Scott Parker to assess whether Bournemouth use tried-and-tested 4-3-3 formation for tricky Liverpool trip

Scott Parker has confirmed he is assessing his options over which formation to use for Bournemouth's clash with Liverpool this weekend, insisting the players at his disposal will help him make the decision.

The Cherries worked tirelessly during pre-season on introducing a five-man defensive shape for their return to the Premier League, with their head coach believing the security provided by the extra centre-back would aid their survival bid.

To his credit, this system saw his side beat Aston Villa on the opening day of the campaign, although defeats to Manchester City and Arsenal have since followed.

In the second half of the latter match, however, the tried-and-tested 4-3-3 shape returned, with Parker's charges delivering an improved, brighter showing.

It is no surprise, therefore, that the same set-up is seemingly under consideration ahead of the trip to Anfield - although it appears a concrete conclusion is yet to be reached.

Questioned by DorsetLive over whether he was tempted to use a four-at-the-back set-up, Parker said: "We're going to Liverpool, and we're going to need to have a plan, what we think is best to try and get a result there.

"Like I said, many teams have gone there and failed in all sorts of plans.

"There are teams that have done all sorts of things. They've sat off it in a low block, they've looked to counter, they've gone to try and put pressure high up.

"So, these are all elements that certainly we're studying, and trying to work out how I think is best, with the personnel we have as well in our team. That's probably key.

"At this present moment in time, what we have at our disposal will make us get to that decision, really."

Intriguingly, the Cherries deployed the 4-3-3 against Norwich in