The 2025/26 Premier League season gets underway at Anfield on Friday night as champions Liverpool kick off the defence of their title with a clash against Bournemouth.
It has been an incredibly difficult summer for everyone connected with the Reds following the tragic death of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva. There were multiple tributes before and during the Community Shield penalty shootout loss to Crystal Palace, and even more will follow in the first home game since.
The Wembley showpiece saw goalscoring debuts from Hugo Ekitike and Jeremie Frimpong, as well as promising displays from fellow new boys Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez. All four will make their home debuts here, with Kerkez facing the side he left to join Liverpool.
The Hungarian left-back's exit was part of a defensive exodus at Bournemouth, with Andoni Iraola up against it if last season's ninth-placed finish is to be repeated.
The Sporting News takes you through the latest odds, tips and predictions as the league season gets underway.
MORE: Premier League 2025/26 predictions and latest betting
Liverpool vs. Bournemouth prediction
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 1.32 with Parimatch, with Bournemouth way back at 9.00. The draw is 6.00.
The Sporting News' Score Prediction: Liverpool 3-1 Bournemouth
- Liverpool are rated as a 80% implied chance to beat Bournemouth at Anfield by Parimatch.
- Learn more about reading odds, different types of bets and the best online betting sites through our how to bet on football guide
Liverpool vs. Bournemouth expected lineups
Here's how we think these two sides will line up for the Premier League opener.
Liverpool lineup (4-2-3-1, right to left)
- Alisson (GK) — Frimpong, Van Dijk, Konate, Kerkez — Szoboszlai, Mac Allister — Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo — Ekitike
Injured: Joe Gomez, Conor Bradley
Suspended: Ryan Gravenberch
Bournemouth lineup (4-2-3-1, right to left)
- Petrovic (GK) — Araujo, Senesi, Diakite, Truffert — Adams, Scott — Semenyo, Tavernier, Ouattara — Evanilson
Injured: Enas Unal, Lewis Cook, Ryan Christie, Luis Sinisterra, Justin Kluivert
Suspended: None
Liverpool vs. Bournemouth latest odds, correct score betting
Our 3-1 prediction is at very good odds with Melbet, but there are plenty of other possible score lines that are worth looking at for this one. Here's a look at some of the most likely outcomes according to the bookmakers.
| Result | Odds* |
| Liverpool 1-0 | 11.30 |
| Liverpool 2-0 | 8.65 |
| Liverpool 3-0 | 9.64 |
| Liverpool 3-1 | 9.89 |
| Liverpool 4-0 | 13.85 |
| Draw 1-1 | 11.87 |
*Click odds to bet direct with our selected partners. Odds correct at time of publish.
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Liverpool vs. Bournemouth team news
- Ryan Gravenberch missed the Community Shield after becoming a father the night before, but is out here due to a red card on the final day of last season.
- Curtis Jones took his spot at Wembley, but a fully fit Alexis Mac Allister should get the nod at Anfield.
- Bafode Diakite completed his big-money switch to Bournemouth earlier in the week, and should come straight into the lineup here, filling a gap left by the exits of Dean Huijsen and Illia Zabarnyi.
- Kerkez's spot is taken by new arrival Adrien Truffert, while Djordje Petrovic makes his league debut having replaced another ex-Chelsea keeper, Kepa in Iraola's squad.
How to watch Liverpool vs. Bournemouth: Live stream, TV channel
- Date: Saturday, August 16
- Venue: Anfield
- Time: 12:30 a.m IST
- TV/Stream: JioHotstar