In the Premier League’s current landscape, it certainly looks like AFC Bournemouth drew the short straw when it comes to the division’s opening weekend - handed a 'under the lights' trip to Anfield as the Cherries look to upset the applecart and defeat the champions.
On the face of things, it looks like an impossible task, Liverpool having significantly strengthened since lifting the Premier League title in May.
Arne Slot’s side have spent big, adding Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, and Hugo Ekitike to their roster.
Alternatively, a familiar face will be facing the Cherries on Friday night, after Milos Kerkez completed a summer move to the red half of Merseyside, joining Liverpool for a reported package worth £40m.
The Hungarian was superb for the Cherries last season, scoring twice and assisting five goals in 38 appearances in the English top-flight.
Kerkez was also crucial in Bournemouth’s fantastic, young defence, averaging 4.55 recoveries, 4.09 duels won, and 1.21 interceptions per 90.
For Andoni Iraola’s side, alongside Kerkez, was the heavily talented central defensive duo of Dean Huijsen and Illia Zabarnyi.
Huijsen, a 20-year-old prospect, burst onto the scene in his debut Premier League campaign, making a name for himself due to his tall frame and outstanding passing range.
Following his great season, the Cherries could not hold onto the Spaniard’s services as Real Madrid triggered the defender’s release clause, completing a move of around £49m.
Next to Huijsen was Zabarnyi, who arguably had a better campaign.
The Ukrainian’s solid season caught the attention of Paris Saint-Germain, the current holders of the Champions League, with the Parisians reportedly signing the defender for £58m.
With their defence from last season ripped apart, the Cherries have been relatively quiet in terms of incomings.
Bafode Diakite looks set to become the club’s second most expensive signing.
However, with under a week remaining until the start of the season, Iraola’s side have plenty still to do.
But, despite their struggles in the transfer market and the uphill battle of facing Liverpool, just how can Bournemouth cause some major issues for the hosts and expose their new additions?
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Attack is the best form of defence
Liverpool's attack provides a nightmare for any defence in the English top-flight, with Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo, Ekitike, and Wirtz combining to make their front four.
However, for Bournemouth, having lost both of their previous starting centre backs, and potentially having to bed in Diakite in less than a week, that task becomes even more difficult.
Nevertheless, for the Cherries, the key to success could be to bring the game to the hosts and attack the champions.
With a double pivot of Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister, alongside a full-back pairing of Kerkez and Frimpong, it is safe to say that Liverpool are heavily attack-minded - but this might not be a benefit.
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Liverpool’s pre-season vulnerability
Four wins and two defeats - Slot's men have been positive in preparation for the new season, but there have been some negatives at the back.
Liverpool's defensive vulnerability became clear throughout their pre-season tour in Hong Kong as the Reds were often exposed in transition.
Slot's full backs were being caught, either playing a high line or man-to-man coverage.
Pace was a common kryptonite, with wingers drifting in behind Liverpool's defence, finding free and open space.
AC Milan’s Rafael Leao and Noah Okafor were key examples of this, with the speedster’s netting a combined three goals against Slot’s side.
Furthermore, as the Reds returned to England, Kerkez and Frimpong would be handed their competitive debuts for the club.
Going forward, the duo impressed in the Community Shield tie, with Kerkez recording the most dribbles in the match (2), and Frimpong marking his debut with a first goal in a Liverpool shirt.
However, at the back, Liverpool looked perplexed by the pace of Crystal Palace’s frontline.
A regular foe for the club in recent years, Ismaila Sarr was a menace again, the Senegalese international often driving inside and picking up positions around the edge of the box, dragging Kerkez inside.
Liverpool’s man-to-man coverage then created huge gaps in their defence, with their left back playing narrowly, Daniel Munoz would be handed freedom on the left flank.
Sarr’s late goal was also a large example of the problems that Liverpool’s defence will face this season, as the experienced van Dijk was caught out, attempting to play a high line, stepping up as Sarr slipped behind enemy lines and slotted past a helpless Alisson.
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Semenyo: The Bournemouth Bully
For the Cherries, this is where Antonie Semenyo comes in.
A pacy winger, the Ghanaian is quite the anomaly as a physical specimen that can bulldoze his way towards goal, alongside having the trickery to deceive a defender.
Semenyo is positive every time that he picks up the ball, and his main aim is always to fire a shot towards goal.
Per 90, the Ghanaian was one of the best dribblers in the Premier League, registering 1.94 successful dribbles at a success rate of 54.8%.
Alternatively, the 25-year-old sat above 93% of attackers in the English top-flight for shot attempts, averaging 3.51 shots and 1.15 shots on target per 90.
Semenyo is no slouch, and with 11 goals scored and five assists provided, the winger may benefit from Liverpool’s play style, especially considering his familiarity with Kerkez, with whom he shared a dressing room for two campaigns.
On the other hand, the 25-year-old is considerably taller than his full-back opposition, meaning that any second or crossed balls that reach the back-post, he is bound to win.
With Justin Kluivert doubtful due to injury, Semenyo will be key for Bournemouth.
However, Evanilson is also a threat and an individual who could cause problems with his pace.
The Brazilian netted 10 goals in his debut campaign in England, and the striker also comes into the fixture on hot form, having netted in his final pre-season match against Real Sociedad.
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Can Bournemouth produce an upset?
It does not get much bigger than opening the season on a Friday night at Anfield.
Coming up against the Premier League champions, who have spent a war chest load of cash, all pressure will be on the hosts.
For Bournemouth, it is not as simple as scoring to win, but the Cherries need to be near-perfect across the pitch, defending as a unit and out-hustling their Merseyside opposition.
Being the first game of the season, a defeat is unlikely to disrupt Bournemouth’s season.
However, if the Cherries were able to produce a miracle or pick up any points, it would do a phenomenal amount for the club’s confidence.
