Liverpool vs AFC Bournemouth Predictions

• Liverpool have won five straight games against Bournemouth
• The Reds are unbeaten in 17 Premier League home matches
• Bournemouth scored in nine of their 12 matches against the big six last season

Champions can open with a win 

The wait is finally over. The Premier League returns on Friday night, when champions Liverpool host Bournemouth and we should be rewarded for our patience as the pair look sure to put on a thriller at Anfield. 

The Reds ran away with the title in Arne Slot’s debut campaign, finishing ten points clear of next-best Arsenal, but the betting suggests they are no sure things to retain their crown, with the Gunners and Manchester City also a similar price. 

Those rivals will have been happy with Liverpool’s mediocre performance in the Community Shield, as Slot’s side were outshot 14-12 by eventual winners Crystal Palace. Ryan Gravenberch’s absence allowed the Eagles to cut through the Reds midfield with ease and the suspended Dutchman will be missed against Bournemouth. 

Cherries could net in defeat

The Cherries failed to score in both meetings with Liverpool last term but they can rectify that this time around thanks to the Gravenberch’s suspension and the fact Liverpool may take time to fully acclimatise new boys Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike and former Cherry Milos Kerkez. 

Andoni Iraloa’s side are unlikely to have enough to snap their six-game losing streak on Anfield visits but they should at least net in defeat in Merseyside, with the Reds going six competitive matches without a clean sheet.

Bournemouth’s failure to score against Liverpool was a slight anomaly as they netted in nine of their other ten matches against big-six sides. In Evanilson, Antoine Semenyo and Justin Kluivert, they have a dangerous attack which can hurt a new-look Liverpool. 

Gakpo to get among the goals again

However, while the Cherries should give their dedicated fans making the long journey to Anfield something to cheer, any joy may be simply a consolation. 

Liverpool scored ten goals across their final four home games of last season and can hurt a defence which has been decimated, with Illia Zabarnyi, Kerkez and Dean Huijsen all departing this summer. 

The Reds, led by a Mo Salah looking to make up for a poor Wembley outing, should put three past the depleted Cherries, with Cody Gakpo, who netted four in four in pre-season, fancied to get one of the goals.