How to watch Liverpool v Bournemouth, team news, predicted line-ups, pre match quotes and more

The 2025/26 Premier League season kicks off on Friday night with reigning champions Liverpool hosting Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth at Anfield.

Arne Slot will be aiming to put last weekend’s 3-2 penalty shoot-out Community Shield defeat by Crystal Palace behind him as the Reds begin their title defence, having secured the club’s record 20th league title in his debut campaign after succeeding Jürgen Klopp.

Bournemouth, fresh off an impressive ninth-place finish under Iraola, arrive on Merseyside looking to test themselves against the favourites for this year’s crown. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the game…

Kick-off time

Friday 15 August, 8pm UK time

How to watch in the UK

In the UK, the match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event with coverage starting at 6.30pm BST. You can also follow the game via the Sky Go app.

Injuries and suspensions

Liverpool: Ryan Gravenberch (suspended), Joe Gomez (out), Connor Bradley (out)

Bournemouth: Justin Kluivert (doubt) Luis Sinisterra (out) Ryan Christie (out) Enes Unal (out) Lewis Cook (out)

Recent form

Liverpool: Slot’s side come into the new season off the back of a strong pre-season showing, with encouraging wins over Preston North End, Stoke City, Yokohama and Athletic Bilbao. They were defeated by AC Milan in Hong Kong during their pre season tour of Asia. There were promising performances from new signings however their momentum took a slight dent in last weekend’s Community Shield defeat on penalties.

Bournemouth: The Cherries’ results leading up to the 2025-2026 Premier League season have been mixed; defeating the likes of Everton, Bristol City and Hibernian while losing to Manchester United and West Ham, with a goalless draw against Real Sociedad in their most recent outing.

Predicted line-ups:

Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike

Bournemouth (4-3-3): Petrovic; Araujo, Senesi, Hill, Truffert; Adams, Scott; Semenyo, Tavernier, Brooks; Evanilson

What’s been said?

Arne Slot: “They’ve lost some players, brought in good new ones. They are a very good team and a good manager. We look forward to it, playing an evening game at Anfield is something everyone looks forward to.”

Andoni Iraola: “We are playing in the first game of the season and a lot of people will be watching us – it will be a big game. It’s going to be a good test for us and a place where we can see where we are at.”