It's certainly an interesting set-up from Liverpool. Shaqiri is popping up everywhere and James Milner is getting way up the pitch from right-back, almost as a right-winger.

He tries to feed Salah but the ball runs out for a goal kick. This could give Bournemouth chance to get their foot on the ball.

Mark Mitchener
BBC Sport at Vitality Stadium

James Milner is starting at right-back for Liverpool, with Fabinho in central midfield. In the early stages, it looks akin to an orthodox 4-4-2 for the Reds (rather than their regular 4-3-3-), with Xherdan Shaqiri on the right (though drifting infield), Naby Keita on the left and Mohamed Salah playing centrally with Roberto Firmino.

Bournemouth have begun with David Brooks in his regular right-midfield slot, Junior Stanislas on the left and Ryan Fraser in a more central role than usual as Joshua King's main support act.

Image source, Reuters

With Sadio Mane on the bench, it looks like it's Naby Keita on the left-wing with Xherdan Shaqiri more central for Liverpool. You might have expected it to be the other way around.

Keita looks sharp early, continuing his form from midweek. He nutmegs two players in a mazy run.

Image source, Reuters

Steve Sidwell
Brighton coach on BBC Radio 5 live

You look at how Man City won last season, they drew away from the league. They didn't have the pressure of someone chasing their tails. This is different.

Naby Keita gets a nasty blow early when going in for a early challenge. Liverpool weren't too happy with some of the challenges from Burnley in midweek but you wouldn't expect too much of that from Bournemouth. The possession has been all to Liverpool so far.

It looks like a classic grey English football winter's day.

This is the start of a massive week for Liverpool. Win today and they go top and then it's a must-win Champions League tie on Tuesday against Napoli, followed by Man Utd at home next Sunday.

Bournemouth can go sixth too!

Away we go...

James Milner leads Liverpool out for his 500th Premier League appearance.

He's just the 13th player to reach that landmark. First one to name the other 12 wins...

Here come the teams...

If Liverpool win all of their remaining games I'll live text their first game of next season in Gary Lineker-style boxer shorts.

This is a fact.

Mark Mitchener
BBC Sport at Vitality Stadium

It's fairly mild for early December down in Dorset, but it's been drizzling steadily for a while. Certainly no need to water the pitch - and the ground staff are out in force (with their forks) to repair any little areas of concern where the players were warming up.

Matthew Upson
Former England defender on Football Focus

We talk about the Manchester City stars Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling, but this guy, statistically he is above all of those. For me we can talk about his impact with the ball and his statistics but he has a real humility about him and he works really hard.

Just 10 minutes to go until kick-off. There are kids out waving black and red flags by the tunnel. It's almost time.

Thomas: Excited for another weekend of football, particularly Liv v Bou! Both teams are brimming with confidence at the moment and will be interesting to see how they match up...

Steve Sidwell
Brighton coach on BBC Radio 5 live

I think they’re on the coattails of Man City but I don’t see them sustaining an assault. I think Manchester City will run away with it, not as much as last season though.

Pat Nevin
Former Scotland winger on BBC Radio 5 live

I constantly expected it to be blow up for Liverpool last season because they had such a small squad but they got all the way to the Champions League final.

They’ve got a better squad this season. I don’t think they’ll catch Man City, but best of the rest.

Liverpool are still unbeaten in the league this season of course and have 39 points from 15 games.

That's their best ever start and it still isn't good enough to have them top of the table due to Man City's form.

That'll change with a win today though. Three points take Liverpool top until around 19:30 GMT at least.

Steve Sidwell
Ex-Chelsea midfielder on BBC Radio 5 live

Jose Mourinho doesn’t seem the same man. I saw him at Chelsea during their high. He had a group of 25 players, world stars, big egos, and he had them all in the palm of his hand. He got them all onside, even the ones not in the squad.

He had that personal touch. He just seems a lonely figure now. He seems isolated from everyone. Back in the day, the relationship he had with the players, the board, the fans, the press – now tell me one good relationship he has got.

Karen Carney
England women's winger on BBC Radio 5 live

Jose Mourinho isn’t very patient. If you have one bad game you think ‘help me out’ but he pushes people away. How can you look for other players to help you out if they're getting flogged in the press and flogged by him? It’s a difficult environment. For any player to adapt at Man Utd at the moment is a challenge.

I think he's burned out and tired, he's gone from club to club to club. Pep Guardiola took a break between clubs. Maybe do the Pep thing, rest and reflect and see where the game is going.

Bournemouth start this game on the same points as Manchester United and above them on goal difference.

Who'll be higher by the end of the day?