2025-26 Premier League MW1 Preview - Liverpool vs. AFC Bournemouth:
Can the Cherries score an opening-season win against the Reds? August 14, 2025 by Marc Jerbs

The 2025/26 Premier League campaign launches with a high-profile clash at Anfield as defending champions Liverpool welcome AFC Bournemouth. Arne Slot's side will aim to begin their title defense in style, while Andoni Iraola's Cherries look to upset the odds and carry forward their momentum from a strong 2024/25 season that saw them finish ninth.

Team Form and Overview

Liverpool
The Reds secured the 2024/25 title with 86 goals scored, a 10-point cushion over second-place Arsenal, and 14 clean sheets. Slot's high-tempo 4-2-3-1 produced attacking dynamism and defensive control, as evidenced by their unbeaten 14-match home run in the league. Their pre-season form was encouraging (4 wins, 1 draw), highlighted by victories over Manchester United, Arsenal, Sevilla, and Real Betis, although their Community Shield defeat to Crystal Palace showed occasional vulnerability under pressure.

Liverpool's summer transfer activity totaled around €300 million, bringing in star names like Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Hugo Ekitiké, and former Bournemouth full-back Milos Kerkez. Departures included Trent Alexander-Arnold, Luis Díaz, and Darwin Núñez, alongside the tragic loss of Diogo Jota. Despite the changes, with Salah spearheading the attack, Liverpool remain one of the league's most formidable home sides.

AFC Bournemouth
Under Iraola, Bournemouth impressed last season, conceding only 46 goals and collecting 28 away points. Their pre-season was mixed (2 wins, 1 draw, 2 losses), with victories over Rayo Vallecano and Wrexham, but also defeats to Arsenal and West Ham. However, against elite opposition—like last year's 4-0 defeat at Anfield—they have often struggled.

The Cherries endured a turbulent summer transfer window, losing key defenders Milos Kerkez, Dean Huijsen, and potentially Illia Zabarnyi, netting €170 million in sales. New signings Djordje Petrović and Adrien Truffert strengthen the squad, but the defense remains in transition. Iraola's fast, pressing 4-2-3-1 will lean on the counter-attacking pace of Evanilson, Semenyo, and Tavernier to trouble Liverpool's high line.

Liverpool vs. AFC Bournemouth Sports Bet Odds

The Reds are the favorites to win the game. Here are our latest odds:

• The Reds are favored by 2 points, with a full-time result of 1.30.
• The Eagles are the underdogs by 2 points, with a full-time result of 7.50.
• Draw has a full-time result of 6.50.
• Total Goals is set at 3.20 points, with the Under at 2.10 and the Over at 1.36.

Team News and Injury Report

Liverpool

Injuries/Suspensions: Ryan Gravenberch is suspended after a red card on the final day of the 2024/25 season. Joe Gomez and Conor Bradley are doubtful due to injuries, while Alisson Becker and Virgil van Dijk are expected to be fit. Alexis Mac Allister is available despite minor concerns.

New Signings: Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Hugo Ekitiké, and Milos Kerkez are set to make their Premier League debuts for Liverpool.

Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Frimpong, Konaté, van Dijk, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitiké

Coach: Arne Slot

AFC Bournemouth

Injuries/Suspensions: Lewis Cook is serving the second of a three-match ban, while Enes Unal (knee) and Ryan Christie are sidelined. Justin Kluivert is a doubt but could feature off the bench.

New Signings: Djordje Petrović is expected to start in goal, with Adrien Truffert at left-back. Tyler Adams and Alex Scott will anchor the midfield.

Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1): Petrović; Smith, Senesi, Hill, Truffert; Adams, Scott; Semenyo, Tavernier, Ouattara; Evanilson

Coach: Andoni Iraola

Key Battles to Watch

• Mohamed Salah vs Marcos Senesi: Salah, the league's top scorer last season with 35 goals, holds the record for most opening-day goals (9) and has netted in 7 of 11 games against Bournemouth.
• Florian Wirtz vs Bournemouth's Midfield: Wirtz's creativity (10 goals, 12 assists in the Bundesliga last season) could unlock gaps in Bournemouth's defensive setup.
• Antoine Semenyo vs Milos Kerkez: The pacy winger faces his former teammate in a battle that could decide Bournemouth's counter-attacking threat.

Tactical Overview

Liverpool: Expect high pressing, rapid transitions, and wing overloads. Salah and Wirtz will stretch the defense, while Frimpong and Kerkez push forward to provide width. Mac Allister and Szoboszlai will control the central zones, with van Dijk and Konaté anchoring the back.

AFC Bournemouth: Compact shape with quick counters through wide players. Evanilson's movement and Semenyo's pace will be crucial, but the reshuffled defense will face a stern test against Liverpool's relentless attack.

Final Thought

This opening clash at Anfield is set to be a high-energy affair, with Liverpool aiming to kick off their title defense in style and Bournemouth looking to defy the odds. With Salah and Wirtz leading the charge, the Reds are poised to start the 2025/26 season with a statement win.