Bournemouth vs Liverpool: Eddie Howe plotting repeat of last season's heroics

Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe is hoping to draw upon last season's thrilling late win over Liverpool for inspiration ahead of Jurgen Klopp's side's return to the Vitality Stadium.

The Cherries recovered from 3-1 down to win 4-3 against the Reds with Nathan Ake netting in the 93<sup>rd minute to complete a famous in on the south coast.

Howe's side welcome free-scoring Liverpool on Sunday [17 December] off the back of five games without a win in the Premier League and is calling on his squad to use last term's result as motivation.

"We have good memories from last year, from both games," he said, according to the official Bournemouth website. "We competed in both and the game here will live long in the memory for the character shown by the players. The last 20 minutes is what I was looking for, the atmosphere in the stadium and the resolve from the players was excellent.

"To get four points from them last year was good but they're a different team this year and will be extremely tough on Sunday.

"We know how big a challenge it will be, Liverpool have added quality and in attack, they excel with their pace, technique and movement. They're a formidable outfit and they're getting better and improving all the time."

Goalkeeper Adam Federici, Tyrone Mings and Brad Smith are the only confirmed absentees for Bournemouth, who ran Manchester United close in mid-week before losing 1-0 at Old Trafford.

Mings has not played since September and his fitness is of particular concern having been sent to see a specialist over a back injury which has kept him out for 14 games.

Ahead of the busiest period of the season, Howe will quiz his players over their jadedness before selecting his team to ensure they are not leg-weary against Liverpool.

"We have a tough run of fixtures and we're still in the Carabao Cup, so the key is we have to make sure everyone can play at their best levels," he said.

"We're pretty much as we were, we have no fresh concerns but on Wednesday we had a late return after a string of tough away games.

"So I want the players to be fresh enough to perform, I will speak to the players concerned and see how they feel."