Last updated on August 16, 2025
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Liverpool will want to come flying out of the blocks to set the tone, while Bournemouth will aim to absorb the pressure and disrupt their rhythm early.
Image credit: RED-FACE VALUE-TICKETS
The Premier League weekend kicks off in style this Friday night as Liverpool welcome Bournemouth to Anfield.
Under the bright lights and with the crowd in full voice, Arne Slot’s Reds will be hungry to make a statement in their first home game of the season.
Bournemouth won’t be there just to make up the numbers — they’ll fancy their chances of spoiling the party.
Expect energy, goals, and a cracking start to the weekend’s football.
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Table of Contents
Match Facts
- Fixture: Liverpool vs Bournemouth
- Date: Friday, 15 August 2025
- Kick-off: 8:00pm BST (8:00pm WAT)
- Venue: Anfield
- TV (UK): Sky Sports
What a Fast Start Would Mean for Slot’s Liverpool
A strong win on Friday night would do more than just put three points on the board for Arne Slot’s Liverpool — it would send a message that this new-look team is ready to go.
Liverpool have had a busy summer, with big names like Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitiké, and Jeremie Frimpong coming in, while some familiar faces have moved on.
Early victories would help prove that these signings are fitting in quickly and that the squad is already working well together.
When Liverpool put NINE past Bournemouth 😲 pic.twitter.com/Mmv7InaGOK
— Premier League (@premierleague) September 21, 2024
The Reds are being tipped by many as title favourites this season, but with that comes pressure.
A fast start would show they can handle it and keep the momentum going.
It would also calm worries about defensive gaps and a slightly thin bench, especially at centre-back.
After a Community Shield defeat that showed a few defensive cracks, Slot will want his team to look sharp at the back while keeping their attacking edge.
A good opening result at Anfield would lift the fans, build belief, and set the right tone for the long season ahead.
How Bournemouth Plan to Spoil Opening Night
Bournemouth aren’t travelling to Anfield just to clap for Liverpool’s big night — they believe they can ruin the party.
Under manager Andoni Iraola, the Cherries have become one of the Premier League’s hardest-working sides.
They press high, force mistakes, and break forward at speed.
It’s a style that unsettles teams who like to control the ball — exactly what Liverpool try to do.
Their plan is simple but dangerous: stay tight and organised, keep Liverpool’s attack in front of them, then spring forward the moment they win the ball.
With players like Antoine Semenyo and Justin Kluivert ready to use their pace, they’ll look to exploit the space behind Liverpool’s defence.
Set pieces could also be their secret weapon.
A well-delivered corner or free-kick might be all it takes to grab a goal and shift the pressure onto the home side.
Bournemouth have already shown they can trouble the league’s biggest clubs — they’ve beaten the likes of Manchester City and Arsenal in recent seasons.
That belief, plus their fearless approach, means they’ll arrive at Anfield thinking more about points than polite applause.
What to Watch
- First 15 Minutes Intensity
Liverpool will want to come flying out of the blocks to set the tone, while Bournemouth will aim to absorb the pressure and disrupt their rhythm early.
The opening quarter-hour could decide the mood of the match.
- Midfield Control and Second Balls
Whoever wins the battle in the middle will control the game.
Liverpool will look to dictate play, but Bournemouth’s midfield will focus on breaking it up and snapping up loose balls to launch counters.
- Delivery Quality from Wide Areas
With both sides boasting quick wingers and full-backs, crosses and cut-backs could be crucial.
A single moment of quality from the flanks might create the game’s best chances.
Potential Lineups & Team News
Liverpool
Arne Slot’s first Premier League XI at Anfield is shaping up to be a mix of the familiar and the fresh.
Ryan Gravenberch is suspended, while Joe Gomez (Achilles) and Conor Bradley (muscle) are still sidelined.
Alexis Mac Allister looks set to return and could replace Curtis Jones in midfield, giving Liverpool more control and passing range.
All eyes will be on the new boys — Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong, and Milos Kerkez — with most of them expected to make their Premier League debut.
Virgil van Dijk has openly called for defensive improvement after a shaky Community Shield display, and with no new centre-back signed yet, leadership at the back will be key.
Predicted XI:
Alisson; Frimpong, Konaté, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike
Bournemouth
Andoni Iraola’s side head to Anfield with a few fresh faces and a couple of injury headaches.
Their biggest addition is centre-back Bafodé Diakité from Lille, who could be thrown straight in to help deal with Liverpool’s attack.
Justin Kluivert (calf), Ryan Christie (groin), and Luis Sinisterra (thigh) are all doubtful, while Lewis Cook and Enes Ünal are out.
That means Bournemouth will lean heavily on the pace of Antoine Semenyo and the trickery of Marcus Tavernier to hit Liverpool on the break.
Predicted XI:
Petrović; Araujo, Senesi, Hill, Truffert; Adams, Scott; Semenyo, Tavernier, Ouattara; Evanilson
Liverpool are going for a fast, attacking lineup to kick off Slot’s era with a bang, but the thin defensive options remain a talking point.
Bournemouth arrive with nothing to lose, a new centre-back to bed in, and the weapons to cause trouble if they can get in behind.
Prediction
Liverpool should have enough quality — especially with the Anfield crowd behind them — to start the Arne Slot second era with three points.
