Season Opener Preview: Liverpool vs. Bournemouth – Key Signings and Predicted XIs
By Fidelis News Staff | 15 August 2025
Premier League champions Liverpool begin their title defence tonight at Anfield, hosting Bournemouth in a clash set to test their revamped squad. Bournemouth, under Andoni Iraola, arrive buoyed by smart summer signings but face a stiff test against the Reds. (The Guardian, Reuters, Reuters)
Lingering Injuries & New Additions to Watch
- Liverpool: Arne Slot’s squad has been bolstered by marquee signings: Florian Wirtz (record £116m), Hugo Ekitike, and 18-year-old defender Giovanni Leoni. Slot has also hinted at defensive tweaks following summer departures. (The Guardian, Reuters)
- Bournemouth: The Cherries reinforce their back-line with centre-back Bafodé Diakité and full-back Adrien Truffert. Goalkeeper Đorđe Petrovic joins from Chelsea, while the attack continues to revolve around Brazilian striker Evanilson. (Wikipedia, FourFourTwo)
Predicted Starting XIs (4-2-3-1 Formations)
Liverpool:
- GK: Alisson
- DEF: Frimpong – Van Dijk (c) – Konaté – Kerkez
- MID: Mac Allister – Szoboszlai
- Att: Wirtz (CAM), Salah (RW), Gakpo (LW)
- ST: Ekitike
FourFourTwo and Al Jazeera confirm these names are likely starters in Slot’s strong lineup. (Al Jazeera)
Bournemouth:
- GK: Petrovic
- DEF: Smith – Araujo – Senesi – Truffert
- MID: Adams – Brooks
- Att: Tavernier (RW), Billing (CAM), Semenyo (LW)
- ST: Evanilson
The Cherries aim to maintain a compact structure and hit Liverpool on the break via their potent front three. (Hard Tackle)
Setting the Tone for Title Defence
With Liverpool carrying momentum from pre-season and a £250m transfer outlay behind them, the key will be integrating new faces while maintaining defensive stability. Slot has emphasised fitness and consistency, especially from Wirtz, will be under scrutiny. (Reuters, The Guardian)
Bournemouth, having impressed with their resilience last season, will hope their reorganised defence and high press can limit damage, but the weight of Anfield history makes for a stern test tonight.
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