The Premier League is back in Anfield this week. Liverpool get their first home game of the new season as they host Bournemouth at Anfield. There is nothing in the world that could match the atmosphere of Anfield and watching a premier league game in that tight packed stadium is a dream for many. Can Klopp find the perfect replacements for Fabinho and Henderson ? And with Thiago injured, how could he possibly start? 

There's already been plenty of drama around the Reds in the transfer market this week amid their so far fruitless hunt for a new midfielder. But Jurgen Klopp will be eager to get the focus back on matters on the pitch. 

Bournemouth came up from the Championship last season and kicked off decently with a point against West Ham last time out. But taking anything from Anfield would be a huge result for the Cherries.

Liverpool vs AFC Bournemouth

The Premier League clash with the Cherries at Anfield is scheduled for a 3pm BST kick-off.

Reds Still Searching for Midfield Fix

It's been a pretty manic week of transfer headlines for Liverpool. The need to strengthen in midfield has been clear since selling Fabinho and Jordan Henderson over the summer.

But moves for Brighton star Moises Caicedo and Southampton's Romeo Lavia have both hit the buffers despite big money bids being accepted. Caicedo opted for Chelsea instead, while Lavia also looks Stamford Bridge-bound.

It leaves Jurgen Klopp in a pretty undesirable situation heading into just the second game of the season. Replacing two experienced midfielders was always going to be tough, but doing it at such late notice could seriously impact Liverpool's start.

There's still time left in the window, but the lack of midfield additions is far from ideal. It leaves a lot on the shoulders of youngsters like Harvey Elliott and Curtis Jones to step up. Thiago's craft on the ball will also be vital.

Further forward, Darwin Nunez will be desperate to get off the mark after a missed penalty on debut against Chelsea. While Luis Diaz, Salah and Jota have the quality to unlock any defense on their day up top.

At the back, Klopp will be looking for new boy Calvin Ramsay to push Trent Alexander-Arnold after his arrival from Aberdeen. But the back four otherwise remains settled and familiar.

Despite the lack of midfield additions, Liverpool still have game changers in the final third. But tougher tests than Bournemouth will expose that engine room deficiency.

Cherries Out to Make Their Mark

Bournemouth are back in the big time after claiming the Championship title last season under Scott Parker. But after a few years bouncing between divisions, the Cherries will be desperate to solidify their Premier League status.

It's been a decent summer of recruitment at the Vitality. Experienced keeper Neto came in from Barcelona to replace Newcastle-bound Nick Pope. While center-back Marcos Senesi arrived from Feyenoord to bolster the defense.

Further forward, Marcus Tavernier joined from Middlesbrough to add legs in midfield. And finishing was strengthened with the permanent signing of Dutch winger Justin Kluivert from Roma.

Dominic Solanke led the way in attack as Bournemouth sealed promotion, bagging 29 league goals. So Parker will be looking to his main striker to fire again after notching on opening day.

Out wide, Ryan Christie and Jaidon Anthony offer craft and creativity to supply Solanke. While new boy Tavernier buzzes around tirelessly in the middle of the park.

Bournemouth showed last time out against West Ham that they can compete at this level. But facing Liverpool at Anfield is an entirely different proposition. It will be a huge test of the Cherries' credentials.

Predicted Lineups

Liverpool

Alisson Becker; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Andy Robertson; Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Cody Gakpo; Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota.

Bournemouth

Neto; Jaidon Anthony, Marcos Senesi, Illya Zabarnyi, Milos Kerkez; Lewis Cook, Joe Rothwell; David Brooks, Philip Billing, Dango Ouattara; Dominic Solanke.

Key Battles at Anfield Stadium

• Trent Alexander-Arnold vs Ryan Christie

This tussle down Liverpool's right flank catches the eye. Trent's delivery and link-up play is among the best around for an attacking full-back. But Bournemouth winger Ryan Christie offers a real threat with his pace, direct dribbling and eye for goal. Trent will need to balance his attacking instincts with keeping Christie quiet. But if he can shut down Bournemouth's main wide threat, it would be massive.

• Virgil van Dijk vs Dominic Solanke

The battle between Liverpool's towering center-back Virgil van Dijk and Bournemouth hitman Dominic Solanke could be telling. Solanke knows Van Dijk's game well from his Liverpool days, but actually scoring against his old team would be some feat. Van Dijk's sheer physical power and reading of the game means he dominates strikers. Solanke will have his work cut out battling the Dutchman both on the floor and in the air.