Liverpool vs Bournemouth: Match Preview, Key Stats & Predictions
The Premier League is back this weekend, with champions Liverpool vs Bournemouth at Anfield on Friday night as Arne Slot’s side launch their defence after finishing 10 points ahead of Arsenal last term, posting 84 points.
Summer business has been both bold and bittersweet with Florian Wirtz has arrived from Bayer Leverkusen for a British‑record £116m, while £79m recruit Hugo Ekitike joins from Eintracht Frankfurt having hit 15 Bundesliga goals last season. Trent Alexander‑Arnold has departed for Real Madrid, and the club has been united in grief following the sudden passing of Diogo Jota in July, a loss that frames the mood around the new season.
Pre‑season exposed familiar threat and some frailties. Liverpool found the net at least twice in every friendly yet conceded in all six outings, a pattern underlined by a 2‑2 draw with Crystal Palace in the Community Shield before defeat on penalties
Bournemouth arrive buoyed by their highest Premier League finish, ninth, in the previous campaign. Andoni Iraola’s squad were formidable travellers, ranking sixth in the away table with seven victories.
That platform has been tested by turnover at the back. Three regulars from last season’s defence — Milos Kerkez, Dean Huijsen and the soon‑to‑depart Ilya Zabarnyi — have moved on. New faces have come through the door, but they must quickly adjust to Premier League tempo. Pre‑season reflected the transition, with wins over Hibernian and Everton, a draw against Real Sociedad, and defeats to Manchester United and West Ham.
It’s hard to see anything but a convincing win from Liverpool in front of their home fans. They look full of goals but a bit susceptible at the back, so the Cherries could get a consolation.
The Reds are currently heavy favourites at 1/4 with Paddy Power, with Bournemouth way back at 8/1. The draw is 5/1.
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