Bournemouth v Liverpool: Eddie Howe urges side to show quality
Last updated on .From the section Bournemouth
Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe believes their League Cup quarter-final against Liverpool gives his players a perfect chance to showcase their skills.
The Cherries lead the Championship, are unbeaten in 12 games and knocked out West Brom in the previous round.
And Howe has urged his side to show the same form against the struggling Reds.
"I would love the players to do themselves justice and show everybody, if people need confirmation, we are a good side," Howe told BBC Radio Solent.
Liverpool were beaten 3-0 by Manchester United on Sunday, having been eliminated from the Champions League five days earlier, while the Cherries warmed up for Wednesday's game by defeating Cardiff City 5-3.
The match is a repeat of January's FA Cup tie between the two sides, which Liverpool won 2-0 at Dean Court. with Bournemouth in the last eight of the League Cup for the first time.
"It's one game and the first time we have been in the quarter-final, so it's hopefully a game where we can relax and attack rather than think too much of the consequences of defeat or victory," said Howe.
"We are in a good place, enjoying the games and the challenges.
| Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe |
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| "We will have to be at our very best to keep them quiet, you saw in January with two moments of magic and it will be a real good test for our defenders" |
"I think it is a showcase for the club and a showcase for the team. If we can perform as we have done in the league and give a really good account of ourselves and hopefully everyone can see our philosophy, then we will take that.
"The result is always in the lap of the gods, but we want to see the principles of our play coming out."
Howe acknowledged that his side are still underdogs going into the game, but believes their league position should give them plenty of belief.
"If we can play our normal way, keep the ball and probe then hopefully we can impose ourselves," he added.
"We will have to be at our very best to keep them quiet, you saw in January with two moments of magic, and it will be a real good test for our defenders.
"Short term, hopefully it does give them a little bit more confidence and arrogance, which I think you need to be a successful team."
