Buckle up – Anfield hosts the Cherries for the season opener!

The 2025–26 Premier League season roars into life Friday evening as reigning champions Liverpool welcome Bournemouth to Anfield for the campaign opener.

Let the show begin! Premier League kicks off

The Reds are eager to launch their title defence in style, playing in front of a passionate home crowd and looking to continue their dominance over the south coast side. Last season, Arne Slot’s Liverpool swept both fixtures against the Cherries, and historically, Liverpool have won 12 of their last 13 encounters with Bournemouth—including that unforgettable 9–0 rout at the start of the 2022–23 season.

Still, the Reds will be keen to bounce back after an underwhelming display in last weekend’s Community Shield. Twice letting slip a one-goal advantage, Liverpool eventually fell in a penalty shootout to Crystal Palace, with Slot witnessing a surprisingly shaky defensive performance from the touchline.

Brave Eagles bounce back twice to stun Liverpool and win the Community Shield

For Bournemouth, Friday night represents a massive challenge. Andoni Iraola’s squad has been severely weakened over the summer, losing key defenders Dean Huijsen, Illia Zabarnyi, and Milos Kerkez—the latter now wearing red at Anfield. With a backline in flux, the visitors will need a near-perfect performance to claim a historic first win at Anfield, having never beaten Liverpool and only avoiding defeat once before.

Looking beyond the opener, Slot has already highlighted who he expects to challenge Liverpool for the title this season. Speaking to talkSPORT, the manager tipped Chelsea as genuine contenders:

"I expected them to win last season already," Slot said. "The amount of quality they have and they were there at the start of the season. They were in the title race after ten games. They were still there in December. Squad depth, quality, they have a very good manager as well, and I think they've shown this by winning the trophies they won last season."

On the other side, Bournemouth manager, Andoni Iraola had a lot to say about tonight's match and transfer window:

"Pre-season is always the time for preparation but I think it has been a good pre-season. We travelled to the United States and played three very difficult games. We are in the first game and a lot of people will be watching us; it will be a big game. It's going to be a good test for us and a place where we can see where we are at. We are not where we want to be (with transfers) but there have been a lot of changes and when the transfer market ends, there will have been some important movements. I hope we can adjust and do it quickly so that we can focus on the beginning of the season."

As Liverpool aim to stamp their authority early and Bournemouth dream of a historic upset, the Premier League is set for a thrilling kickoff this Friday.

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 1

Friday

22.00: (1.35) Liverpool (5.60) Bournemouth (9.50)

Saturday

14.30: (2.30) Aston Villa (3.60) Newcastle (3.20)

17.00: (1.95) Brighton (3.50) Fulham (3.90)

17.00: (3.20) Sunderland (3.45) West Ham (2.35)

17.00: (1.38) Tottenham (4.70) Burnley (8.50)

19.30: (6.75) Wolverhampton (4.40) Man.City (1.48)

Sunday

16.00: (1.63) Chelsea (3.80) Crystal Palace (5.70)

16.00: (2.20) Nott.Forest (3.40) Brentford (3.30)

18.30: (3.60) Man.Utd. (3.50) Arsenal (2.15)

Monday

22.00: (2.50) Leeds (3.25) Everton (2.90)

***odds are subject to change***