Liverpool seek lift-off against Bournemouth

Liverpool's slow start has been the most surprising theme of the new Premier League season and while there is no sense of panic at Anfield the alarm bells will start to ring if they fail to beat Bournemouth at home on Saturday. Three games in, Liverpool have managed only two points from fixtures against Fulham, Crystal Palace and supposed "crisis club" Manchester United. Monday's defeat at Old Trafford means Liverpool have suffered their worst start to a season under Juergen Klopp and have failed to win any of their opening three games for the first time since 2012-13.

There are mitigating factors, namely a long injury list, but the sight of Manchester United out-running and out-pressing Klopp's unusually listless side will be a concern. Midfielder James Milner's public dressing down of Virgil van Dijk after United's opening goal also hinted at some tension in the usually tight-knit Liverpool ranks. Liverpool have yet to lead a game this season as they have struggled to rediscover their trademark intensity, a situation left back Andy Robertson said must change soon.

"We gave every team a goal start and that's the base of the game," the Scot said after the Old Trafford defeat. "You can't keep giving yourself an uphill battle. We've conceded an early goal again, started slow again, that's what needs to change.

We need to pull our fingers out quickly." Liverpool will again be without new signing Darwin Nunez against Bournemouth as he continues his suspension following a red card for a headbutt against Palace. They will also be without midfielder Thiago Alcantara, striker Diogo Jota, defender Ibrahima Konate against Bournemouth while midfielder Naby Keita is doubtful. But even with so many absentees, Liverpool will be