Match Preview: Liverpool vs AFC Bournemouth

Date: Friday, August 15, 2025
Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
Venue: Anfield, Liverpool
Broadcast: Sky Sports, Peacock (US)

The 2025–26 Premier League season opens with Liverpool hosting AFC Bournemouth at Anfield on August 15, 2025, in a clash that sets the stage for a thrilling campaign. Liverpool, under Arne Slot, are fresh off their 2024–25 Premier League title triumph, with Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold spearheading a formidable attack. Bournemouth, managed by Andoni Iraola, continue to defy expectations, blending youthful exuberance with tactical nous, led by Antoine Semenyo and Dominic Solanke. This matchup pits Liverpool’s high-pressing, possession-based style against Bournemouth’s compact, counterattacking approach, amplified by the electric atmosphere of Anfield’s 61,000 fans. Both teams, with Liverpool aiming to defend their title and Bournemouth targeting a top-half finish, will look to make an early statement in this high-energy opener.

Insights

• Liverpool posted a 14–3–2 home record in 2024–25, scoring 2.4 goals per game at Anfield, with the Kop’s relentless support overwhelming opponents.
• Bournemouth won 6 away games in 2024–25, averaging 1.3 goals per game, but struggled against top-four sides, losing four of five such matches.
• Liverpool’s 4-3-3 under Slot emphasizes intense pressing and fluid wing play, while Bournemouth’s 4-2-3-1 focuses on defensive solidity and rapid transitions.
• Mohamed Salah (20 goals, 10 assists in 2024–25) versus Illia Zabarnyi (2.5 tackles per game) will be pivotal, with Salah’s movement testing Zabarnyi’s defensive discipline.
• Liverpool lead the series 16–2–3 since 1998, with a 3–0 home win in 2024–25, where Salah scored, boosting their confidence.
• Liverpool aim to sustain their title challenge, while Bournemouth target a top-10 finish, making early points crucial for momentum.
• Liverpool’s Diogo Jota is fit after a minor 2024–25 injury, while Bournemouth’s Dominic Solanke is questionable with a hamstring concern, potentially impacting their attack.
• Anfield’s iconic atmosphere, driven by the Kop, contrasts with Bournemouth’s vocal away fans, creating a vibrant opening-day spectacle.

Match Forecasts

• Mohamed Salah is likely to score or assist, exploiting Bournemouth’s high line with his pace and finishing, as seen in his 20-goal 2024–25 season.
• Antoine Semenyo (8 goals in 2024–25) could capitalize on Liverpool’s aggressive pressing, finding space on the counter with Ryan Christie’s support.
• Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister (88% passing accuracy) must outmaneuver Bournemouth’s Lewis Cook and Philip Billing, who averaged 2.1 tackles per game.
• Liverpool converted 15% of corners into shots in 2024–25, with Virgil van Dijk a aerial threat; Bournemouth’s Zabarnyi is strong defensively from set pieces.
• Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo could provide a late spark off the bench, while Bournemouth’s Justin Kluivert offers creativity in the final 20 minutes.
• Bournemouth’s backline allowed 1.5 goals per away game in 2024–25, vulnerable to Liverpool’s relentless attacks led by Luis Díaz.
• Four of the last six Liverpool-Bournemouth matches featured at least three goals, suggesting a high-scoring, open contest.

Match Facts

• Liverpool lead the series 16–2–3 since 1998, with 48 goals scored in those matches (2.3 goals per game average).
• Anfield, with a 61,000 capacity, is expected to sell out, with Liverpool’s supporters creating a daunting environment.
• The referee is TBD, but 2025–26’s semi-automated offside technology ensures quicker and clearer decisions.
• Streamed on Sky Sports (UK) and Peacock (US) with English and Spanish commentary; local radio includes BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Radio Solent.
• Liverpool on August 15, 2025, expects 68°F with a 10% chance of rain, ideal for a fast-paced match.
• A Liverpool win would mark their 150th Premier League home victory since 2000; Bournemouth aim for their 50th Premier League point since 2022.
• Mohamed Salah is three goals shy of 100 Premier League goals at Anfield; Antoine Semenyo could reach 10 goals for Bournemouth with a strike.