The view from: 'Bournemouth must be wary of explosive Sadio'

How’s Bournemouth’s season gone so far?

Given they are 12th in the table, it’s gone fairly well, albeit the bottom half is very tight so there are certainly no delusions of grandeur at Vitality Stadium. One win in their past five Premier League games might be a concern to some but the only really disappointing performance was at Middlesbrough, when they were some way off their best. That game apart, Bournemouth have played pretty well of late.

With one year’s Premier League experience under the belt, what was the aim for this season – and are Bournemouth on course to achieve it?

Eddie Howe would always say the aim is to improve. Bournemouth finished 16th in the standings last season so I suppose technically the manager would see 15th or upwards as a positive. But I suspect he is more ambitious than that. A top-half finish would be a brilliant season but it’s a really difficult ask.

How can we expect Bournemouth to line-up on Sunday?

There are a couple of variables but you can expect the likes of Jack Wilshere, Callum Wilson and Harry Arter to be in the side. The fitness of Artur Boruc and Charlie Daniels is in question so we will wait and see on them.

How highly do you rate the boss?

The job Howe has done in two separate managerial spells at the club has been nothing short of phenomenal. I’m not at all surprised to see him being linked with jobs like Arsenal and England – he could handle the spotlight and it would not faze him to deal with big-name players. Provided he continues to do a good job in Dorset, he is destined for big things.

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How have Jordon Ibe and Brad Smith settled in since swapping Liverpool for the south coast last summer?

Ibe is yet to complete 90 minutes and has been patchy so far. But he is a young player and possesses vast potential – it just might take a while for him to hit top gear. Smith played for Bournemouth in the Premier League for the first time last weekend – against Arsenal – and looked good. We have not seen too much of him but he did have a spell out injured.

Who’s the one Liverpool need to watch on Sunday?

Wilshere would be the obvious choice. He missed the Arsenal defeat as he was ineligible and his creativity is crucial to Bournemouth’s attacking prowess. The key for Liverpool will be to stop the supply lines to him.

What have you made of Liverpool this season?

I don’t think you can fail to be impressed by a team which is so dangerous going forward. Jürgen Klopp appears to have got his team playing exactly the way he wants them to and it is working. I think they will easily finish in the top four but whether they have enough to win the title, I’m not sure.

Which Liverpool player will pose the biggest threat to Bournemouth?

Sadio Mane’s pace could be a big problem. He’s got so much speed and Bournemouth have at times looked vulnerable against that type of player. Mane is capable of winning a game with a moment of brilliance – he’s explosive.

Score prediction?

It won’t be an easy ride for Liverpool by any stretch. 1-1.