Liverpool vs AFC Bournemouth: Match Preview, Latest Team News and Score Prediction | OneFootball

Liverpool Face AFC Bournemouth in Premier League Opener

Liverpool begin their Premier League title defence this Friday as they welcome AFC Bournemouth to Anfield. The encounter promises an exciting spectacle, with goals likely and both teams looking to set the tone for the season. Despite Bournemouth undergoing a significant defensive overhaul, they have previously managed to surprise top-flight opposition, and they will hope to do so again.

Match Details and Viewing Options

The fixture kicks off at 8pm BST on Friday, August 15, 2025, at Liverpool’s iconic home ground, Anfield. For supporters in the UK, the match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Premier League, with coverage starting at 6.30pm BST. Fans can also follow the game via the Sky Go app and website.

Photo: IMAGO

Liverpool Team News and Expected Line-up

Liverpool enter the match with fresh faces after their Community Shield triumph at Wembley. Hugo Ekitike, Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, and Milos Kerkez are all set to make their Premier League debuts. Ryan Gravenberch will be absent, as he missed the previous match due to the birth of his child and faces a one-match suspension following last season’s red card.

Midfield options include Curtis Jones partnering Dominik Szoboszlai, unless Alex Mac Allister is deemed fit after a brief cameo last weekend. In attack, Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo are expected to support Ekitike in a potent front three. Central defence remains solid with Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk, while Alisson guards the goal. Joe Gomez and Conor Bradley continue their recoveries from injuries, but the squad is otherwise healthy.

AFC Bournemouth Line-up and Injuries

Bournemouth will likely complete the signing of Lille defender Bafode Diakite ahead of the season opener, following the departure of Illia Zabarnyi to Paris Saint-Germain. Marcos Senesi is expected to partner Diakite at centre-back, with James Hill, Chris Mepham, or Julian Araujo as potential deputies if necessary.

At full-back, Adrien Truffert may debut at left-back, while Adam Smith occupies the opposite flank. Djordje Petrovic takes goal, with Marcus Tavernier potentially starting at No10 in place of Justin Kluivert, who is still recovering from a calf injury. Antoine Semenyo and David Brooks are expected on the wings, supporting Evanilson up front. Tyler Adams and Hamed Traore are likely to form the central midfield partnership, with Philip Billing available as an option. Long-term injuries affect Enes Unal and Lewis Cook, while Luis Sinisterra and Ryan Christie have yet to play this summer.

Liverpool vs Bournemouth Prediction

Liverpool aim to maintain a remarkable streak, seeking a 13th consecutive unbeaten season-opener, while Mohamed Salah targets a record-extending 10th opening day goal. Bournemouth, on the other hand, would become only the fourth team to defeat reigning champions on the opening weekend if they can claim a first-ever win at Anfield.

The probability of that outcome is low, as Liverpool’s manager Arne Slot will have addressed lessons from their recent loss to Crystal Palace, and Bournemouth may still need time to adapt after extensive pre-season changes. A 3-1 victory for Liverpool seems the most likely result.

Head-to-Head Record

Liverpool dominate the head-to-head record, winning 19 of 24 competitive meetings with Bournemouth, including 12 of the last 13 encounters. Bournemouth have managed just two wins, while three matches ended in draws, with the most recent stalemate taking place in 2017 at Anfield.

Liverpool wins: 19Bournemouth wins: 2Draws: 3

With Anfield as a fortress and momentum from last season’s triumph, Liverpool are well-placed to begin their Premier League defence in style.