Liverpool kick off their Premier League title defence on Friday night, hosting Bournemouth under the lights at Anfield. Arne Slot’s men arrive as strong favourites, having strengthened heavily in the transfer window with Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Hugo Ekitike and Milos Kerkez joining the champions, while a deal for Parma’s 18-year-old centre-back Giovanni Leoni edges closer.
The Reds’ summer outlay could yet surpass £400m if Alexander Isak and Marc Guehi deals materialise, though sizeable sales of Luis Díaz, Darwin Núñez, Trent Alexander-Arnold and others have balanced the books. Amid the excitement, the club will also pause to honour the late Diogo Jota, with a minute’s silence before kick-off.
Bournemouth arrive looking to better last season’s ninth-place finish but face a reshaped backline after losing Illia Zabarnyi, Dean Huijsen and Kerkez. Andoni Iraola has moved quickly to bring in Adrien Truffert, Bafodé Diakité and keeper Djordje Petrovic, but bedding them in at Anfield on opening day is a tough start.
When & Where?
Date: Friday, August 15, 2025
Time: 8:00 p.m. BST (3:00 p.m. ET)
Venue: Anfield, Liverpool
Referee: Anthony Taylor
VAR: Michael Oliver
Team News
Liverpool: Ryan Gravenberch is suspended, while Conor Bradley (muscle) and Joe Gomez (Achilles) are doubts. Stefan Bajcetic (hamstring) is targeting a late August return.
Bournemouth: Justin Kluivert (calf), Luis Sinisterra (hamstring) and Ryan Christie (groin) are doubtful, while Enes Ünal remains out until October with an ACL injury.
Tactical Analysis
Expect Liverpool to dominate possession, with Frimpong’s overlaps freeing Salah into one-on-ones against Truffert. Wirtz’s ability to drift between the lines offers another creative outlet, while Kerkez’s debut on the left adds width and energy.
For Bournemouth, organisation will be key. Tyler Adams shielding the back four and quick transitions through Tavernier and Ouattara could be their best chance to catch Liverpool out, particularly if the hosts overcommit. However, with a reworked defence facing one of the league’s most potent attacks, containment will be a huge challenge.
Key Players
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool): A record nine Premier League goals on opening weekends, plus 11 in 10 games against Bournemouth, underline his status as the Cherries’ chief tormentor.
Tyler Adams (Bournemouth): The USA international’s positional discipline and pressing will be vital to slowing Liverpool’s midfield rotations and cutting supply to Salah and Ekitike.
Predicted Lineups
Liverpool predicted lineup vs Bournemouth: Alisson; Frimpong, Van Dijk, Konaté, Kerkez; Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Wirtz; Salah, Ekitike, Gakpo.
Bournemouth predicted lineup vs Liverpool: Petrovic; Araujo, Diakité, Senesi, Truffert; Adams, Brooks; Semenyo, Tavernier, Ouattara; Kroupi.
Stats to Know
– Liverpool have won their last five meetings with Bournemouth, scoring 14 and conceding just two.
– The Reds are unbeaten in 12 straight Premier League openers – the longest active run in the division.
– Bournemouth are unbeaten in their last seven opening-day fixtures.
– Salah could equal Sergio Agüero’s tally for goals scored at a single Premier League venue (106) with a brace at Anfield.
Prediction
Bournemouth’s recent opening-day resilience will be tested to the limit against a Liverpool side eager to start fast. Slot’s men have the firepower and depth to break down the Cherries’ new-look defence.
Prediction: Liverpool 3-1 Bournemouth
