The Premier League kicks off its 2025-26 season on Friday when Liverpool host Bournemouth at Anfield. With preseason behind them, both sides are eager to set the tone for the campaign, as one of Europe’s top leagues begins a new chapter.
Liverpool enter the season fresh off winning just the second Premier League title in club history. Under manager Arne Slot, now in his second year, the Reds continue to aim high. This summer, the club spent over $300 million in the transfer market, securing marquee additions such as Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, and Jeremie Frimpong.
Bournemouth, meanwhile, face a challenging campaign after finishing ninth last season under Andoni Iraola. The Spanish coach has seen his squad depleted by major departures, including Ilya Zabarnyi to Paris Saint-Germain (€66 million), Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid (€62.5 million), and Milos Kerkez (€47 million)—the latter now set to return to Anfield, this time as a Liverpool player.
Premier League to honor Diogo Jota in Matchday 1
The tragic passing of Diogo Jota, along with his brother Andre, has deeply saddened the football world. The Portuguese forward made a lasting impact during his time with Wolverhampton Wanderers and Liverpool, and the Premier League will pay tribute on opening weekend.
Before every Matchday 1 fixture, a minute’s silence will be observed. Players will also wear black armbands in Jota’s memory, with stadium screens displaying tributes—similar to the scenes at the Community Shield final between Liverpool and Crystal Palace.
see also
Liverpool or Manchester United? AI predicts the 2025-26 Premier League champion
Confirmed lineups for Liverpool and Bournemouth
Liverpool’s confirmed lineup (4-2-3-1): Alisson Becker; Jeremie Frimpong, Ibrahima Konaté, Virgil Van Dijk, Milos Kerkez; Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister; Mohamed Salah, Florian Wirtz, Cody Gakpo; Hugo Ekitike.
Head coach: Arne Slot.
Bournemouth’s confirmed lineup (4-2-3-1): Dorde Petrovic; Adam Smith, Bafode Diakite, Marcos Senesi, Adrien Truffert; Alex Scott, Tyler Adams; David Brooks, Marcus Tavernier, Antoine Semenyo; Evanilson.
Head coach: Andoni Iraola.
