Liverpool's record against Bournemouth makes for enjoyable reading

Liverpool's winter mini-break comes to an end this weekend, as the Reds travel south to face Bournemouth.

Jurgen Klopp and his time will have, no doubt, welcomed the chance for some rest after a punishing if successful festive period.

Now, with Manchester City breathing down their necks once again, the Reds look to defend their spot at the top of the Premier League table as they head to the Vitality Stadium this Sunday.

After a Kevin de Bruyne-inspired comeback against Newcastle, City are just two points off Liverpool, while Klopp and co will know they need a second half of the season at least as good as the first in order to have any chance of lifting the title.

History is on Liverpool's side going into the weekend, with the Reds winning nine of their last ten against Bournemouth.

Liverpool have already beaten the Cherries twice this season – 3-1 on the opening home game of the Premier League season back in August, and 2-1 in the Carabao Cup last 16 (featuring that Darwin Nuñez goal) in November.

The Reds did taste defeat in March last year – losing 1-0 courtesy of a Philip Billing strike. However, that result was something of an anomaly, and was preceded by seven straight Liverpool triumphs, including the 9-0 in 2022.

Jurgen Klopp's record vs Bournemouth

In total, Klopp has faced Bournemouth 14 times as Liverpool boss, losing just twice and drawing once – the only other defeat coming in a chaotic 4-3 back in December 2016.

Those two losses are the only defeats the Reds have experienced in their history against Bournemouth, with games few and far between prior to the club's recent rise to the top flight.

Such is Klopp's dominance over the Cherries, it has even contributed to a standing Premier League record.

Klopp's 12 consecutive wins over Eddie Howe is the most by a manager against another in Premier League history – with six those of those results coming in the Reds' victories over Bournemouth between 2017 and 2020.

While Liverpool are favourites to continue their strong record this Sunday, the challenge of Bournemouth should not be taken lightly.

Andoni Iraola's side have lost just one of their last nine outings in all competitions, while former Liverpool striker Dominic Solanke is the top-scoring Englishman in the Premier League so far in 2023/24 with 12 goals.

Liverpool also go into the game without a host of first-team regulars. Trent Alexander-Arnold is the latest to join the list of injuries, while Mohamed Salah and Wataru Endo are on international duty.