Liverpool vs Bournemouth – Premier League Kickoff Preview
Liverpool launch their Premier League title defence against Bournemouth at Anfield this Friday evening. The Reds have spent close to £300 million this summer, adding Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, and Milos Kerkez, though they fell to Crystal Palace on penalties in last week’s Community Shield.
Arne Slot’s side remain active in the market, having agreed a deal for 18-year-old defender Giovanni Leoni, while still pursuing Marc Guéhi and Newcastle striker Alexander Isak.
Bournemouth arrive with a reshaped defence, retaining just one of last season’s starting back four.
For Liverpool, changes are expected from the Wembley lineup. With Ryan Gravenberch suspended, Ballon d’Or nominee Alexis Mac Allister could start alongside Dominik Szoboszlai, likely replacing Curtis Jones. Joe Gomez may return from a minor injury, while Conor Bradley remains sidelined.
Four summer signings – Ekitike, Wirtz, Frimpong, and Kerkez – are in line for their Premier League debuts, with Kerkez facing his former club. Frimpong and Kerkez are set to occupy the full-back positions, while Ekitike joins Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo in attack, supported by Wirtz in a 4-2-3-1 system.
Expected XI: Alisson; Frimpong, Konate, van Dijk, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike
Uncertainty: Gomez
Injured: Bradley
Suspended: Gravenberch
Kick-off: 8pm BST, Friday, August 15, 2025 – Anfield
