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Image Credits: Imago

Liverpool kick off their 2025–26 Premier League season at Anfield this evening at 8 pm BST against a resilient Bournemouth side that secured a 9th-place finish last term.

However, Andoni Iraola’s squad faces a challenging situation as they undergo a defensive overhaul this summer.



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The exodus began with the high-profile departure of 20-year-old centre-back Dean Huijsen, who secured a £50 million move to Real Madrid following an impressive breakthrough campaign in the Premier League.

Bournemouth also saw the exit of Milos Kerkez, who joined Liverpool in a deal worth around £40 million.

Meanwhile, Illia Zabarnyi left for Paris Saint-Germain in a record-breaking transfer for a Ukrainian player, reportedly worth  €63 million.

In addition, goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga returned to Chelsea after his season-long loan and subsequently completed a move to Arsenal.

Ahead of the clash, the Premier League have announced three “refereeing points of emphasis” that the PGMOL will focus on for the imminent season:

Holding

Referees have been instructed to enhance recognition of holding offences on the field?

In any scenario where a player suffers a suspected head knock, referees are instructed to immediately halt play and summon medical staff onto the pitch.

Under the new protocol, the injured player must be substituted off for a full assessment, promoting player welfare.

You can read the full updated list of changes for the new Premier League season HERE.

Meanwhile, up to eight Liverpool and Bournemouth players could miss this evening’s clash.

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