The Matchday 1 Premier League clash between Liverpool and Bournemouth will take place on August 15 at Anfield. Liverpool vs. Bournemouth: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Liverpool
Since the inception of the Premier League, Liverpool has won the championship only twice. The first time was in 2020, and the second was last season. In the previous campaign, the team finished 10 points ahead of the nearest rival, even though Liverpool essentially stopped playing seriously in the last four rounds, securing no victories (2 draws and 2 losses). Notably, the club became the most prolific in the Premier League, scoring 86 goals. Recently, Arne Slot's team played in the English Super Cup but lost to Crystal Palace in a penalty shootout – 2:2, 2:3 on penalties. Prior to that, Liverpool played five friendly matches, securing 4 wins and 1 loss.
This summer, the club made several acquisitions. Notable purchases include midfielder Florian Wirtz, forward Hugo Ekitike, and defenders Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez. Departing the team were defenders Jarell Quansah and Trent Alexander-Arnold, goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, as well as forwards Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz. The tragic death of forward Diogo Jota in a car accident is also noted.
- Both teams scored in Liverpool's last five Premier League matches.
- At least 3 goals were scored in 6 of the club's last 8 league games.
- Liverpool's unbeaten home run in the Premier League stands at 17 matches – 13 wins and 4 draws.
Predicted lineup for Liverpool (4-2-3-1)
Alisson Becker – Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk – Curtis Jones, Dominik Szoboszlai – Mohamed Salah, Florian Wirtz, Cody Gakpo – Hugo Ekitike.
Due to injuries, defenders Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez might miss the match. Midfielder Ryan Gravenberch is suspended.
Bournemouth
Andoni Iraola's team finished last season in 9th place. The team matched their 2016/17 season performance, finishing in the same position. The club also set a new personal record in the Premier League with 56 points. It's worth noting that Bournemouth's away games were among the most high-scoring in the Premier League, averaging 3.4 goals per match. In the off-season, the team played 7 friendly matches, securing 3 wins, 2 draws, and 2 losses.
This summer, the team sold three leading defenders: Ilya Zabarnyi, Milos Kerkez, and Dean Donny Heysen. Also departed were forward Jaidon Anthony, defender Max Aarons, and goalkeeper Mark Travers. Notable purchases include goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic and defender Adrien Truffert.
- In the last 13 Premier League matches, the club secured only 3 wins (4 draws and 6 losses).
- No more than 3 goals were scored in 6 of Bournemouth's last 7 Premier League games.
- The team avoided defeat in 11 of their last 13 away league matches (6 wins and 5 draws).
Predicted lineup for Bournemouth (4-3-3)
Djordje Petrovic – Julian Araujo, Marcos Senesi, Chris Mepham, Julio Soler – Alex Scott, Tyler Adams, Marcus Tavernier – Antoine Semenyo, David Brooks, Evanilson.
Midfielder Lewis Cook is suspended, and forward Enes Unal will miss the match due to injury. The participation of midfielder Justin Kluivert and forward Luis Sinisterra is questionable.
Referee
Anthony Taylor (England)
Matches – 31 (Premier League, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 92;
Average yellow cards per match – 3;
Red cards shown – 6;
Average fouls per match – 21;
Penalties – 23%.
Liverpool vs. Bournemouth: Match Prediction
Andoni Iraola's team will find it very challenging to finish in the top half of the league table this season. Last season, the team fought for a spot in European competitions, primarily aided by solid defensive play. However, this summer, the club lost three key defenders, and the loaned goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga also left. Therefore, I believe the team might suffer a heavy defeat against the reigning English champions in the first round.
Liverpool was the best in home matches in the Premier League last season. In 19 home games, the club secured 14 wins, 4 draws, and only 1 loss. Also worth mentioning is Liverpool's excellent record against this opponent: in the previous 12 Premier League encounters, Liverpool secured 11 wins, while Bournemouth won only once. Moreover, in this span, the Merseysiders won 10 times with a handicap of at least two goals.
My prediction – Liverpool with a handicap (-1.5)
