Sat Jan 24 16:50:00 UTC 2026: ### Liverpool Faces Bournemouth Amidst Injury Concerns and Tactical Tweaks

The Story:

Liverpool is set to face Bournemouth in a crucial Premier League match on Saturday, January 24, 2026, aiming to solidify their position in the top four. Despite an impressive 13-game unbeaten run, including a recent 3-0 Champions League victory against Marseille, the Reds have struggled for consistency in the league, drawing their last four matches. Bournemouth, while not in crisis, desperately needs a win, having secured only one victory in their last 14 games across all competitions. Liverpool manager Arne Slot is looking to address the team’s Premier League form with tactical adjustments and squad rotation, while Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola grapples with significant injury woes and the potential debut of new signing Alex Tóth.

Key Points:

  • Liverpool enters the game on a 13-game unbeaten run, but has drawn their last four Premier League matches.
  • Mohamed Salah has returned to the Liverpool starting lineup after a period of absence.
  • Bournemouth has won only one of their last 14 games, but that win was their last home game, against Tottenham.
  • Both teams face injury concerns, with several key players ruled out or doubtful.
  • Arne Slot is considering tactical tweaks, including a changed 4-4-2 system, to maximize Salah’s effectiveness and address attacking momentum.
  • Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola prefers an attacking style of play, but faces a depleted squad and may be forced to give a debut to new signing Alex Tóth.
  • The match will be broadcast on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League in the U.K., NBC in the U.S., JioHotstar in India and Stan Sport in Australia.

Critical Analysis:

The article highlights the tactical challenge Arne Slot faces in balancing Liverpool’s Champions League ambitions with their need to secure a top-four Premier League finish. Slot’s willingness to experiment with formations, particularly the 4-4-2 utilized against Marseille, demonstrates an adaptive approach. The historical context shows the increasing scrutiny on Slot’s tactics with Steven Gerrard’s “low block” comments, indicating pressure to find solutions to break down defensive teams. Liverpool’s openness to selling Robertson to Tottenham reveals the importance of squad rotation to combat injuries, with the club looking for good value for their players amid a period of intense game frequency.

Key Takeaways:

  • Liverpool needs to address their Premier League form to secure a Champions League spot.
  • Tactical flexibility and squad rotation are crucial given the congested fixture schedule and injury concerns.
  • Bournemouth’s injury crisis and tactical approach present both an opportunity and a challenge for Liverpool.
  • Mohamed Salah’s return is a significant boost for Liverpool’s attacking options, but tactical adjustments may be required to maximize his effectiveness.
  • Newly-signed Hungarian midfielder Alex Toth could feature for Bournemouth.

Impact Analysis:

This match is pivotal for Liverpool’s season trajectory. A win would consolidate their top-four position and boost confidence. The ongoing rumors about Andy Robertson, combined with Liverpool’s tactical experimentation, suggests a potential shift in Liverpool’s long-term squad strategy. If Liverpool continues to struggle with breaking down defensive teams, Slot’s long-term future at the club could come under scrutiny. For Bournemouth, the match presents an opportunity to turn their season around and stave off relegation concerns, or could further entrench them in a relegation battle.

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