Monday 17 August 2015 19:58, UK
Bournemouth's trip to Anfield will be a great moment for the club, but unless they're clinical in front of goal, Liverpool should build on their good start to the season, says Jamie Redknapp...
When I was playing for Bournemouth, I’d never have believed that one day they would be in the Premier League. To see them preparing to go to Liverpool on Monday Night Football is incredible. It’s dreamland stuff for the club and the fans.
Manager Eddie Howe and owner Maxim Demin have done such a great job in transforming the club from one on the brink of bankruptcy to playing in England’s top flight. And Monday, at Anfield, will be a really special occasion. I can’t wait.
However, in terms of the players, you don’t want this to be a situation where you get overawed and you don’t play with freedom.
Bournemouth were unlucky against Aston Villa on the opening day. Marc Pugh had a great opportunity just before half-time to put them 1-0 up and it would have been a completely different game if that had gone in.
But I could imagine how nervous the players would have been – almost like they were making their debuts again – and they seemed to play like that.
It was a warm afternoon on the south coast, which made it hard for them to play with a high intensity and get after teams like they did in the Championship. And they missed Harry Arter, who was a big player for them last season, too.
But, nonetheless, losing to a team likely to be in the bottom half with them will have been disappointing.
Bournemouth have already found out that if you don’t take your chances in the Premier League you get punished. While another opportunity may come along in the Championship, or the opposition may squander their openings, the Premier League is unforgiving.
As much as the players will be looking forward to the flight up to Liverpool, touching the sign in the tunnel and hearing ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’, if they get beaten it will be no fun.
It’s important they go there, play with confidence and put in a good performance.
Liverpool didn’t play vintage football against Stoke but it wasn’t about that for them. After losing 6-1 to Stoke on the final day of last season, Liverpool’s opening game was all about the result. The pressure was on boss Brendan Rodgers and the players and they performed well considering. They got across the line.
Now, instead of it being a nervy affair at Anfield, it should be one they’re really looking forward to.
I’m sure Rodgers would have taken four points from Liverpool’s first two games – a draw at Stoke, and win over Bournemouth. Now they’re looking at six points, which would put them ahead of where they were at the same stage last season.
It was noted that Liverpool played with a more direct style at the Britannia than last season – with new signing Christian Benteke the target for a number of long balls. But there’s nothing wrong with that, in my book.
Playing against a Stoke side who press you high up the pitch, you don’t want to get caught in your own half. That’s the problem they had in the game they lost 6-1 – they were getting caught on the ball in midfield and then they were on the back foot.
When you’ve got a player like Benteke, don’t be afraid to use him – and don’t be embarrassed by it.
When you’ve got a player like Benteke, don’t be afraid to use him – and don’t be embarrassed by it. He’s not just a battering ram, he’s also a very good player.
Liverpool have to mix their game up and when you’re not full of confidence it’s better to play in the other team’s half.
It’s a fine line between being too direct but they got the balance right – and then got a bit of genius from Philippe Coutinho, who is probably their outstanding player at the moment.
Monday’s game, though, should suit them better. Bournemouth will maintain their passing approach, which should allow Liverpool to express themselves, with the confidence they’ve taken from the Stoke win.
It will be a great occasion for Bournemouth – but I can see Liverpool winning 3-1.
