View from the opposition: Q&A with Tom Latchem

Liverpool’s first home fixture of the Premier League season takes place on Monday night, as newly-promoted Bournemouth make the trip to Merseyside.

To gauge the feeling among Bournemouth supporters heading into the game, I spoke with journalist, writer, broadcaster, columnist and Cherries fan Tom Latchem.

I can imagine it still feels quite surreal to be in the Premier League given what your club has gone through in recent years; how does it feel to be visiting Anfield for a top flight fixture?

Exciting but daunting. It’s going to be quite a baptism of fire and if we can come through it without shaming ourselves that will be a positive step.

You didn’t get off to the best of starts in terms of results, but was there enough in the performance in the 1-0 defeat by Aston Villa that gives you some encouragement coming into Monday’s game?

Yes. We were the better side for most of the game and didn’t look overawed, which was my fear. On another day we would have been 2-0 up at half-time and this would be a very different question and answer. It’s fine margins but we have to take our chances when they come because we are always at risk of conceding.

My only worry is that in the two games we played at home to Liverpool – in cup competitions in recent years – we gave them too much respect and looked scared – and we never looked like getting anything.

What do you see Bournemouth’s approach being at Anfield? Will they be their usual attack-minded selves or will Eddie Howe have to be a bit more pragmatic?

Eddie is a pragmatic manager. I suspect we will probably try to soak up pressure and hit Liverpool on the counter. We were excellent away from home last season and that sort of game suits our style. But of course going to Liverpool and playing that way is a very different proposition.

Do you think that Bournemouth will look at the games against the top six sides as a bonus, and will focus their attention more on fixtures against the lesser teams?

Not as bluntly as that. I think we will shock one or two of the bigger teams. But of course the games that you need to win are against the teams around you at the end of the season.

Who from the Bournemouth team do you see causing Liverpool the most problems?

Matt Ritchie on the right wing has the ability to change a game, and I can see him giving Joe Gomez a tough time. Our new signing up front Max Gradel will have a point to prove and will be itching to show what he can do on the big stage. And of course striker Callum Wilson can always grab an important goal. But our defence will have to be on their game today. Our midfield enforcer Harry Arter is injured for God knows how long and he is a big loss. We haven’t got strong cover and that’s something Howe will need to address – and quickly.

And, conversely, who do you think the Cherries need to be most wary of from the Reds’ side?

Benteke and Coutinho could have our centre-back Tommy Elphick on toast if on their game.

Finally, let’s get a score prediction from you. What will the outcome be on Monday night?

I’ll be happy with anything less than 2-0 to Liverpool. I’m expecting nothing, and hopefully we won’t be steamrollered.