A Summer of Change at Anfield
Liverpool’s summer transfer window has been dramatic, with over £250m spent to bring in Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez, and Jeremie Frimpong — a stark contrast to last year’s restrained recruitment. These signings follow the exits of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Luis Díaz, and Darwin Núñez, marking the start of a new chapter under Arne Slot.
Up front, Salah, Ekitike, and Gakpo are expected to spearhead the attack, with Wirtz playing in the No. 10 role. Mohamed Salah begins the campaign chasing a 10th consecutive goal on the opening day and his 14th direct goal involvement in such fixtures.
Opponents Out to Upset the Odds
Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth finished ninth last season — their highest-ever Premier League placing — but have since sold around £150m worth of players. Despite links to bigger jobs, Iraola stays for a third term.
Their recent record at Anfield is poor, with seven defeats in eight visits, including a 9–0 thrashing in 2022. However, Crystal Palace’s Community Shield shock last week may give the Cherries hope that Liverpool’s revamped line-up can be unsettled.
Predicted Liverpool XI (4–2–3–1)
Alisson; Frimpong, Konaté, van Dijk, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike.
Doubts: Gomez.
Injured: Bradley.
Suspended: Gravenberch.
With new faces in key positions, a fired-up Anfield crowd, and high expectations, Liverpool will see anything less than three points tonight as an early blow to their bid for back-to-back titles.
A Summer of Change at Anfield
Liverpool’s transfer window has been one of major transformation. More than £250m has been spent to bring in Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez, and Jeremie Frimpong — a sharp contrast to last season’s modest recruitment. These signings come after the high-profile exits of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Luis Díaz, and Darwin Núñez, signalling a fresh era under Arne Slot.
In attack, Salah, Ekitike, and Gakpo are expected to lead the line, with Wirtz pulling the strings just behind. Mohamed Salah starts the season chasing a 10th consecutive opening-day goal and aiming for his 14th direct goal involvement in such matches.
Opponents Out to Upset the Odds
Bournemouth, guided by Andoni Iraola, achieved a record ninth-place finish last season but have since sold around £150m worth of players. Despite being linked to bigger jobs, Iraola remains for a third straight year.
Their track record at Anfield is bleak — seven defeats in their last eight visits, including a 9–0 loss in 2022. However, Crystal Palace’s surprise Community Shield win last weekend may give the Cherries confidence that Liverpool’s revamped side can still be unsettled.
Predicted Liverpool XI (4–2–3–1)
Alisson; Frimpong, Konaté, van Dijk, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike.
Doubt: Gomez.
Injured: Bradley.
Suspended: Gravenberch.
With fresh signings, a vibrant home crowd, and the weight of expectation, anything less than a win tonight would be seen as a setback in Liverpool’s pursuit of back-to-back league titles.
