Liverpool vs AFC Bournemouth: Match Preview, Team News, Opposition Analysis and More
The Reds begin their Premier League title defence against Bournemouth on Friday.
Liverpool vs AFC Bournemouth: Premier League Opener Preview
Liverpool are set to kick off their Premier League title defence with a home clash against AFC Bournemouth at Anfield on Friday night. Following a frustrating penalty shootout loss to Crystal Palace in the FA Community Shield, where the game ended 2-2 after 90 minutes, the Reds are eager to get back to winning ways. Hugo Ekitike and Jeremie Frimpong both opened their Liverpool accounts in that fixture, offering glimpses of the attacking depth Arne Slot now has at his disposal. With the season officially underway, all attention now shifts to league matters, and this opener promises excitement under the Anfield lights.
Before kick-off, there will be a poignant tribute to Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, who tragically passed away in July. Similar tributes are set to take place before every game this weekend.
Liverpool Team News
Liverpool enter the new season with a squad that blends last season’s title-winning core with fresh faces eager to make an impact. The midfield may be missing Ryan Gravenberch due to suspension, but the combination of Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Florian Wirtz promises creativity and incisiveness through the middle. In attack, the presence of Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo and Hugo Ekitike provides a potent mix of pace, finishing and physicality, capable of stretching any defence in the Premier League.
Defensively, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez are expected to feature prominently, with Kerkez facing his former club, AFC Bournemouth. The partnership of Ibrahima Konaté and Virgil van Dijk offers experience and stability at the heart of the backline, though early-season cohesion with new recruits will be crucial. Alisson remains the last line of defence, and his presence will be key in keeping the Reds’ campaign on track from the first whistle. Joe Gomez is on the verge of returning from injury, but Friday might just come too soon.
Liverpool Predicted XI: Alisson; Frimpong, Konaté, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Wirtz; Salah, Ekitike, Gakpo
Bench: Mamardashvilli, Endo, Robertson, Jones, Nyoni, Elliott, Chiesa, Ngumoha, Doak
AFC Bournemouth Team News and Analysis
Bournemouth head to Anfield with several familiar faces capable of causing problems. Antoine Semenyo, despite speculation over his future, is expected to lead the line alongside Evanilson under Andoni Iraola. The absence of Justin Kluivert through injury will limit some attacking options, but Bournemouth’s midfield and forward line still carry pace and unpredictability.
Defensively, Bournemouth will be tested, particularly given the new-look backline. The loss of key midfielders Ryan Christie and Lewis Cook means that controlling Liverpool’s attacking trident could be challenging. Players like Adams and Traore will have a vital role in breaking up play and providing support, but the Reds’ pace and movement could exploit gaps in the visitors’ defensive structure.
AFC Bournemouth Predicted XI: Petrovic, Araujo, Senesi, Hill, Truffert; Adams, Traore, Scott; Semenyo, Tavernier, Evanilson
Key Battles and Tactical Insights
The midfield battle will likely dictate the flow of this fixture. Liverpool’s creative trio of Mac Allister, Szoboszlai and Wirtz have the ability to dominate possession and pull Bournemouth out of position. With Ryan Gravenberch suspended, the responsibility to control tempo falls heavily on them. Bournemouth’s defensive midfielders, Adams and Traore, must be aggressive in closing space while providing support to their centre-backs.
On the flanks, Jeremie Frimpong’s pace and attacking instincts could be decisive against Truffert and Araujo. Similarly, Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah will test Bournemouth’s defensive organisation, particularly if the visitors commit numbers forward.
The last season’s fixture between these teams saw Liverpool dominate possession and the midfield, resulting in a comfortable win. While Bournemouth may be more cautious this time, the Reds’ attacking depth suggests a similar narrative could unfold, particularly under the Anfield lights where the atmosphere often lifts the home side.
Head-to-Head Record
Liverpool wins: 19
Draws: 3
AFC Bournemouth wins: 2
Last five meetings:
1st February 2025 - AFC Bournemouth 0-2 Liverpool (Premier League)
21st September 2024 - Liverpool 3-0 AFC Bournemouth (Premier League)
21st January 2024 - AFC Bournemouth 0-4 Liverpool (Premier League)
1st November 2023 - AFC Bournemouth 1-2 Liverpool (Carabao Cup)
19th August 2023 - Liverpool 3-1 AFC Bournemouth (Premier League)
Score Prediction and Final Thoughts
Under the floodlights, Liverpool are expected to assert their attacking authority, exploiting Bournemouth’s defensive vulnerabilities. A 3-1 win seems the most likely outcome, with Salah, Gakpo and Ekitike finding the net for the hosts, while Evanilson could pull one back for the visitors.
Liverpool’s opener is more than just a chance to kickstart the title defence; it is an opportunity to establish rhythm, integrate new signings and send a message to the rest of the Premier League. Bournemouth will provide resistance, but the combination of experience, creative midfield play and attacking firepower gives Liverpool the edge.