Liverpool vs Bournemouth - Preview - Liverpool Ready For Bournemouth To Open Season

Here we go. It’s the start of another EPL season. Liverpool will host Bournemouth today, on August 15th. After playing the last four season-openers away from Anfield. Expect the stands to be packed as supporters will want to see newcomers like Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz, and Giovanni Leoni take the training wheels off and go at it for a full 90 minutes.

Facts & Figures

Liverpool are unbeaten in their last 12 season-openers in the Premier League. The Reds have 9 wins and 3 draws during that stretch. The last time Liverpool lost a home-opener was in 2003 to Chelsea. Another good omen is that the last time Liverpool opened the season on a Friday was in 2019, and the Reds went on to win the title that season. As for Bournemouth, they have not beaten Liverpool at Anfield in the last 24 attempts, with only one draw during that stretch. However, the Cherries are unbeaten in their last 7 season openers, so something has to give. Bournemouth also finished last season unbeaten in their last five matches to climb to 9th on the table.

What Does Slot Say?

Arne Slot met with the media before the match and said he expects Bournemouth to give the Reds a tough test.

[They are] intense,” he said. “They made it really difficult for us last season. We beat them 3-0, where you feel like ‘What is he talking about, difficult?’ But if you look at the game, they had the first big chance of the game, they scored a goal which was fractionally offside. But the mentality Bournemouth showed in the second half, they just kept on going. That’s the mentality they had throughout the whole season afterwards as well. They also lost some players, they also brought in good new ones – as they’ve shown in the last few years, that they can always bring in good new players. And away, it was even more difficult for us. So, very good team, good manager and a challenge for us on Friday. But looking forward to it because an evening game at Anfield is something that everyone is looking forward to it.”

Injury Update

Defender Joe Gomez will be a match-time decision as he is hoping to come back after suffering a long-term Achilles injury last season. Conor Bradley has been ruled out and Ryan Gravenberch will be serving a suspension due to the red card he garnered in the final game last year vs Crystal Palace.

LFC Globe Verdict

This will be a tough game for the Reds. Liverpool have the weight of expectations as they are the favorites to win the Premier League again this season. They have a target on their back each time they step on the pitch, even more so than normal by just wearing a Liverpool jersey, It’s imperative that they get off to a good start with a win and if Joe Gomez can make a return, that should bolster a somewhat shaky defense.

Where To Watch

Kickoff is set for 20:00 BST from Anfield and will air on Sky Sports. In the United States on the USA Network at 15:00 EST.