Liverpool XI vs Bournemouth: Key Returns & Lineup Predictions!

Liverpool fans, get ready! The Reds are set to welcome back some key players for their crucial Premier League clash against Bournemouth this weekend. Star defender Virgil van Dijk, formidable goalkeeper Alisson Becker, and attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz are all expected to return to the starting XI after being rested for the midweek Carabao Cup victory over Tottenham.

Van Dijk and Wirtz were completely omitted from the squad, while Alisson remained an unused substitute.

Alisson will likely reclaim his spot in goal from Giorgi Mamardashvili, who had a mixed performance against Spurs.

Meanwhile, Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola, making his first return to the Vitality Stadium after his summer exit, confirmed no new injury concerns for his side.

"Everyone is ready to go," Iraola stated in his pre-match press conference, adding that only long-term injuries remain. Virgil van Dijk is poised to anchor the central defence, likely partnering with Jeremy Jacquet. Jacquet came on for Joe Gomez at half-time in the cup tie in a pre-planned substitution, suggesting he's in contention for a start.

Florian Wirtz, despite a somewhat slow start to the season that has drawn some criticism, is expected to start in the No.10 role. This decision comes even after Liverpool's title-winning midfield trio successfully saw out the victory against Spurs, with Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai both finding the net.

Iraola now faces the option of pushing Szoboszlai higher up the pitch to facilitate a double pivot of Ryan Gravenberch and Mac Allister. Up front, Alexander Isak is set to lead the line once more, eager to end a four-game goal drought.

Cody Gakpo, who impressed with a goal and an assist against Tottenham, looks undroppable.

With a goal contribution in all but one of his Premier League appearances this season, Gakpo might switch to the right wing to accommodate big-money summer signing Bradley Barcola on the opposite flank. However, Liverpool will still be without some players due to injury, including Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni, Hugo Ekitike, and Federico Chiesa, though a couple are anticipated to return after the international break.

The predicted Liverpool XI shaping up for the match is: Alisson; Araujo, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Gakpo, Wirtz, Barcola; Isak. Catch all the action at 2pm BST on Sunday, September 20, 2026, live on Sky Sports from the Vitality Stadium.

#LIVBOU #PremierLeague #LiverpoolFC #FootballNews