AFC Bournemouth host Liverpool at The Vitality Stadium on Saturday evening, returning back home after a strong point away to Brighton.
Iraola admitted in his post match press conference that all things considered with their injuries, he would’ve taken a point before the game. However with the Cherries leading from the 32nd minute, all the way until the 91st minute where Kostoulas netted a late equaliser for the hosts, Iraola will be disappointed that they couldn’t hold on for a win.
Liverpool arrive at the Vitality Stadium on a 13-match-unbeaten run, but with the pressure still on manager Arne Slot, he will see Bournemouth as an opportunity to win a first league game in four.
Andoni Iraola might have to give a debut to new signing Alex Toth quicker than he would’ve wanted to, with even more injuries accumulated at the Amex on Monday.
The in-form Marcus Tavernier went off in the 71st minute with a hamstring injury and with Ryan Christie admitting he’s still not 100% fit, Iraola will have to turn to his new January signing to come in and have an immediate impact.
Despite getting the ‘here we go’ from Fabrizio Romano on Wednesday, Iraola will be without potential new singing Rayan, with the Brazilian not expected to sign until next week.
The Cherries top scorer, Eli Junior Kroupi has also found himself in the transfer spotlight, with multiple reports of him being on Arsenal’s radar for both the January and summer transfer windows. Iraola will be desperate to keep the 19-year-old at the vitality until the summer at least, especially with the amount of injuries in the Cherries forward line.
Iraola is expected to name an unchanged backline, with James Hill keeping his place in the centre of defence after his recent run of good form. Bournemouth’s fullback pair of Adrian Truffert and Alex Jimenez have especially caught the eye this season, and they will both be crucial in stopping Liverpool’s dangerous wingers.
Alex Scott will most likely be joined again by Lewis Cook in midfield, with the pair striking a solid partnership in recent weeks. Iraola may potentially give a debut to Alex Toth in attacking midfield if Christie isn’t ready to start, with Amine Adli and Kroupi either side of striker Evanilson.
The game kicks off under the lights at the Vitality Stadium at 5:30pm on Saturday.


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