Reigning champions Liverpool will kickstart their title defence against Bournemouth as both teams eye a perfect start to the new campaign.
The Reds will be keen to bounce back from their 3-2 penalty shootout loss to Crystal Palace in the Community Shield last Sunday.
In preparation for Gameweek 1, Arne Slot's side have had a busy preseason tour, firstly playing Preston North End at Deepdale, before flying out to Asia for games in Hong Kong, China versus A.C. Milan, then Japan against Yokohama Marinos.
A double-header at Anfield against Athletic Club was the last stop on tour - The Reds won both games 4-1 and 3-2 respectively.
As for the visitors, Bournemouth, a trip to Hibernian before competing in the newly formed Summer Series tournament in the United States. The Cherries walked away with a 3-0 win over Everton before back-to-back defeats to Man United and West Ham.
Andoni Iraola's side, too, ended their preseason with a double-header. Hosting Real Sociedad at the Vitality Stadium, where they surprisingly came away with two draws.
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Team News
Liverpool
Slot's side is mostly fit, with just a few key members of the squad battling availability for the start of their title defence.
2024/25 young player of the year Ryan Gravenberch will be unavailable for selection again this week. He missed out in the Community Shield due to the birth of his child, and this time is serving a one-game suspension for a red card he picked up in the final game of last season.
Conor Bradley is still nursing a knock he picked up in training a couple of weeks ago, causing him to miss the Reds' previous two matches - it is likely he will be a backup option to new arrival Jeremie Frimpong this Friday.
Joe Gomez was back in training yesterday for the first time in three weeks with a minor achilles injury ending his preseason early - Gomez too will likely remain in the dugout.
Bournemouth
Iraola's side has seen a lot of change since last season, with many of his defensive starters gone, new centreback Bafode Diakite is likely partner Marco Senesi.
Justin Kluivert is expected to miss out with a calf injury - he will likely be replaced by Hamed Junior Traorè, who has been heavily involved in Bournemouth's preseason.
Both Luis Sinisterra and Ryan Christie are outside shouts to make the bench, with both players not featuring at all in preseason.
As for Enes Ünal, his return date to the squad is unknown after an ACL tear in training last January.
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Predicting Lineups
Liverpool
Alisson; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Szoboszlai, Mac Allister; Writz, Salah, Gakpo; Ekitike.
Bouremouth
Petrovic; Smith, Diakite, Senesi, Truffet; Adams, Brooks; Semenyo, Junior Traorè, Tavenier; Evanilson.
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Key Players
Liverpool - Florian Writz
Liverpool's most expensive player of all time will certainly have the spotlight shining on him Friday evening, with the German eager to make his debut one to remember.
Writz was the conductor in midfield against the Eagles last Sunday. Every Liverpool attack ran through the No.7 and he is expected to orchestrate again this Friday.
Under the Anfield lights, with the crowd spurring him on, he will be the key to unlocking a Bournemouth defence which has gone under major reconstruction this summer.
Bournemouth - Antoine Semenyo
If Bournemouth stand a chance at leaving Anfield with a point or better Semenyo will be the catalyst to making that happen.
Liverpool fullback Milos Kerkez will likely be very advanced down the left flank, potentially giving Semenyo a lane to the Liverpool goal.
Cherries' fans will have to hope their star winger has his shooting boots on as chances will come few and far between against last year's league winners.
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Match details
Where is the game being played?
This year's season opener will be played at Anfield, the home of Liverpool. Who boast a stadium capacity of 61,276.
What time is kickoff?
Kick-off is scheduled for 8:00pm GMT on Friday, the 15th of August, 2025.
How can I watch?
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match on Sky Sports Main Event, with match highlights available to view after the full-time whistle on each club's YouTube channel.
