The young Spanish coach Andoni Iraola is performing miracles this season with the small club Bournemouth. The Cherries are the surprise package of the Premier League, fighting for a Champions League spot—something even the most optimistic fans at Vitality Stadium couldn’t have imagined before the season began. The team has been unbeaten for over two months, with their last defeat coming on November 23 at home against Brighton (1-2). That makes it 12 matches without a loss, including 11 in the league.One of the great Premier League comebacks.Bournemouth v Liverpool has a history of delivering drama 😏 pic.twitter.com/MaGFInT0xm— Premier League (@premierleague) February 1, 2025 Iraola’s squad has impressively taken down some of England’s biggest clubs. Manchester City, Arsenal, and Tottenham have all fallen at Vitality Stadium, as did Nottingham Forest last week (5-0). Bournemouth also thrashed Manchester United 3-0 at Old Trafford and Newcastle 4-1 at St. James’ Park, while earning draws against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge (1-1) and Aston Villa in Birmingham (1-1). The only top side they haven’t beaten is Liverpool at Anfield.Pastor told Gakpo he’d join Liverpool years before it actually happenedToday, Bournemouth has a chance to get revenge on the Reds and help Arsenal—the only remaining competitor to Arne Slot’s squad in the title race. Liverpool holds a significant six-point lead with a game in hand. The Reds are unbeaten in 18 matches, with Nottingham Forest being the only team to win at Anfield. Liverpool is also undefeated away from home, with eight wins and three draws, steadily marching toward the title. Despite numerous injuries, Iraola’s machine keeps rolling. The Spaniard confirmed that the club is looking to sign a striker before the transfer window closes on Monday.“We are trying; we want to bring in a player who can help us. I am satisfied with the current squad, but after injuries to Evanilson and Enes Ünal, we will try to sign a striker on loan” said Iraola.Bournemouth’s biggest nightmare pic.twitter.com/UfLJDfX0bC— H (@TheLiverpoolEra) January 31, 2025 In addition to Evanilson and Ünal, Bournemouth is also without Araujo, Hill, Scott, Senesi, Smith, and Soler. However, Colombian winger Luis Sinisterra is returning to the squad after missing the previous match against Nottingham Forest.“Liverpool is definitely our biggest challenge of the season. I believe they are the best team, not only in England but in Europe. I’m happy that we are also in great form. I don’t know if we’ll succeed, but we will try to surprise them,” Iraola emphasized.The Pharaoh offered a salary worthy of his nickname?Arne Slot rested most of his starters in the Champions League group-stage finale against PSV Eindhoven (2-3). The loss to the Dutch champions three days ago did not affect Liverpool significantly. The Dutch coach has no major injury concerns. Diogo Jota and Joe Gomez return to the squad, while Darwin Núñez was ill last week but is expected to be ready. Italian winger Federico Chiesa is also improving and adding competition in Liverpool’s attack. Uncertainty remains over the contract situations of Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose deals expire in June. The English full-back is reportedly close to joining Real Madrid, while the futures of the Dutchman and the Egyptian remain unclear. In their first encounter this season, Liverpool defeated Bournemouth 3-0, scoring all three goals in the first half within an 11-minute span (26th to 37th minute). Diogo Jota scored twice, while Darwin Núñez added another. The Reds have won their last four meetings against the Cherries.ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE – MATCHDAY 24Saturday 15.30: (2.40) Nott.Forest (3.40) Brighton (2.95)18.00: (4.80) Bournemouth (4.30) Liverpool (1.70)18.00: (1.80) Everton (3.60) Leicester (5.10)18.00: (2.00) Ipswich (3.60) Southampton (4.10)18.00: (1.67) Newcastle (3.80) Fulham (5.30)20.30: (3.45) Wolverhampton (3.50) Aston Villa (2.20)Sunday 17.00: (2.20) Brentford (3.70) Tottenham (3.35)17.00: (2.10) Man.Utd. (3.50) Crystal Palace (3.80)19.30: (2.10) Arsenal (3.50) Man.City (3.80)Monday 23.00: (1.40) Chelsea (4.80) West Ham (7.75)***odds are subject to change***
