Liverpool midfielder Adam Lallana is expecting a tough fight against Bournemouth in Monday night's Premier League fixture.

The two clubs met last season in a Capital One Cup fixture in which the Reds emerged victorious but Lallana, who spent time on loan with the Cherries in 2007, knows a top flight clash will be a completely different beast.

"We played against them last season and they're a great club," he said.

"They play the right way and will be up for it, trying to get their first points of the season.

"Having just come up, they be anxious to get those points. That can drive them on and make it a difficult game for us.

"I doubt they could have ever imagined being in this position.

The 27-year-old spent a season on loan with the Cherries in 2007 and reserved special praise for manager Eddie Howe who guided the club to the Premier League.

"After I was there on loan they went into League Two and were a few points off going out of the Football League.

"That's when Eddie (Howe) took charge and they have been on this astonishing climb through the leagues.

"It's a credit to them and a remarkable story."