The wait is over — the Premier League is back.
Reigning champions Liverpool begin the defence of their crown under the Friday night lights at Anfield, taking on Bournemouth in the opening match of the 2025–26 campaign.
Arne Slot’s side arrive as firm favourites after a dominant title win last season, finishing 10 points clear of second-placed Arsenal in May to secure their 20th league title. Most bookmakers have them tipped to go back-to-back, and with the transfer business they’ve done, it’s easy to see why.
An emotional occasion awaits with Diogo Jota’s wife and children in attendance at Anfield for Liverpool’s first competitive game since the footballer’s death. The Portuguese striker and his brother, Andre Silva, tragically died in a car accident on July 3.
Liverpool have had a busy summer in the market, signing seven new players for a combined spend of over £300 million. At the same time, sales have recouped more than £180 million, with seven players departing.
Their recruitment drive isn’t over either — a striker and a central defender are still on the agenda before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.
Among the arrivals are Hugo Ekitike, Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez — all of whom could make their Premier League debuts on Friday night after featuring in last weekend’s Community Shield defeat to Crystal Palace.
Bournemouth enjoyed a strong campaign last year, finishing ninth, but this summer has been less smooth. Manager Andoni Iraola has had to contend with the loss of key players, and his reshaped squad may take time to settle into a rhythm.
The Cherries’ pre-season results have been mixed — wins over Everton, Bristol City and Hibernian balanced by defeats to Manchester United and West Ham, plus a goalless draw with Real Sociedad in their final warm-up.
How to watch
Fans in the UK can watch live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event, with coverage starting at 7pm BST before kick-off at 8pm BST.
The match will also be streamed via the Sky Go app.
Team form
Liverpool are famously quick starters. They haven’t lost an opening-day fixture in 12 years — a run of nine wins and three draws since a 3-0 defeat to West Brom in 2012.
Slot’s team come into the match after a solid pre-season, notching encouraging victories over Preston, Stoke, Yokohama and Athletic Bilbao. Their only loss came against AC Milan during a tour of Asia, with momentum checked slightly by the Community Shield penalty shootout defeat.
Bournemouth’s preparations have been less consistent, but they have shown flashes of attacking threat, particularly in their wins against Premier League and Championship opposition.
Team news predicted line-ups
Ryan Gravenberch is suspended for Liverpool, while Joe Gomez and Conor Bradley remain sidelined.
Bournemouth’s Justin Kluivert is a doubt and Luis Sinisterra, Ryan Christie, Enes Unal and Lewis Cook are all ruled out.
Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Frimpong, Konaté, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike.
Bournemouth (4-3-3): Petrovic; Araujo, Senesi, Hill, Truffert; Adams, Scott; Semenyo, Tavernier, Brooks; Evanilson.
Liverpool will be keen to set the tone early in their title defence, with new signings eager to impress under the Anfield floodlights.
Bournemouth, however, will look to frustrate and exploit any early-season rust, knowing an opening-night upset would send shockwaves through the league.
Anfield has been a fortress for years and Slot will want to ensure that remains the case from day one.
