The 23rd round of the 2025/26 Premier League season will take place, with Liverpool traveling to face Bournemouth. Manager Sloot stated that Bournemouth is a difficult team to play against, and therefore a very high level of intensity is necessary to have any chance of winning.

In the last league match, Liverpool took the lead with a goal from Wirtz, but conceded a goal in the second half, ultimately drawing 1-1 at home against Burnley. After a win and a draw in their last five matches, Liverpool currently sits in fourth place with 36 points, just one point ahead of fifth-placed Manchester United.

In addition, goals from Szoboszlai and Gakopo boosted Liverpool's confidence after a 3-0 Champions League victory over Marseille midweek.

As for Bournemouth, Andoni Iraola's team is ranked 15th in the standings with 27 points.

When asked about the differences between the two teams' lineups and those from last August, Liverpool manager Sloot said, "In terms of style of play, I don't think there's much difference. As far as I can remember, some of the players they used back then might be out injured now, and Semenho has also transferred to Manchester City. If I remember correctly, we were missing Hrafinbergh in the first game of the season because he was suspended."

"Neither the lineup nor the style of play is significantly different from that match. I think Bournemouth is one of the most intense teams in the league. In all running statistics, they are either number one or in the top two to four. Therefore, we must play with the same intensity when we play there."

In terms of head-to-head records, Liverpool have won their last five matches against Bournemouth, including a 4-2 home victory in the first leg of this season. However, it should be noted that Liverpool also have the challenge of the Champions League to consider, so they will face considerable challenges in terms of fitness and tactical formation.

Sloth stated, "This is a very high demand on the players, because I think among the teams participating in European competitions, we are almost the only team with only two days of rest, and this is not the first time this has happened this season. However, we have proven that we can handle this situation. But judging from our performance last season and this season, they are a very difficult team to beat."

Regarding the fight for Champions League qualification next season, Sloth said, "I am very confident because I work with these players every day and know their abilities. But football is always unpredictable. If all the players can stay healthy, I think we will be in a very advantageous position. But sometimes injuries can happen without warning. I did not expect Leoni, Isak and Conor Bradley to be out for such a long time."

"However, this team has proven time and again that as long as we have a full squad and are in good physical condition, we are a team that can compete with any opponent in the world."

Image source: Internet