Liverpool vs AFC Bournemouth: Match Preview, Latest Team News and TV Watching Guide | OneFootball

Liverpool vs AFC Bournemouth: Premier League Opener Preview

Anfield is ready for a blockbuster start to the Premier League season as Liverpool host AFC Bournemouth on Friday night. The champions, under Arne Slot, will be eager to make a strong statement in their title defence, while the visitors look to spring a surprise against one of the league’s heavyweights.

The fixture has a history of goals, with Liverpool famously putting nine past the Cherries in 2022, and the last four league meetings producing 13 in total. This one should offer plenty of attacking drama.

Match Details and Broadcast Information

Liverpool vs AFC Bournemouth kicks off at 8pm BST on Friday 15 August 2025 at Anfield.

In the UK, Sky Sports Premier League will broadcast the match live, with coverage beginning at 6.30pm. Subscribers can also stream the game via Sky Go on mobile, tablet or desktop.

Photo: IMAGO

Team News and Possible Line-Ups

Liverpool are expected to hand Premier League debuts to Hugo Ekitike, Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez, all of whom featured in the Community Shield. Ryan Gravenberch is unavailable due to suspension and the recent birth of his child. Curtis Jones could again start alongside Dominik Szoboszlai in midfield, unless Alexis Mac Allister is fit to start.

Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah should flank Ekitike in attack, while Ibrahima Konate partners Virgil van Dijk at the heart of defence. Joe Gomez and Conor Bradley remain sidelined, but otherwise Liverpool have no new injury concerns.

Bournemouth are working to complete the signing of Bafode Diakite from Lille before kick-off, following the sale of Illia Zabarnyi to Paris Saint-Germain. Marcos Senesi is set to partner either Diakite or another available option at centre-back. Adrien Truffert is likely to make his debut at left-back, with Adam Smith on the right.

Former Chelsea goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic will start between the posts. Justin Kluivert is still recovering from a calf problem, so Marcus Tavernier could operate as the central playmaker, supported by Antoine Semenyo and David Brooks on the flanks, with Evanilson leading the line.

Tyler Adams and Hamed Traore may form the midfield base, with Lewis Cook, Luis Sinisterra and Ryan Christie all ruled out through injury. Enes Unal is a long-term absentee after an ACL injury.

What to Expect

Liverpool are chasing a 13th consecutive unbeaten start to a Premier League season. Mohamed Salah is seeking to extend his own record by scoring on the opening day for the tenth time.

Bournemouth, however, will believe they can disrupt the script. Only three clubs have beaten the reigning champions in the first round of fixtures, and the Cherries could join that list with their first-ever win at Anfield. History, though, is not in their favour, with Liverpool winning 19 of the 24 competitive meetings between the two sides.

Prediction

With Anfield roaring and several exciting new signings, Liverpool should have the edge. Bournemouth’s reshaped defence may take time to settle, and Slot’s side will be keen to shake off the lessons from their Community Shield defeat to Crystal Palace.

Prediction: Liverpool 3-1 AFC Bournemouth

Head-to-head record:Liverpool wins: 19Bournemouth wins: 2Draws: 3