Russia 2018 World Cup: Bournemouth make it a Premier League first with their hybrid pitch that will be used in World Cup final in two years
Pitch perfect Cherries have identical surface to one at the Luzhniki Stadium that 2018 World Cup final will be played on
BOURNEMOUTH will play Liverpool on the same pitch as the one that will be used in the 2018 World Cup final.
The Cherries, who have just relaid their surface, become the first Prem club to install an SISGrass pitch.
And their Vitality Stadium field is identical to the one laid at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow last month.
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The hybrid pitch will offer boss Eddie Howe’s side increased stability and more playing hours than natural grass.
Bournemouth’s head groundsman Robin Wilcox said: “It looks great and feels fantastic underfoot.
“A good playing surface is crucial when it comes to performance and preventing injuries.
“I’m sure the squad will reap the benefits.”
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SISGrass is used at Derby as well as the FA’s St George’s Park and the training grounds of various clubs.
Adam Lallana hopes to be stripped for action again when he returns to his old stamping ground.
The midfielder visited a strip club in Bournemouth along with England pal Jordan Henderson during a night off from international duty last month.
And now he hopes to make his comeback from a groin injury when Liverpool visit the Cherries.
Local hero Lallana, 28, was brought up less than two miles from Bournemouth’s ground and was at their Centre of Excellence before joining Southampton.