Iraola returns to Bournemouth with Liverpool seeking league win

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola will return to face his former club Bournemouth on Sunday, September 20, with both teams seeking a crucial Premier League victory. The match at the Vitality Stadium marks Iraola's first trip back to the south coast since leaving Bournemouth at the end of last season to take charge at Anfield. Iraola guided Bournemouth to a historic sixth-place finish and their first-ever European qualification before departing. He has since been replaced by Marco Rose, who has yet to secure a league win with the Cherries, drawing three and losing one of their opening four matches. Bournemouth did, however, begin their Europa League campaign with a 2-1 victory at Real Sociedad on Thursday. Liverpool, meanwhile, are unbeaten under Iraola but have drawn three of their four Premier League games, leaving them six points behind early leaders Arsenal and Manchester City. The Reds have also progressed in the Carabao Cup with a 3-1 win over Tottenham. Iraola confirmed there are no new injury concerns for Liverpool. Long-term absentees Hugo Ekitike, Conor Bradley, and Giovanni Leoni remain sidelined, along with Federico Chiesa due to a back problem.