As it stands, Liverpool look one of the most likely sides to achieve Premier League glory come May. Despite their frailties in defence, the Reds continue to topple all before them with relative ease.

Jurgen Klopp may not have masterminded the Anfield side to top spot just yet, but the progression his team have made in such a short period cannot be overlooked.

Indeed, the Reds’ title rivals (Manchester City and Chelsea) face each other this weekend, presenting Klopp’s side with an opportunity to overtake one (or both) of their big enemies.

Despite the fantastic chance that’s set to present itself, this weekend’s opponents Bournemouth will be hoping to put in a similar performance to the one displayed at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

The result may not have gone the way of the Cherries, but Eddie Howe’s men were unfortunate to suffer a defeat to Arsenal.

Nonetheless, to ensure victory over Howe’s men, Klopp must field this starting XI…

GK: Loris Karius

Despite his awful attempt at a goal-kick last weekend, Karius has become a rock in between the sticks for the Reds since making his debut in September.

A similar type player to Mignolet, Karius is undeniably better underneath crosses and commands his box much more effectively than the Belgian number two.

Karius will need to play the sweeper-keeper role well against Bournemouth, who will attempt to find space behind this fragile and mistake-prone Liverpool back-four.

RB: Nathaniel Clyne

If there’s one consistent positive for the Reds in defence, it’s the form of Nathaniel Clyne.

His ability to both attack and defend remains a rarity in the modern game, and Clyne could prove fundamental to the Reds’ success this Sunday as his pace and ability to stretch teams could open the Cherries’ defence.

Defensively, Clyne will be required to contain Junior Stanislas who has been impressing on the south coast recently.

CB: Joel Matip

One of the signings of the season, Matip continues to prove the doubters wrong by producing high-quality performances on a regular basis.

Matip has formed a superb on-field understanding with Lovren in recent weeks, and that partnership will need to be performing at the highest heights to contain Callum Wilson.

Matip can match Wilson’s strength and pace, however, he must not become complacent at any stage as Bournemouth can be deadly on the counter-attack, as proved last weekend.

CB: Dejan Lovren

The Croatian defender has many doubters, and despite his impressive form of late, the former Southampton man is prone gifting the opposition an opportunity.

Of late, he has formed an impressive partnership with Joel Matip and the Reds faithful are hopeful he can finally cut out the avoidable mistakes in his game.

Callum Wilson will be desperate to latch onto any opportunities he presents to him, and the striker will hurt Liverpool if Lovren offers him a chance to do so.

LB: James Milner

Having spent the bulk of the midweek EFL Cup game on the bench, Milner will be fully rested and ready to step back into his ‘new’ left-back role. The converted midfielder blends well with his attacking players and will be useful for the Reds, who are likely to dominate possession.

CM: Jordan Henderson

The oil in Liverpool’s engine this season, Jordan Henderson has been instrumental in the Reds’ success. The absence of Adam Lallana has witnessed Henderson step up and be counted even further.

Bournemouth will provide a challenging task for the club captain as the energy, and dynamism of Eddie Howe’s midfield can be impossible to contain when they’re on form.

Henderson has been exceptional on away days this season – most notably at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea.

CM: Emre Can

The German midfielder will need to reproduce the form that inspired a win against Watford on November 1st to help overcome an in-form Bournemouth.

Can’s passing range could be key to helping unlock the Bournemouth door, as the Cherries are going to defend in numbers.

Another goal may fully swing the momentum in Liverpool’s favour and guide them to the summit of the Premier League.

CAM: Georginio Wijnaldum

His summer move from Newcastle has not proven a major success thus far, but Wijnaldum could finally end doubts surrounding his capability of producing for the Reds.

Bournemouth could prove the ideal stage for the Dutch international, and a goal may swing the tide of momentum towards the Reds in the title race.

RW: Sadio Mané

With Philippe Coutinho out with a long-term ankle injury, the role of Sadio Mane will be pivotal for the Reds over the coming weeks.

Mane has added another dimension to Liverpool’s attack and provides the pace and directness not witnessed since the days of Steve McMannaman.

Eddie Howe also has problems at left-back and Charlie Daniels could be in for a long afternoon if Mane performs anywhere near his best.

LW: Divock Origi

The Belgian forward has scored two crucial goals in the past seven days to inspire Liverpool to victory over Sunderland and Leeds respectively.

Coutinho’s injury opens up a gap across the front three and Klopp should be filling the void with the in-form Belgian striker.

The pace and trickery of Origi may be the deciding factor in whether the Reds can overcome the south coast club.

ST – Roberto Firmino

Even though he’s nursing a slight calf injury, Firmino will be needed. The Brazilian may not be thought of as one of the Premier League’s standout talents, but his return in terms of goals, assists and chances created is staggeringly good, while his clever movement opens up space for his fellow attackers.