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Image Credits: Imago

Liverpool head into Friday’s season opener against AFC Bournemouth with a blend of optimism and caution, as manager Arne Slot faces a handful of fitness and availability questions.

Right-back Conor Bradley remains on the sidelines, continuing his recovery from a hamstring issue that has kept him out of all pre-season activities and looks unlikely to be risked on Friday.

Similarly, Joe Gomez’s return from a summer Achilles problem is not guaranteed; although he has resumed training, the 27-year-old’s minutes are expected to be managed carefully to avoid any setbacks.

In midfield, Liverpool will be without Ryan Gravenberch, who serves a one-match suspension after accumulating two yellow cards in the final fixture of last season.

Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth arrive after one of the most active summers in the division

The south-coast side have generated over £100 million in sales, with Dean Huijsen, Illia Zabarnyi and Milos Kerkez departing for Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool respectively.

Midfielder Dango Ouattara also joined Brentford this week.

Writing in his programme notes, Arne Slot believes his side are in for a tough start to the season:

“We know that this will be a tough beginning for us, and if we needed any reminder of that, then the FA Community Shield last weekend provided it,” the Dutchman wrote.

“Crystal Palace, remember, were the team that finished 12th in the Premier League last season, and you saw at Wembley the quality that they have in their team.

“I expect similar from Bournemouth, who finished ninth in the table last year and who have a lot of very good players and, in Andoni Iraola, a very good manager too

We welcome them to our home, of course.

With that in mind, our Liverpool predicted XI for tonight’s 8pm BST is as follows:

Alisson; Frimpong, Konate, van Dijk, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike

READ MORE: Eight players could miss Liverpool vs Bournemouth

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