The Premier League 2025/26 season opens in Anfield as Liverpool begin their title defence against Bournemouth who have lost a number of key players this summer
Arne Slot lifting the Premier League trophy in May 2025
Arne Slot won the Premier League in his first season as Liverpool manager
The Premier League is back this weekend, with champions Liverpool welcoming Bournemouth to Anfield on Friday night as Arne Slot’s side launch their defence after finishing 10 points ahead of Arsenal last term, posting 84 points.
Summer business has been both bold and bittersweet with Florian Wirtz has arrived from Bayer Leverkusen for a British‑record £116m, while £79m recruit Hugo Ekitike joins from Eintracht Frankfurt having hit 15 Bundesliga goals last season. Trent Alexander‑Arnold has departed for Real Madrid, and the club has been united in grief following the sudden passing of Diogo Jota in July, a loss that frames the mood around the new season.
Pre‑season exposed familiar threat and some frailties. Liverpool found the net at least twice in every friendly yet conceded in all six outings, a pattern underlined by a 2‑2 draw with Crystal Palace in the Community Shield before defeat on penalties.
Bournemouth arrive buoyed by their highest Premier League finish, ninth, in the previous campaign. Andoni Iraola’s squad were formidable travellers, ranking sixth in the away table with seven victories.
That platform has been tested by turnover at the back. Three regulars from last season’s defence — Milos Kerkez, Dean Huijsen and the soon‑to‑depart Ilya Zabarnyi — have moved on. New faces have come through the door, but they must quickly adjust to Premier League tempo. Pre‑season reflected the transition, with wins over Hibernian and Everton, a draw against Real Sociedad, and defeats to Manchester United and West Ham.
Liverpool vs BournemouthOdds
Liverpool - 1/3
Draw - 9/2
Bournemouth - 8/1
Liverpool vs Bournemouth
Liverpool to win and both teams to score - 29/20
Over 3.5 goals - Evens
Mo Salah to score anytime - 4/5
Liverpool vs BournemouthB
If you are on the lookout for the latest free bet offers, then look no further. Here, not only do we bring you numerous free bet offers, but all from the very best betting sites in the industry. Each bookie we recommend is fully licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission, so you know you are always betting on a safe and trustworthy site.
Check out the Mirror Betting Hubs Free Bets offers here.
Full terms and conditions apply | gambleaware.org | Gamble responsibly | 18+ | UK only
Gamble responsibly
Reach plc is committed to promoting safer gambling. All of our content and recommended bets are advised to those aged 18 or over. Odds are subject to change too.
We strongly encourage our readers to only ever bet what they can afford to lose. For more information, please call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or visit gambleaware.org.