Liverpool kick off their 2025/26 Premier League title defense against Bournemouth at Anfield on Friday, August 15, 2025, at 19:00 UTC (8:00 PM BST). This opening match of the season, part of Matchweek 1, marks the start of Arne Slot’s second campaign as Liverpool’s manager, following their championship-winning 2024/25 season. Bournemouth, under Andoni Iraola, aim to build on their impressive seventh-place finish last season, having challenged top teams with their high-pressing style. The game, set against Anfield’s electric atmosphere, is a significant early test for both sides. Liverpool’s recent dominance in this fixture, combined with Bournemouth’s resilience on the road, sets the stage for a compelling encounter. Ticket ballots for Liverpool’s All Red Members opened on July 16, closing July 22, with sales for successful applicants from July 24-30.
Historical Head-to-Head Record
Liverpool and Bournemouth have met 20 times in the Premier League, with Liverpool dominating the fixture. The Reds have won 17 matches, Bournemouth have secured 2 victories, and 1 game ended in a draw. Liverpool have scored 54 goals to Bournemouth’s 11, averaging 3.25 goals per match. The most notable result was Liverpool’s 9-0 thrashing of Bournemouth at Anfield on August 27, 2022, with Roberto Firmino and Luis Díaz starring.
Bournemouth’s rare wins include a 1-0 upset at the Vitality Stadium on March 11, 2023, via Philip Billing’s goal. Over the last five meetings, Liverpool have outscored Bournemouth 18-3, maintaining an unbeaten home record against the Cherries.
| Head-to-Head Statistics | Liverpool | Bournemouth | Draws |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Matches | 17 wins | 2 wins | 1 |
| Total Goals | 54 | 11 | – |
| Average Goals per Match | 2.7 (LFC) | 0.55 (BOU) | – |
| Biggest Win | 9-0 (2022) | 1-0 (2023) | – |
The fixture has often been high-scoring, with four of the last five matches featuring at least three goals. Liverpool’s attacking prowess, led by Mohamed Salah, has consistently overwhelmed Bournemouth, though the Cherries’ counter-attacking threat has occasionally caused upsets.
Detailed Analysis of Recent Head-to-Head Matches
The 2024/25 Premier League season saw Liverpool defeat Bournemouth in both encounters, reinforcing their dominance. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of these matches, including goals, scorers, assists, and player performances, supported by statistical data.
Bournemouth 0-2 Liverpool (February 1, 2025, Vitality Stadium)
Liverpool extended their lead at the top of the 2024/25 Premier League with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Bournemouth, who were unbeaten in 11 league games prior to this match. Mohamed Salah proved the difference, scoring both goals. In the 30th minute, Salah converted a penalty after Lewis Cook tripped Cody Gakpo in the box, sending Kepa Arrizabalaga the wrong way with a low shot to the right.
The second goal came in the 75th minute, a sublime left-footed curler from the right side of the penalty area, assisted by Trent Alexander-Arnold’s precise pass. Bournemouth were unfortunate, hitting the woodwork twice—Antoine Semenyo struck the post in the 20th minute with a ferocious left-footed shot, and Marcus Tavernier’s effort in the 73rd minute was followed by Justin Kluivert missing an open goal from the rebound. Alisson’s save on Semenyo’s shot after 15 seconds set the tone for Liverpool’s defensive resilience.
Player Performances:
- Liverpool: Mohamed Salah was exceptional, scoring twice and completing 2 key passes, earning a Sofascore rating of 8.5. Trent Alexander-Arnold’s assist and 5 long balls (3 accurate) controlled the right flank. Cody Gakpo won the penalty and completed 3 dribbles, while Virgil van Dijk won 6 aerial duels, nullifying Bournemouth’s set-piece threat. Alisson’s early save and 3 clearances were crucial, though Liverpool relied on luck when Bournemouth hit the post.
- Bournemouth: Antoine Semenyo was a constant threat, taking 4 shots (1 on target) and hitting the post, but his 0.4 expected goals (xG) reflected missed chances. Justin Kluivert’s open-goal miss was costly, despite 2 successful dribbles. Lewis Cook’s foul led to the penalty, but his 88% pass accuracy maintained Bournemouth’s tempo. Kepa Arrizabalaga made 4 saves, including a diving stop on Darwin Núñez, but couldn’t prevent Salah’s clinical finishes.
