Credit: Imago

Evan Lloyd

Wed 13 August 2025 21:00, UK

Liverpool will kick off the Premier League season with a home clash against Bournemouth on Friday, as they push to retain the title.

The Reds surged to the top step of the podium last season in Arne Slot’s debut campaign in charge, ultimately finishing 10 points ahead of second-placed Arsenal.

And decision-makers at Anfield have not looked to rest on their laurels, backing the Dutchman significantly with the signings of Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike, among others.

Liverpool’s meeting with Bournemouth will kick off at 8 pm BST at Anfield on 15 August.

Supercomputer predicts winning start for Liverpool

Opta’s supercomputer has already predicted that Liverpool will retain the Premier League this season, giving them a 28.5 per cent chance, compared to Arsenal’s 24.3.

The Gunners have also strengthened this summer, bolstering Mikel Arteta’s options in attack with the signings of Viktor Gyokeres and Noni Madueke.

But Liverpool have pushed ahead in their expenditure, and are also expected to add Marc Guehi and, potentially, Alexander Isak before the window closes.

Bournemouth will be no easy feat on the opening day, however, with the Cherries proving to be a difficult opponent for much of the top six last season.

Andoni Iraola’s side are dealing with a mass exodus in defence, though, with four of the Spaniard’s first-choice back-line, including Kepa, departing The Vitality Stadium in recent weeks.

Opta’s supercomputer has predicted that Liverpool will win at Anfield, giving them a massive 69 per cent chance of grabbing the season’s first available points.

Bournemouth have been given a 13 per cent chance, with 16 per cent attributed to the chance of the scores ending level.

Premier League to go down to the wire

Recent seasons have seen the general quality of the Premier League increase, as well as the top contenders.

Sides such as Brentford, Newcastle United, Aston Villa, and more have improved to such a level that last season saw the lowest tally of points needed to win the league since Leicester City’s historic 2015/16 victory.

But this summer has indicated a move back towards the previous 90+ numbers required, with many of the top-half to mid-table sides struggling to improve against the tightened Profit and Sustainability restrictions.

All of the teams expected to contend for the title, however, have again improved dramatically.

Liverpool may well be expected to win the title again, but the chances are that more than 84 points will be required, and for that, a quick start will be crucial.

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