Match Preview Liverpool vs AFC Bournemouth Premier League Game Week 1

Explore Ladbrokes game week one detailed match preview for Liverpool vs AFC Bournemouth in the Premier League, Friday 15th August 2025. Stats, odds, predictions, and line-ups for the 20:00 BST kick-off in the opening game of the 25/26 season.

Fixture: Liverpool vs AFC Bournemouth

Date: Friday, 15 August 2025

Kick-off: 20:00 BST

Venue: Anfield

Liverpool, the reigning 2024/25 Premier League champions, enter the 2025/26 season with a revamped squad, bolstered by marquee signings Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike. Their pre-season showcased attacking prowess with wins over Preston North End (3-1), Stoke City (5-0), Yokohama F. Marinos (3-1), and Athletic Bilbao (4-1, 3-2), though a loss to AC Milan (4-2) exposed defensive concerns. Bournemouth, coming off a strong 9th-place finish, had a solid pre-season with wins over Wrexham (1-0), Arsenal (2-1), and Everton (3-0), led by Antoine Semenyo and Evanilson. However, losses to Hoffenheim (2-0) and Rayo Vallecano (3-1) highlighted defensive vulnerabilities.

At Anfield, Liverpool’s attacking depth, led by Mohamed Salah and Wirtz, should overwhelm Bournemouth’s high-pressing style. The Cherries’ counter-attacking threat through Semenyo and Justin Kluivert could create chances, but Liverpool’s home advantage and quality likely secure a comfortable win.

Match Prediction: Liverpool 3-1 AFC Bournemouth

Liverpool’s pre-season was largely positive, with dominant wins over Preston North End (3-1), Stoke City (5-0), Yokohama F. Marinos (3-1), and Athletic Bilbao (4-1, 3-2 in a double-header). A 4-2 loss to AC Milan highlighted defensive lapses, particularly after Jarell Quansah’s departure. New signings Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, and Jeremie Frimpong impressed, with Salah and Cody Gakpo also in form. Arne Slot’s side will aim to dominate possession at Anfield, leveraging their attacking depth to exploit Bournemouth’s backline.

Recent Pre-Season Results:

• Win: 3-2 vs Athletic Bilbao (H, second leg)

• Win: 4-1 vs Athletic Bilbao (H, first leg)

• Win: 3-1 vs Yokohama F. Marinos (A)

• Loss: 2-4 vs AC Milan (N)

• Win: 5-0 vs Stoke City (H)

Bournemouth’s pre-season was disappointing (0-1-2), with losses to Manchester United (4-1) and West Ham (0-2), and a goalless draw with Real Sociedad (0-0), exposing defensive frailties following the sales of Dean Huijsen and Milos Kerkez. Andoni Iraola’s high-pressing style will test Liverpool’s defense, but their inability to score in recent friendlies suggests a struggle at Anfield.

Recent Pre-Season Results:

• Draw: 0-0 vs Real Sociedad (H)

• Loss: 0-2 vs West Ham (A)

• Loss: 1-4 vs Manchester United (A)

Historically, Liverpool have had the upper hand in matches against AFC Bournemouth, winning all five of their most recent encounters. The Reds have consistently scored multiple goals in these games, showcasing their dominance over the Cherries.

Recent Premier League Results

• AFC Bournemouth 0-2 Liverpool (01 Feb 2025)

• Liverpool 3-0 AFC Bournemouth (21 Sep 2024)

• AFC Bournemouth 0-4 Liverpool (21 Jan 2024)

• AFC Bournemouth 1-2 Liverpool (01 Nov 2023)

• Liverpool 3-1 AFC Bournemouth (19 Aug 2023)

• No major injuries reported for the season opener.

• No major injuries reported for the season opener.

• Lineup: Alisson, Frimpong, van Dijk, Konaté, Kerkez, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Gravenberch, Salah, Ekitike, Wirtz

Liverpool’s lineup under Arne Slot integrates new signings Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, and Jeremie Frimpong, with Mohamed Salah leading the attack. Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté anchor the defense, while Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai provide midfield creativity. The 4-3-3 formation aims to dominate possession and exploit Bournemouth’s high line.

• Lineup: Petrović, Araujo, Senesi, Mepham, Truffert, Cook, Adams, Semenyo, Kluivert, Ouattara, Evanilson

Bournemouth’s lineup under Andoni Iraola features new signings Djordje Petrović and Adrien Truffert, with Marcos Senesi and Chris Mepham forming the defensive core. Lewis Cook and Tyler Adams anchor midfield, while Antoine Semenyo, Justin Kluivert, and Dango Ouattara support Evanilson in a high-pressing, counter-attacking setup.

• Mohamed Salah vs Marcos Senesi: Salah’s goal-scoring prowess will test Senesi’s defensive discipline.

• Justin Kluivert vs Virgil van Dijk: Kluivert’s pace and dribbling will challenge van Dijk’s positioning.

• Florian Wirtz (Liverpool): His creativity as a new signing could unlock Bournemouth’s defence.

• Antoine Semenyo (AFC Bournemouth): His speed and directness will be key on the counter.

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Odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.