Comments and predictions for Liverpool vs Bournemouth: Fiery opening

Latest Liverpool vs Bournemouth team information

Ryan Gravenberch will miss the opening game through suspension following his red card in the final round of last season against Crystal Palace. He also missed the Community Shield defeat after welcoming his first child. Liverpool are also likely to be without Joe Gomez (Achilles) and Conor Bradley (muscle injury).

Curtis Jones set a record for 100% passing accuracy in a Community Shield (53/53) but Alexis Mac Allister, once fully fit, will return to the deepest position in midfield.

For Bournemouth, Enes Unal and Lewis Cook are still recovering from knee injuries. Ryan Christie (groin), Luis Sinisterra (thigh) and Justin Kluivert (calf) are at various stages of recovery. Sinisterra could return for this game, Cook is expected to train with the team this week but is doubtful, and Kluivert is almost certain to miss out due to recovery issues.

Antoine Semenyo is ready to play after signing a new contract, while new signing Djordje Petrovic – the former Chelsea goalkeeper – will start on his Premier League debut for Bournemouth.

Latest expected lineup for Liverpool vs Bournemouth

Liverpool:

Alisson; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike

Bournemouth:

Petrovic; Araujo, Senesi, Hill, Truffert; Adams, Scott; Semenyo, Tavernier, Ouattara; Evanilson

Latest football commentary on Liverpool vs Bournemouth

Rodri’s ACL injury, Kevin De Bruyne’s diminished influence and Arsenal’s creative crisis all contributed to the demise of Manchester City and Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes last season. Liverpool, inspired by Mohamed Salah, then won their 20th title, reclaiming the English football crown alongside rivals Manchester United.

The Reds' record spending this summer showed their determination to retain the title, but the Merseyside giants said goodbye to a potential title in 2025-26 after falling victim to Dean Henderson's superb penalty saves.

Hugo Ekitike’s stunning debut goal and Jeremie Frimpong’s lucky strike were not enough to prevent Liverpool from losing the penalty shootout to Crystal Palace at Wembley on Sunday. Their already under-strength defence has continued to show its weaknesses, having conceded 10 goals in their last five games, including both competitive and friendly matches.

The reigning champions also ended the 2024-25 Premier League season without a win in four games, having already secured the title. Liverpool’s unbeaten run at Anfield in the English top flight now stretches to 17 games since a surprise defeat to Nottingham Forest last September. They have also not lost on their opening day since 2012-13 (0-3 loss to West Bromwich Albion), with a 12-game unbeaten run – the longest in the Premier League.

Coincidentally, West Brom were also the last team to beat Bournemouth in the opening game of the season (2017-18). Since then, Bournemouth have maintained a 7-match unbeaten streak in the Premier League's first round.

Extending that run to eight games won’t be easy, though. The 2024-25 season saw Bournemouth record 56 points and concede the fewest goals in their Premier League history (46). But last season’s stellar defence was severely damaged by the departures of Kepa Arrizabalaga, Dean Huijsen, Illia Zabarnyi and Milos Kerkez (who joined Liverpool). Four late-summer friendlies also failed to produce a win, with two defeats in the US against Manchester United and West Ham, followed by two consecutive draws with Real Sociedad.

The history of confrontations at Anfield makes it even harder for Bournemouth to hope: they have never won away against Liverpool, have only won 1 point out of a possible 24 in the Premier League and have lost their last 6 times by a total score of 23-2. However, if they learn from Crystal Palace's tactics, coach Iraola's team can still cause a surprise on the opening day.

Latest Liverpool vs Bournemouth score prediction

Based on the above football comments, we and the world's leading football sites have given the results of the match.Liverpool vs Bournemouthas follows:

• Sportsmole:Liverpool 2-0 Bournemouth

• WhoScore:Liverpool 3-1 Bournemouth
• Our newspaper predicts:Liverpool 3-1 Bournemouth

When and where to watch Liverpool vs Bournemouth live?

To watch the Liverpool vs Bournemouth match live in the Premier League taking place at 2:00 a.m. on August 16, viewers can watch onK+ Sport,K+PMor online sports channels. Wish you have fun watching football.