Liverpool Kick Off Title Defence in Electric Anfield Showdown Against Bournemouth
A total of 82 days have passed since Liverpool celebrated their Premier League triumph at Anfield, but at last the anticipation for the 2025–26 campaign has come to an end.
The Cherries make the journey to face the title holders on opening night, in what is expected to be a deeply moving evening following the tragic and unexpected deaths of Diogo Jota and his sibling André Silva in a vehicle collision during early July.
The Merseyside club have been labeled as front-runners to defend their title, with lavish investment in players such as Florian Wirtz—a record-breaking British summer acquisition—Hugo Ekitiké, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez and Giorgi Mamardashvili, who will serve as backup keeper to primary choice Alisson, generating excitement across Liverpool.
However, Arne Slot has witnessed notable departures, with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Luís Diaz and Darwin Núñez among the prominent exits and Jarell Quansah another player leaving Liverpool to secure consistent starting opportunities.
The champions won't face an easy task against a Bournemouth team that performed exceptionally well under Andoni Iroala during 2024–25. The Spanish manager's squad has been diminished, with their reliable center-back duo Illia Zabarnyi and Dean Huijsen moving to Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid respectively, yet the Cherries maintain considerable attacking prowess through Antoine Semenyo, Justin Kluivert and Evanilson.
Stay tuned with Sports Illustrated's real-time coverage of the season kickoff...
Liverpool vs. Bournemouth: LIVE commentary
The Premier League has RETURNED
Time for the excitement to commence...
📺 Looking to catch the match...
Remembering Diogo Jota
Remarkably reliable Salah
Double-double. Once more. Repeatedly. Again and again.
Mo Salah is now targeting a fifth consecutive season of achieving 10+ goals and 10+ assists in the Premier League. pic.twitter.com/DxQ7yM1lxD
Slot: Ekitiké might feature alongside another striker
Greetings and WELCOME!
Liverpool aiming to retain their title, Aston Villa seeking top five placement, and additional swift relegations to the Championship.
Our forecasts for the 2025/26 Premier League season have arrived.
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