Liverpool kick off their title defence against Bournemouth in the 2025-26 Premier League season-opener.
Arne Slot’s Reds begin their title defence on what will be an emotional occasion as they pay tribute to Diogo Jota in their first league match at home since his death in July.
Andoni Iraola’s Cherries meanwhile look to build upon their ninth-placed finish of last season.
Team News
Ryan Gravenberch is suspended for Liverpool after he was sent off on the final day of last season in a 1-1 draw at home to Crystal Palace, although he was eligible to feature in their Community Shield loss to Palace last weekend.
Conor Bradley (muscle) and Joe Gomez (Achilles) are doubts for selection.
Bournemouth will be without midfielder, Lewis Cook after he suffered a MCL injury during pre-season.
Ryan Christie (groin) could be available but Enes Unal (knee), Luis Sinisterra (hamstring) and Justin Kluivert (calf)
When is Kick-Off?
Liverpool host Bournemouth at Anfield on Friday 15 August at 8pm BST, live on Sky Sports Main Event in the UK.
Stat Attack
- Liverpool have won four of their last five league meetings against Bournemouth (W4, L1).
- Bournemouth have lost all eight previous Premier League trips to Liverpool at Anfield (L8).
- Liverpool have scored nine goals in their last three meetings against Bournemouth without conceding (W3).
- Slot’s Reds are looking to avoid going five league games without a win for the first time since December 2020 – January 2021.
- Bournemouth have won just one of their last six away league games (W1, D3, L2).
Prediction
After a sloppy defensive display cost Liverpool against Palace in the Community Shield which had been typical of them since they won the title in late April, Slot now need to find a balance that solidify their defence but don’t hamper their fierce firepower when on the attack.
Bournemouth meanwhile have pretty much lost their first-choice defence this summer but have so far reinvested their received fees well, although it is going to take time for their new back line to gel but their attack should still be strong with Antoine Semenyo and Evanilson still present.
This game however is going to be emotional for the hosts as this is their first league game following Jota’s unexpected death, but if their attack continues to click more confidently then I can see a fitting home win coming for the Reds even if Bournemouth breach their back line.
Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Bournemouth
Result: Liverpool 4-2 Bournemouth
Leave a Reply