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Liverpool vs Bournemouth 

A new Premier League season dawns, bringing with it fresh hope, bold predictions, and the promise of drama from the opening whistle to the final day.

The 2025/26 campaign arrives with storylines everywhere — from a title race that looks as wide open as ever, to a relegation battle that could go right down to the wire.

Defending champions Liverpool begin their quest to retain the crown under the lights at Anfield, hosting Bournemouth in the opening fixture of the new season on a summery Friday night.

The Reds have spent big but their transfer activity has been overshadowed by the loss of Diogo Jota – many at Anfield hoping the squad can rally and win the title in honour of the Portuguese superstar.

The return of the Premier League marks the start of Arne Slot’s second campaign in charge — and this time, expectations are sky-high, and that’s reflected in the Premier League betting odds.

Last season, few predicted Liverpool’s title-winning run, but the Dutchman defied expectations, steering the club to a record-equalling 20th top-flight title in his debut year.

The stats reveal the extent of this dominance: 14 victories from 19 home league fixtures, with 54.76% of total points accumulated at their home ground.

Only Nottingham Forest managed to claim maximum points at Anfield throughout the entire campaign, while two of Liverpool’s four home draws came after the title had been mathematically secured.

Remarkably, they suffered fewer defeats away (five) than at home (seven), suggesting tactical adaptability that could trouble Liverpool’s defensive structure.

The visitors will draw inspiration from the chance to make history, seeking to join the select group of three clubs that have defeated defending champions on opening day.

Such an achievement would provide significant psychological momentum for their own campaign while dealing an early blow to Liverpool’s title aspirations.

Team news

Mohamed Salah‘s opening weekend record adds compelling narrative threads to the encounter.