**Liverpool kickstart the 2025/26 Premier League season today, hosting Bournemouth at Anfield in their first chance to defend their crown as champions.**
Arne Slot begins his second season as Liverpool manager with the security of having proven himself as a winning coach but this season he will face new problems and it remains to be seen if he has indeed found a new level to take Liverpool to.
There are still issues to be ironed out in terms of recruitment but given the aggression with which FSG has attacked this summer’s transfer window, they will likely tick every box that needs ticking before all is said and done.
But we are now officially back to the football!
Anfield awaits Slot’s first team sheet of the season…
How will Liverpool line up to face Bournemouth in the 2025/26 Premier League opener?
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Given the Argentine’s delayed start to the season due to Liverpool taking their time with an only injury, it would make sense if he started from the bench.
Off the back of the Community Shield final defeat to Crystal Palace, it was plain to see that Liverpool missed the control Mac Allister provides but just as crucially, Ryan Gravenberch’s ability to plug midfield holes was sorely lacking.
Of course, Slot will start his £116m midfield maestro, Florian Wirtz.
A midfield three of Wirtz, Szoboszlai and Gravenberch will be a delight to watch if it is the choice Slot makes.
The back four and attack name themselves at the moment given the worrying lack of depth at centre-back.
Milos Kerkez has the rare chance to make his debut for his new team against his old team but given how well he played for the Cherries, it’s likely he will receive a warm welcome from travelling Bournemouth fans.
In attack, Mohamed Salah will lead the line with Hugo Ekitike starting at centre forward with Cody Gakpo on his left.
**My predicted Liverpool starting XI to face Bournemouth: Alisson, Kerkez, van Dijk, Konate, Frimpong, Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, Wirtz, Gakpo, Ekitike, Salah.**