If current form is anything to go by, Liverpool's season could go from bad to worse in the League Cup on Wedesday night. Eddie Howe's Bournemouth are on a stunning run of form and will definitely fancy their chances against Rodgers' struggling reds.
"I would love the players to do themselves justice"
- Eddie Howe
With all the talk about the possibility of progression for Howe's side, the Bournemouth boss has been quick to turn his comments to his side doing themselves justice on Wednesday: "I would love the players to do themselves justice and show everybody, if people need confirmation, we are a good side." Howe has insisted the importance of playing with freedom and confidence - something his players are not lacking in after their recent form: "It's one game and the first time we have been in the (League Cup) quarter-final, so it's hopefully a game where we can relax and attack rather than think too much of the consequences of defeat or victory."
Bournemouth, with their 5-3 victory over Cardiff City at the weekend, extended their unbeaten run of games to 12 matches. The win saw Howe's side go top of the Championship table, and the players' confidence is at an all-time high. With Liverpool's recent bad performances, do not be surprised if the Championship side get the better of the Reds in this one.
"No matter how well you are doing as a manager you are always going to get tough periods"
- Brendan Rodgers
Some would argue, however, that the game offers Rodgers and Liverpool a real chance to increase morale after recent weeks. With the exit from the Champions League - and the loss to Manchester United on Sunday - the Capital One Cup has taken on more importance as one of Rodgers' only chances at silverware this campaign. Rodgers confessed in his press conference that Liverpool are suffering a "tough period": "No matter how well you are doing as a manager you are always going to have tough periods. We just need a bit of luck and a break. And we will get that," he said. Despite recent results, Rodgers says the team spirit is not in disaray: "Internally we are very stable. We are disappointed, of course, with how things are going."
Liverpool are having a dismal season compared to last year where they came one untimely slip from winning their first Premier League title, before Manchester City took it from their grasp. A disappointing exit from the Champions League marred their return to the competition, and a 3-0 loss to Louis Van Gaal's United at the weekend already leaves them seven points adrift of the top four places. Wednesday night's trip to Bournemouth will be far from easy, but it does present an opportunity for Rodgers' side to get their season back on course.
The hosts will be expected to put out their strongest side in anticipation of a big quarter-final clash. Boss Howe will bring top scorer Callum Wilson into the fold after not starting in any of the previous League Cup ties.
The visitors will once again have Brad Jones inbetween the sticks after Rodgers said that Simon Mignolet has been dropped "indefinitely". After imressing as a substitute against Manchester United at the weekend, Mario Balotelli may get a start on Wednesday night.