Match Statistics:
| Metric | Liverpool | Bournemouth |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 52% | 48% |
| Shots (On Target) | 12 (5) | 14 (4) |
| Corners | 4 | 6 |
| Fouls | 10 | 12 |
| Expected Goals (xG) | 1.6 | 1.3 |
Liverpool 3-0 Bournemouth (September 21, 2024, Anfield)
Liverpool bounced back from a 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest with a commanding 3-0 win over Bournemouth at Anfield. Luis Díaz opened the scoring in the 26th minute, latching onto a through ball from Alexis Mac Allister and firing a low shot past Kepa Arrizabalaga. Díaz struck again in the 28th minute, heading in a pinpoint cross from Trent Alexander-Arnold after a quick counter. Darwin Núñez sealed the victory in the 37th minute, curling a 20-yard shot into the top corner, assisted by Dominik Szoboszlai’s lay-off. Bournemouth struggled to create chances, with David Brooks’ first-half strike disallowed for a marginal offside. Alisson’s clean sheet was aided by Ibrahima Konaté’s 5 clearances and Ryan Gravenberch’s 3 interceptions, which stifled Bournemouth’s high press.
Player Performances:
- Liverpool: Luis Díaz was the standout, scoring twice and completing 2 dribbles, with a Sofascore rating of 8.8. Trent Alexander-Arnold’s assist and 4 key passes dictated play, while Alexis Mac Allister’s 90% pass accuracy and assist anchored midfield. Darwin Núñez’s stunning goal capped a lively display, though he missed a header later. Ibrahima Konaté and Virgil van Dijk won 8 combined aerial duels, limiting Bournemouth to 0.7 xG.
- Bournemouth: David Brooks showed flair but was denied by an offside call, taking 2 shots. Antoine Semenyo’s 3 dribbles tested Andy Robertson, but he lacked end product. Marcus Tavernier’s 2 key passes created chances, but Bournemouth’s attack faltered, with only 3 shots on target. Milos Kerkez’s 2 tackles couldn’t stop Liverpool’s right-sided onslaught.
Match Statistics:
| Metric | Liverpool | Bournemouth |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 57% | 43% |
| Shots (On Target) | 18 (7) | 9 (3) |
| Corners | 6 | 3 |
| Fouls | 8 | 11 |
| Expected Goals (xG) | 2.1 | 0.7 |
Historical Context and Notable Past Encounters
Liverpool’s dominance over Bournemouth includes memorable thrashings and tight contests. The 9-0 win on August 27, 2022, at Anfield remains the benchmark, with Roberto Firmino (2 goals, 3 assists), Luis Díaz (2 goals), and Harvey Elliott (1 goal) among the scorers in a rampant display.
Bournemouth’s 1-0 victory on March 11, 2023, at the Vitality Stadium was a rare upset, with Philip Billing scoring in the 28th minute after a Dango Ouattara assist, capitalizing on a Virgil van Dijk error.
Alisson’s penalty save on Ouattara preserved a chance for a draw, but Mohamed Salah’s missed penalty sealed Bournemouth’s win. Another notable clash was a 4-0 Liverpool win on January 21, 2024, at the Vitality Stadium, where Darwin Núñez and Diogo Jota each scored twice, exploiting Bournemouth’s high line.
| Notable Historical Matches | Date | Score | Key Moments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premier League, Anfield | Aug 27, 2022 | Liverpool 9-0 | Firmino’s 2 goals, 3 assists; Díaz’s brace; Bournemouth overwhelmed |
| Premier League, Vitality | Mar 11, 2023 | Bournemouth 1-0 | Billing’s goal; Salah’s missed penalty; Alisson’s penalty save |
| Premier League, Vitality | Jan 21, 2024 | Liverpool 4-0 | Núñez and Jota’s braces; Bournemouth’s high line exposed by Alexander-Arnold’s passes |
Top Goalscorers in the Fixture
| Player | Club | Goals Scored |
|---|---|---|
| Mohamed Salah | Liverpool | 9 |
| Luis Díaz | Liverpool | 4 |
| Darwin Núñez | Liverpool | 4 |
| Philip Billing | Bournemouth | 2 |
| Roberto Firmino | Liverpool | 2 |
Mohamed Salah’s 9 goals on opening weekends, including against Bournemouth, make him a focal point. His 2024/25 tally of 21 league goals, including 2 against Bournemouth, underscores his threat.
Team Form and Context
Liverpool’s 2024/25 season was a triumph, securing the Premier League title with 56 points from 23 games by February 1, 2025, nine points clear of Arsenal and Nottingham Forest.
Their 3-0 win over Bournemouth and 2-0 victory at the Vitality Stadium highlighted their clinical edge, despite a 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest at Anfield exposing rare vulnerabilities. Arne Slot’s side, unbeaten in 18 league games by February 2025, relied on Mohamed Salah’s 21 goals and Trent Alexander-Arnold’s 8 assists. However, Ryan Gravenberch’s suspension for the August 15 match (red card on the final day of 2024/25) may see Curtis Jones or Dominik Szoboszlai step up.
