PL Champions Liverpool FC start their Premier League season on Friday night at Anfield against Bournemouth FC.
The Reds’ first competitive game of the season came last weekend in the Community Shield, where they lost on penalties to Crystal Palace at Wembley. Despite the defeat, Arne Slot’s side showed signs of the form that helped them win the league last season.
Liverpool finished 10 points ahead of Arsenal in May to claim their 20th league title. They have made five new signings this summer, spending over £200m, while also bringing in more than £180m from the sale of seven players.
With Darwin Nunez and Luis Díaz both sold, and following the tragic death of Diogo Jota, Liverpool look short of attacking options in the centre. This has kept transfer speculation alive over Newcastle striker Alexander Isak.
The Reds are favourites to win the Premier League again at odds of 19/10, ahead of Arsenal (13/5) and Manchester City (7/2).
Bournemouth, priced at 750/1 for the title, face a tough start. They finished ninth last season, winning 15 matches and keeping nine clean sheets, but have since lost three key defenders: Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid for £50m, Milos Kerkez to Liverpool for £40m, and Illia Zabarnyi to PSG for £57m.
The Cherries have lost 11 of their last 12 league games against Liverpool, with their only victory coming in 2023 when Philip Billing scored in a 1-0 win at the Vitality Stadium.
Liverpool have kept clean sheets in their last three meetings with Bournemouth, but they will need to improve defensively after captain Virgil van Dijk was at fault for both goals in last weekend’s 2-2 draw with Palace.
The Reds have not lost their opening league match in 12 seasons, winning nine and drawing three since a 3-0 defeat to West Brom in 2012.