Liverpool hosts Bournemouth in the first Premier League game of the 2025/26 season tonight. However, Arne Slot is unable to call on Ryan Gravenberch.
The aim for Liverpool this season is simple: retain the Premier League title. There is only one way to do that: outshining last season's performance.
Sure, Liverpool did well to win the Premier League, but they need to move the needle if they want to repeat the trophy lift. After all, teams around them in the title race have drastically improved, so Liverpool cannot be complacent and think that last season's efforts will yield the same results.
Luckily, though, Liverpool has also strengthened with some key additions. While some would argue that the transfer business is not yet complete, [the new additions will at least serve Arne Slot well](https://rushthekop.com/4-liverpool-players-predicted-premier-league-debuts-bournemouth) in the first game of the season.
One of his pre-existing players, though, will be unavailable for selection.
Ryan Gravenberch is suspended for Liverpool vs Bournemouth
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Ryan Gravenberch is suspended for this match, and he won't play at any capacity. The Dutch international was sent off on the final day of last season, and he still needs to serve his official suspension since that incident. It will be served against Bournemouth.
Gravenberch also missed the recent Community Shield outing for Liverpool; however, it was through no fault of his suspension. Instead, Gravenberch missed the Community Shield due to the birth of his child.
Ryan Gravenberch is only serving a one-game suspension, meaning he will be available for selection again versus Newcastle on gameweek 2, over a week away from this match.
So, who steps up for Liverpool to replace Ryan Gravenberch? Well, with no disrespect to Gravenberch, that's an easy question to answer.
Alexis Mac Allister is back to match fitness, after playing in the Community Shield, and [he'll start this match](https://rushthekop.com/predicted-liverpool-lineup-for-premier-league-opener-against-bournemouth-01k2j1a3dqx7). The World Cup champion missed the final part of last season after picking up a muscular injury in mid-May. He's back now, though, retaining his spot in the midfield.
Curtis Jones had an impressive outing in the Community Shield, so there's every chance he could make an appearance too. However, from the off, it's far more likely to be Alexis Mac Allister who gets the nod.
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