Premier League Opener: Liverpool vs Bournemouth Match Preview

The new Premier League season kicks off under the Anfield lights as reigning champions Liverpool welcome Bournemouth for the first fixture of the 2025/26 campaign. It will be Arne Slot’s second year in charge of the Reds, and he will be determined to build on last season’s title-winning success.

Liverpool have not lost their opening league game since the 2012/13 season. They have a dominant record in this fixture, winning 11 of their last 12 encounters against the Cherries. Bournemouth have never beaten Liverpool on Merseyside.

Liverpool’s pre-season was strong overall, losing just one fixture before their defeat to Crystal Palace in the Community Shield. Despite that loss, new striker Hugo Ekitike and right-back Jeremie Frimpong made immediate impressions by scoring on their official debuts.

Ryan Gravenberch, who was absent from the team sheet during the Community Shield due to becoming a father, will also miss this season’s opening match because of a suspension after a red card on the final day of last season.

Bournemouth are coming off their best Premier League season, earning a club-record 56 points and conceding only 46 goals. They haven’t lost an opening league game since the 2017/18 season.

However, their defence has changed significantly over the summer, with Kepa Arrizabalaga, Dean Huijsen, Illia Zabarnyi, and Milos Kerkez all leaving. This will be the young Hungarian’s first match against his former club.

In pre-season, Bournemouth beat Everton, Bristol City, and Hibernian, lost to Manchester United and West Ham, and drew with Real Sociedad.

Justin Kluivert will miss the game through injury. Ryan Christie has returned to training but may not be fully ready to start, while Lewis Cook is suspended and also recovering from injury.

Liverpool will be favourites at Anfield, but opening games can bring surprises. Bournemouth will hope to cause an upset, while Liverpool will look to show why they are the defending champions.