier, Evanilson and Justin Kluivert give the hosts plenty of attacking options.Andoni Iraola said that the most important thing about bournemouth is to go there and get a win #Liverpool #LiverpoolFC #LFC pic.twitter.com/5wOjp48rQ6— Anfield Stand (@anfieldstandtv) September 19, 2026 The biggest concern for Bournemouth has been their inability to protect an advantage. They have taken the lead in all four of their Premier League fixtures but have failed to hold on, with three of those matches ending after the opposition scored late.With both teams showing defensive vulnerabilities, the contest at the Vitality Stadium could develop into an open and entertaining affair with opportunities at both ends.Bournemouth will once again be without Kroupi, who continues to recover from a foot injury and is not expected back until November. Amine Adli, who scored the decisive goal in this fixture last season, is also unavailable after suffering a calf problem that should keep him out until after the next international break. Araujo and Milosavljevic remain sidelined as well.##NAJAVA_MECA_9968594##Liverpool have their own injury concerns, with Ekitike, Bradley and Leoni still out with longer-term problems. Chiesa has also not returned since suffering his injury in mid-August.Joe Gomez did make his comeback against Tottenham, playing the first half without suffering another setback. However, he is expected to make way at Bournemouth, with Van Dijk set to return alongside Jeremy Jacquet in central defence.PREMIER LEAGUE – MATCHDAY 5FridayBrentford – Chelsea 3-0 (0-0)/Anthony 61, Thiago 83, Carvalho 90+4/SaturdayTottenham – Aston Villa 1-3 (0-1)/Gallagher 87 – Manzambi 45+4, Jackson 67, Buendia 79/Brighton – Arsenal 3-0 (2-0)/Gross 31, Kostoulas 45, Andres 57/Everton – Ipswich 1-0 (1-0)/Barry 11/Newcastle – Hull 2-1 (2-0)/Willock 3, Hall 7 – Ali Cho 67/Nott Forest – Coventry 0-1 (0-0)/DaSilva 55/Sunday16.00: (3.15) Bournemouth (3.60) Liverpool (2.20)16.00: (1.80) Leeds (3.60) Crystal Palace (4.60)16.00: (1.30) Man City (5.50) Sunderland (10.0)18.30: (3.40) Fulham (3.50) Man.Utd. (2.10)***odds are subject to change***
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