Bournemouth’s 2024/25 campaign was a breakout, finishing seventh with 40 points (10 wins, 10 draws, 8 losses by February 1, 2025). Their 11-game unbeaten run, including a 5-0 thrashing of Nottingham Forest, showcased their high-pressing system under Andoni Iraola. Despite losing to Liverpool twice, Bournemouth took 28 points on the road, losing only 5 away games compared to 7 at home. Injuries to Enes Unal (knee) and Lewis Cook’s suspension (red card vs. Manchester City) weaken their squad, but Antoine Semenyo’s 7 goals and Marcus Tavernier’s return from injury add dynamism.
| 2024/25 Premier League Standings (as of Feb 1, 2025) | Position | Points | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goals Scored | Goals Conceded |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liverpool | 1st | 56 | 17 | 5 | 1 | 52 | 20 |
| Bournemouth | 7th | 40 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 38 | 35 |
Tactical Insights
Liverpool’s 4-2-3-1 under Arne Slot emphasizes fluidity, with Trent Alexander-Arnold’s inverted runs from right-back (1.8 key passes per 90) creating overloads. Mohamed Salah’s 0.6 non-penalty expected goals (npxG) per 90 and Cody Gakpo’s 2.1 dribbles per 90 stretch defenses, while Virgil van Dijk’s 4.2 clearances per 90 anchor the backline. Gravenberch’s absence may see Alexis Mac Allister drop deeper, reducing attacking thrust but adding control (91% pass accuracy). Liverpool’s 1.4 expected goals against (xGA) per game suggests resilience, though Bournemouth’s pace could exploit transitions if Andy Robertson (2.3 tackles per 90) is caught high.
Bournemouth’s 4-3-3 relies on Iraola’s high press, with Antoine Semenyo’s 3.5 dribbles per 90 and 0.4 npxG per 90 posing a counter-attacking threat. Marcus Tavernier’s 1.5 key passes per 90 and Tomás Soucek-like set-piece prowess (2.0 aerial duels won per 90) target weaknesses, but Cook’s suspension disrupts midfield balance. Bournemouth’s 1.5 xGA per game indicates vulnerability to Liverpool’s attack, especially if Milos Kerkez (1.9 tackles per 90) struggles against Salah. New signing Adam Smith’s experience may stabilize the defense.
Key Players to Watch
- Liverpool:
- Mohamed Salah: His 21 goals and 9 opening-weekend goals, including 2 against Bournemouth in 2024/25, make him the focal point. His 2.3 shots per 90 and 1.2 key passes per 90 drive Liverpool’s attack.
- Trent Alexander-Arnold: With 8 assists and 5.1 long balls per 90, his distribution (e.g., assist for Díaz in September 2024) unlocks defenses.
- Virgil van Dijk: His 4.2 clearances and 6.1 aerial duels won per 90 neutralize Bournemouth’s set-pieces, as seen in February 2025.
- Bournemouth:
- Antoine Semenyo: His 7 goals, 3.5 dribbles per 90, and post-hitting effort in February 2025 test full-backs.
- Marcus Tavernier: Back from injury, his 1.5 key passes and 0.3 npxG per 90 add creativity, though his missed chance in February 2025 was costly.
- Kepa Arrizabalaga: His 4 saves in September 2024 kept Bournemouth competitive, but facing Salah’s 0.6 npxG per 90 is a challenge.
| Key Player Stats (2024/25) | Player | Goals | Assists | Key Passes/90 | Dribbles/90 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liverpool | Mohamed Salah | 21 | 6 | 1.2 | 1.8 |
| Liverpool | Trent Alexander-Arnold | 1 | 8 | 1.8 | 0.9 |
| Liverpool | Virgil van Dijk | 2 | 0 | 0.5 | 0.2 |
| Bournemouth | Antoine Semenyo | 7 | 3 | 1.0 | 3.5 |
| Bournemouth | Marcus Tavernier | 4 | 4 | 1.5 | 1.7 |
| Bournemouth | Kepa Arrizabalaga | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 (4 saves/90) |
Conclusion
This opening fixture sets the tone for Liverpool’s title defense and Bournemouth’s ambitions to cement their top-half status. Liverpool’s historical dominance at Anfield, where they’ve never lost to Bournemouth, contrasts with the Cherries’ strong away form (7 wins, 7 draws in 2024/25).
The match, broadcast live on Sky Sports, will draw global attention, with Liverpool’s potential inclusion of new signing Florian Wirtz adding intrigue. Bournemouth’s injury concerns and suspensions may limit their depth, but their high-energy approach could challenge Liverpool’s defense. Fans can follow updates via Liverpoolfc.com, Sky Sports, or Sofascore’s live stats.