Liverpool Set to Unleash New Signings Against Bournemouth as Gravenberch Sits Out
Liverpool begin their 2025–26 Premier League campaign on Friday night as they host Bournemouth at Anfield.
The Merseyside club enters the new season looking to retain their title and secure back-to-back championships for the first time in Premier League history, though they anticipate a more challenging fight for top spot this term. Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea are all viewed as major contenders for the championship.
Getting off to a poor start would not reflect well on Arne Slot and his squad, who will be eager to avoid repeating the disappointment they experienced last weekend in the Community Shield. Liverpool suffered a penalty shootout defeat to Crystal Palace at Wembley following an unconvincing defensive showing.
Slot is unlikely to make significant changes from the side that received a wake-up call from the Eagles, with several summer signings set to make their competitive debuts in Liverpool colors.
Here's how the Reds might set up at Anfield for their season opener.
Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs. Bournemouth (4-2-3-1)
GK: Alisson—Despite Giorgi Mamardashvili's arrival, Alisson remains Liverpool's number one goalkeeper. The Brazilian will be hoping for better organization from his defense on Friday compared to what he witnessed last weekend.
RB: Jeremie Frimpong—Though likely a gamble, Frimpong scored his first Liverpool goal at Wembley and fans will be pleased with the attacking threat he displayed in London. He offers a completely different but equally exciting option compared to his predecessor Trent Alexander-Arnold.
CB: Ibrahima Konaté—Konaté will know that Liverpool are nearing the acquisition of 18-year-old Giovanni Leoni and may also pursue Marc Guéhi before the transfer window closes. He needs to perform at a high level despite uncertainty surrounding his position.
CB: Virgil van Dijk—Van Dijk endured a difficult afternoon against Palace, giving away a penalty and being beaten by Ismaïla Sarr for the second goal—the forward seems to be the Dutchman's weakness. Evanilson might pose similar problems at Anfield if he remains slightly off the pace.
LB: Milos Kerkez—Kerkez will encounter his former club on his competitive Liverpool debut, potentially facing ex-teammate Antoine Semenyo. He understands the threat posed by the versatile attacker better than anyone.
DM: Dominik Szoboszlai—With Ryan Gravenberch unavailable through suspension, Szoboszlai is set to maintain his deeper position for Liverpool. "What impresses me about Dominik is his pressing ability," Slot praised in his pre-match briefing, with such energy vital against Andoni Iraola's energetic Cherries.
DM: Alexis Mac Allister—Mac Allister's preparation has been hampered by a persistent injury and the midfielder was benched at Wembley. Nevertheless, he should replace Curtis Jones and will be vital for the Reds in both phases of play.
RW: Mohamed Salah—Last campaign's Premier League Player of the Season and leading goalscorer will look to move past his unusually poor Wembley penalty miss against Bournemouth, a team he's netted 11 times against in 11 league encounters.
AM: Florian Wirtz—The £100 million signing, with potential add-ons of £16 million, has demonstrated flashes of brilliance during pre-season and anticipation will be high for his Premier League bow. Bournemouth will be extremely worried about the damage Wirtz might inflict.
LW: Cody Gakpo—Gakpo found the net four times in pre-season and will profit from Luis Díaz's transfer to Bayern Munich, with a starting role now secured. The Dutch forward was excellent last season, contributing 24 goals and assists across all competitions.
ST: Hugo Ekitiké—New arrival Ekitiké got off to the perfect start in his Liverpool journey with a well-executed early goal in the Community Shield. The Anfield supporters will hope to see such sharp finishing consistently throughout his inaugural season.