The Premier League will begin the 2025/26 season with a bang when defending champions Liverpool face AFC Bournemouth at Anfield. Bournemouth, currently managed by Andoni Iraola, hopes to upset a Liverpool squad that has undergone significant defensive reconstruction. Arne Slot’s side, however, has a shot at claiming the title with a fresh look after a record-breaking summer transfer window.

With new signings like Hugo Ekitike, Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, and Milos Kerkez set to make their league debuts for the Reds, the Kop is expecting fireworks.

Bournemouth, meanwhile, have been busy in the transfer market themselves but face the daunting task of trying to secure their first-ever win at Anfield.

Liverpool’s squad looks strong despite a couple of absentees. The summer signings are grabbing headlines, with Ekitike, Wirtz, Frimpong, and Kerkez expected to start after impressing in the Community Shield.

One notable absentee is Ryan Gravenberch, who misses out due to suspension after a red card at the end of last season. He also sat out the Wembley clash due to the birth of his child.

Curtis Jones could start in midfield alongside Dominik Szoboszlai, unless Alexis Mac Allister is fully fit to return to the XI.

In attack, Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo should flank Ekitike in a potent front three. The center-back pairing of Ibrahima Konaté and Virgil van Dijk remains solid, while Alisson starts in goal. Joe Gomez and Conor Bradley are still sidelined.

Predicted Liverpool XI:

• Alisson; Frimpong, Konaté, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike.

Bournemouth are in transition after losing key defenders Illia Zabarnyi, Dean Huijsen, and Milos Kerkez. Their defense could feature new signing Bafode Diakite alongside Marcos Senesi, with Adrien Truffert debuting at left-back.

In midfield, Tyler Adams and Hamed Traore are expected to start, while Marcus Tavernier could play as the No. 10 in the absence of Justin Kluivert. The wings could be manned by Antoine Semenyo and David Brooks, with Evanilson leading the line.

Injury absentees include Enes Unal (ACL), Lewis Cook (knee), Luis Sinisterra (thigh), and Ryan Christie (groin).

Predicted Bournemouth XI:

• Petrovic; Araujo, Diakite, Senesi, Truffert; Adams, Traore; Semenyo, Tavernier, Brooks; Evanilson.

Liverpool dominates this fixture historically:

Recent matches have overwhelmingly favored the Reds, with 12 wins in the last 13 meetings. Notable achievements include a 9-0 thumping in August 2022 and back-to-back clean sheet victories last season (3-0 and 2-0).

Bournemouth’s last win over Liverpool came in March 2023 (1-0 at home), and their last draw at Anfield was back in 2017.

• Expect Liverpool to dominate possession, push full-backs high, and overload the flanks with Salah and Gakpo cutting inside.

• Ekitike’s movement offers a new dimension, while Wirtz adds creativity in central areas.

• In order to respond, Bournemouth will probably defend deep and try to use Semenyo's speed and Tavernier's vision.

• Evanilson’s ability to hold the ball up could be key to relieving pressure.

• Liverpool Win: 1.25

• Draw: 6.50

• Bournemouth Win: 12.00

• Best Betting Tips

  • Liverpool to win & Both Teams to Score—Bournemouth’s attack has the potential to snatch one.

  • Over 2.5 Goals – Historically a high-scoring fixture.

  • Mohamed Salah to Score Anytime – Opening day specialist with 9 consecutive season-opener goals.

The Premier League is back with a big game at Anfield, with all signs suggesting Liverpool will win. With new signings eager to make an impression and Salah chasing another record, the champions will surely want to start strong.