AFC Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe says his side will have to be “absolutely excellent in every department” to get a result against second-placed Liverpool, who they take on tomorrow at the Vitality Stadium.
The Cherries manager recognises Jurgen Klopp’s side won’t take the game “lightly in any way” despite the Reds having a crunch Champions League fixture against Napoli on Tuesday.
After suffering four defeats in a row in the Premier League, Bournemouth got back to winning ways on Tuesday night after defeating Huddersfield 2-1 but have succumbed to defeat to Liverpool in their previous two fixtures against Klopp’s men.
But Howe believes his side can win “in a one-off match against anybody” despite the challenge Liverpool impose.
“I think they’ve [Liverpool] definitely improved as a team, a lot more resolute and their defensive record is excellent”, Howe said.
“That takes a lot of work on the training ground, a lot of discipline and you don’t win the league without that.
“I think they’ll look at our game as a very important game in their Premier League season. They won’t take us lightly in any way.”
Howe also addressed the news revealed earlier this week that midfielder Lewis Cook will be out for the rest of the season, after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament against Huddersfield and said that “we wish him very well” in his operation on Saturday.
Howe added: “Losing any player at this moment of the season is a big blow because of rotation, freshness and players going into games is important.
“But that’s what the squad’s for and we believe we’ve got a good enough squad to withstand these moments.”
Bournemouth also have Dan Gosling absent due to a knee injury.
Meanwhile Liverpool have injury problems of their own, as centre-back Joe Gomez was ruled out for six weeks after he fractured his lower leg in the midweek win over Burnley.
AFC Bournemouth face Liverpool at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday 8th December at 12.30pm.