It’s opening night in the English Premier League, and the defending champions Liverpool welcome Bournemouth to Anfield on Friday in a clash that pits title favourites against stubborn underdogs.
For Arne Slot’s men, it’s about starting as they mean to go on. For Andoni Iraola’s side, it’s about proving that last season’s historic run was no fluke.
Liverpool enter as champions for the first time since their 2019-20 triumph, while Bournemouth arrive seeking a first-ever win at Anfield. Something has to give.
🟥 Liverpool are unbeaten in their last 17 home Premier League matches.
🍒 Bournemouth are unbeaten in their last seven opening-day fixtures.
♻️ Liverpool vs Bournemouth Key Stats 📊:
📊 Head-to-head at Anfield (Premier League): Liverpool dominant, Bournemouth no wins.
📊 Liverpool's last home defeat in the EPL: September 2024 vs Nottingham Forest.
📊 Bournemouth’s last opening-day defeat: 2017-18 vs West Brom
📊 Liverpool unbeaten in opening-day matches since 2012-13.
📊 Liverpool Form in all comps: (L W W W D) vs Bournemouth Form in all comps: (W W L L D).
🔬 What to Expect From Both Teams 🔥:
🔴Liverpool:
The champions return after Community Shield disappointment against Crystal Palace, albeit at a penalty shootout. Nonetheless, defensive frailties were exposed.
That said, Anfield remains a fortress, and Mohamed Salah’s influence still looms large. Hugo Ekitike made a dream debut with a goal at Wembley and could be key again.
Gravenberch’s absence through suspension will be felt, but Alexis Mac Allister should step in to control the midfield. With Frimpong and Kerkez likely to make competitive debuts, Slot’s new-look XI will aim to blend fresh talent with title-winning experience.
🔵Bournemouth:
The Cherries had a record-breaking 2024-25 but saw their defence dismantled in the summer. Both starting centre-backs for the Cherries, Huijsen and Zabarnyi, in addition to key figures like Kerkez and Kepa, have departed, leaving Iraola with a reshuffled backline.
Pre-season hasn’t inspired confidence either, with only one win in four games, but their historical opening-day resilience offers hope with Bournemouth’s counter-attacking threat remaining intact.
Antoine Semenyo is fit and flying after signing a new deal, while ex-Chelsea keeper Djordje Petrovic gets his Premier League debut. Injury concerns linger over key attackers like Luis Sinisterra and Justin Kluivert.
👥 Predicted Lineups 👥:
Liverpool (4-2-3-1):
Alisson (GK); Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike.
Bournemouth (4-2-3-1):
Petrovic (GK); Araujo, Senesi, Hill, Truffert; Adams, Scott; Semenyo, Tavernier, Ouattara; Evanilson.
🔥 Matchups & Players to Watch 👀:
🔹 Mohamed Salah – Still Liverpool’s talisman, chasing another hot start.
🔹 Hugo Ekitike – New signing looking to cement a place up front (before Isak come).
🔹 Antoine Semenyo – Direct and dangerous, could trouble the Reds’ defence.
🔹 Mac Allister vs Adams – Midfield battle of control vs disruption.
💵 Odds Market on MSport 💵:
💵 Liverpool/Home to win = 1.45 ✅
💵 Salah to score = 1.77 ✅
💵 Over 2.5 total goals = 1.38 ✅
💵 Bournemouth/Away to win = 8.67 ✅
This isn’t just another season opener. Liverpool are out to make an early statement in their title defence, while Bournemouth want to break their Anfield voodoo.
The Premier League curtain rises on Merseyside — only one side will walk away with the first bragging rights of 2025-26.
🔗 You can follow the Chelsea vs Bayer Leverkusen pre-season friendly here on MSport.
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