Liverpool face a formidable test this weekend as they visit Bournemouth, where Arsenal and Manchester City have already suffered defeats this season.
Arne Slot’s side are aiming to keep their title charge on course, but they will have to overcome one of the Premier League’s in-form sides.
Bournemouth have collected 25 points since the end of November, more than any other team, and they are unbeaten in their last 11 league matches.
Andoni Iraola’s team have built a reputation for upsetting the top sides. They dismantled Newcastle United 4-1 and followed it up with a ruthless 5-0 demolition of Nottingham Forest.
Dango Ouattara stepped up with a hat-trick in that game, while Justin Kluivert and Antoine Semenyo added further goals.
However, Liverpool are the only Premier League side yet to lose away from home, and they will take confidence from their recent record in this fixture.
They have won their last four meetings with Bournemouth, including a 3-0 victory at Anfield earlier this season.
Slot’s side come into this game after a 3-2 defeat to PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League, although their place in the last 16 had already been secured.
With rotation playing a role in that loss, a fresher starting XI should be expected here.
Mohamed Salah remains key to Liverpool’s ambitions. His goal against Ipswich Town last weekend took him past Thierry Henry in the all-time Premier League scoring charts.
Diogo Jota’s return to training is another boost, while Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo are also in contention.
However, Slot faces selection headaches across the squad, with intense competition in attacking positions.
Midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai has been praised for his relentless work rate, but he will need to be at his creative best to break down Bournemouth’s disciplined set-up.
Liverpool know a win here would keep them ahead of Arsenal before the Gunners face Manchester City on Sunday. With their rivals playing later, this is a chance to pile on the pressure.
Bournemouth’s form and defensive solidity mean this is far from straightforward, but Liverpool have navigated tough away games all season.
If they can withstand Bournemouth’s intensity and capitalise on their attacking depth, another crucial three points could be theirs.
