LIVERPOOL and Bournemouth lift the lid on the 2025/26 Premier League season when they lock horns under the lights at Anfield on Friday night.
SunSport betting experts have previewed the contest and selected the best bets, tips and exclusive sign-up bonuses from our leading betting partners.
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Liverpool vs Bournemouth preview
And so it begins…
The 2025/26 Premier League season roars into life on Friday night as reigning champions Liverpool host Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth at Anfield.
The Reds are heavy favourites to get off to a flyer – and it’s no surprise, with 11 wins from their last 12 league meetings against the Cherries.
Furthermore, Liverpool haven’t lost their opening league game in any of the last 12 seasons, while in 33 Premier League campaigns, the defending champions have only lost the curtain-raiser three times.
Arne Slot’s side – who are favourites to defend their title – have been active in the transfer market, spending over £250million on new recruits including Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike and Milos Kerkez.
And the trio wasted no time in settling in with each registering a goal involvment in Sunday’s penalty defeat to Crystal Palace in the Community Shield at Wembley.
While the Reds were edged out on spot-kicks, Slot will take heart from the performance, with his new signings already looking sharp after valuable competitive minutes.
However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing at the back end of last season.
After sealing the title in style with a 5-1 demolition of Spurs in April, Liverpool failed to win any of their final four Premier League games of the 2024/25 campaign.
Defensive frailties also linger. The Reds have gone 11 matches without a clean sheet in all competitions, with their last shutout coming way back in April against a relegated Leicester side.
As for Bournemouth, they arrive on Merseyside with more than a few question marks – despite a superb 9th-placed finish last season under Andoni Iraola.
The Spaniard has admitted the club will have to start from “zero” after losing a string of key defensive figures. Illia Zabarnyi, Dean Huijsen and Milos Kerkez have all departed, while goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga joined Arsenal.
The Cherries will be desperate to hit the same heights as last season, but it could be a slow burner – especially with a shaky pre-season under their belt.
They were thumped 4-1 by Manchester United and then failed to score in back-to-back goalless outings against West Ham and Real Sociedad.
Liverpool vs Bournemouth preview betting odds
Liverpool 3/10 with William Hill – CLAIM HERE
Draw 9/2 with Midnite – CLAIM HERE
Bournemouth 17/2 with BetMGM – CLAIM HERE
Odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.
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Liverpool vs Bournemouth preview betting tips and predictions
Win and both teams to score
New season, new players – but Arne Slot’s Liverpool are expected to continue their dominant run in this fixture.
As mentioned, the Reds have won 11 of their last 12 Premier League meetings with Bournemouth and have significantly strengthened during the transfer window.
Bournemouth, meanwhile, have had a middling pre-season and will be without four of the back five that started when these sides last met in February.
That said, Liverpool have struggled defensively, failing to keep a clean sheet in their last 11 games – so we’re backing a Liverpool win with both teams to score.
Liverpool Win and both teams to score at 7/5 with William Hill – CLAIM HERE
First goalscorer and correct score predictions
Liverpool vs Bournemouth
First goalscorer: Mohamed Salah at 10/3 with Midnite – CLAIM HERE
Correct score: 3-1 at 9/1 with Betfred – CLAIM HERE
Goal and assist
We’re backing Mohamed Salah to score a goal assisted by Florian Wirtz at 4/1 with William Hill.
Wirtz, who bagged 12 goals and 10 assists last season, was one of only six players across Europe’s big five leagues to hit double figures in both categories.
The German hit the ground running in Sunday’s Community Shield, taking just four minutes to notch an assist in his first competitive appearance for Liverpool.
Hugo Ekitike was the beneficiary that day – but this Friday, don’t be surprised if Salah is on the receiving end, having scored more Premier League goals against Bournemouth (11) than any other player in history.
Mohamed Salah to score assisted by Florian Wirtz at 4/1 with William Hill – CLAIM HERE
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