The Premier League returns on Friday night (22:00 GMT+3) as champions Liverpool host Bournemouth at Anfield. Arne Slot’s side begin their title defence against a Cherries team looking to make an early statement after a summer of change.
Here’s my Liverpool vs Bournemouth prediction and betting breakdown for the season opener.
Liverpool vs Bournemouth Tips
- Liverpool vs Bournemouth: Liverpool & Both Teams To Score ( at Livesport24)
- Liverpool vs Bournemouth: Liverpool 3-1 ( at Livesport24)
Liverpool vs Bournemouth Odds
| Result | Odds |
|---|---|
| Liverpool |
|
| Draw |
|
| Bournemouth |
|
*Odds correct at the time of publication and subject to change.
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Liverpool vs Bournemouth Predictions
Champions seek strong start despite midfield absence
Liverpool swept to the title last season, finishing ten points clear of Arsenal, but their Community Shield defeat to Crystal Palace suggested there’s still work to do. The Reds were outshot 14–12 at Wembley, with Ryan Gravenberch’s suspension exposing gaps in midfield control. That absence could again be felt against Bournemouth, especially with several new signings — Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike and ex-Cherry Milos Kerkez — still settling in.
At Anfield, Liverpool remain formidable. They’re unbeaten in 17 league matches on home turf and have scored ten goals in their last four there. Mo Salah will be keen to respond after a quiet Wembley outing, while Cody Gakpo’s pre-season form — four goals in four — makes him a live threat in the box. Given Bournemouth’s defensive departures, the champions have the firepower to open with a convincing win.
Tip: Liverpool & Both Teams To Score ( at Livesport24)
Bournemouth’s attack can test the champions
Andoni Iraola’s side arrive with attacking quality despite a depleted back line. The Cherries lost key defenders Illia Zabarnyi, Kerkez and Dean Huijsen in the summer, leaving a unit still in transition. However, their forward line — Evanilson, Antoine Semenyo and Justin Kluivert — gives them tools to trouble even elite opposition.
Last season, Bournemouth scored in nine of 12 matches against the Premier League’s big six, showing a knack for finding moments in tough games. Their six-game losing streak at Anfield is a daunting obstacle, but Liverpool’s run of six competitive matches without a clean sheet offers hope for a breakthrough. A goal here may ultimately be a consolation, yet it could keep the scoreline competitive for long spells.
Tip: Liverpool 3-1 ( at Livesport24)
