Joe Gomez
The wait is finally over.
After a summer of transfer whispers, tactical tweaks, and that roller-coaster pre-season, Liverpool are back in Premier League action — and what better way to begin than under the Anfield lights?
The reigning champions kick off their title defence this Friday evening against AFC Bournemouth, a side who proved last season they’re no pushovers. Arne Slot’s men will be hungry to set the tone early, but the Cherries have a knack for making life uncomfortable — even when the scoreboard doesn’t always show it.
Liverpool’s Preparations: Slot’s First Premier League Line-Up
It’s still surreal for many fans to think of the words “Premier League champions” and “Arne Slot” in the same breath, but the Dutchman has inherited Jurgen Klopp’s crown and the weight of expectation that comes with it. The pre-season has been a blend of promise and patience — new ideas are clearly bedding in, but there’s been the inevitable stop-start rhythm thanks to injuries and late returns.
Joe Gomez’s Return:
One of the big headlines from Slot’s press conference was the return of Joe Gomez to full training. The No.2 has been sidelined for several weeks with a minor issue, and while he’s only had two training sessions so far, there’s a real possibility he could make the bench. Slot hinted that the decision will be a numbers game, especially given how youthful the bench looked against Crystal Palace in the Community Shield.
With Gomez’s versatility across the back line, having him available — even if not fully match sharp — is a welcome boost for squad depth.
Conor Bradley Still Out:
There’s no fresh update on Conor Bradley, who remains sidelined after missing the Community Shield. His energy and attacking thrust from right-back would have been an asset, but Liverpool will need to be patient for his return.
Ryan Gravenberch Suspended:
One player who won’t be part of the conversation is Ryan Gravenberch. The Dutch midfielder carries over a suspension from his red card on the final day of last season. That absence opens the door for others — perhaps Curtis Jones or the ever-reliable Dominik Szoboszlai — to make a statement in midfield.
Milos Kerkez’s Potential Debut:
The spotlight could shine on summer signing Milos Kerkez. Facing his former club right out of the gate? Football loves these scripts. The Hungarian full-back’s pace, stamina, and aggressive forward runs could be a game-changer in stretching Bournemouth’s shape. Slot will be tempted to throw him in from the start.
Bournemouth’s Injury List and Transfer Buzz
Bournemouth, under Andoni Iraola, have been quietly rebuilding over the summer, bringing in exciting talents but also battling a frustrating injury list.
Long-Term Absentees:
Enes Unal remains out with an ACL injury suffered back in January — a cruel blow for a player who offered them a cutting edge. Justin Kluivert also won’t feature, with Iraola confirming he hasn’t trained with the squad.
On the Mend, but Not Ready:
Ryan Christie is back on the training pitch but not yet match-ready after missing pre-season. Similarly, Lewis Cook and Luis Sinisterra have been dealing with knocks and may not be risked.
Transfer Talk Around Dango Ouattara:
Iraola revealed that Ouattara trained with the team despite speculation over his future. Whether he features on Friday could hinge on last-minute club decisions — a distraction Liverpool could look to exploit.
Summer Arrivals to Watch:
Bournemouth have been active in the market, adding Eli Junior Kroupi, Adrien Truffert, goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic, and just this week, Bafode Diakite. Kroupi in particular is one to keep an eye on — his fearless dribbling and energy could trouble Liverpool if given space.
Slot on the Challenge Ahead
Arne Slot
Slot was quick to remind reporters that Bournemouth made life awkward last season despite Liverpool winning 3-0 at Anfield. “They had the first big chance, they scored a goal fractionally offside,” he noted, before highlighting how clinical finishing before half-time masked a game that was tighter than the score suggested.
Bournemouth’s resilience — refusing to fold even when trailing — left a mark on Slot. His respect for their mentality was clear: “They just kept on going. They’ve shown in recent years they can always bring in good new players. A very good team, good manager, and a challenge for us on Friday.”
The subtext? This is no ceremonial season opener. Slot expects his side to be switched on from the first whistle.
Iraola’s Perspective: ‘Make it Difficult for the Champions’
From the Bournemouth camp, Iraola framed the game as a test of courage. “It’s a tough game for us – the first of the season, and we’re up against the champions. They’ve also signed really well this summer, so we know it won’t be easy.”
His goal is clear: frustrate Liverpool, keep the crowd quiet, and look for moments to make the champions feel the pressure. Under Iraola, Bournemouth have embraced a blend of defensive grit and sharp counter-attacks — traits that could thrive in an away opener if Liverpool’s press isn’t airtight.
Tactical Preview: Key Battles
1. The Midfield Engine Room
With Gravenberch suspended, Slot may opt for Szoboszlai, Jones, and possibly Wirtz in advanced roles. Bournemouth’s midfield, potentially anchored by Adams and Tavernier, will try to break Liverpool’s passing rhythm and exploit any gaps left by full-backs pushing forward.
2. Kerkez v His Old Teammates
If Kerkez starts, the left flank becomes a storyline in itself. His chemistry with the forwards, particularly Cody Gakpo drifting wide, could force Bournemouth’s right-back into a reactive role all evening.
3. Salah’s Threat Against a New Backline
Mo Salah has been smiling his way through pre-season, and Friday night feels tailor-made for a statement performance. Bournemouth’s likely pairing of Senesi and Hill will have to read his movements to perfection — easier said than done.
4. Press Resistance v Press Intensity
Bournemouth’s ability to play through pressure could dictate how dangerous they are on the break. Liverpool’s counter-press, especially with Konate and Van Dijk ready to sweep up, will need to be sharp.
Head-to-Head: Recent Meetings
Liverpool have historically dominated this fixture, but results haven’t always been straightforward.
- Last Anfield Meeting: Liverpool 3-0 Bournemouth (2023/24) – a clinical first half set the tone.
- Away Reverse: Bournemouth 1-0 Liverpool – a frustrating afternoon that underlined how dangerous the Cherries can be when underestimated.
Player Focus
Mo Salah: Still the heartbeat of Liverpool’s attack, his link-up with Wirtz could be a fresh dimension this season.
Florian Wirtz: The summer marquee signing has already shown glimpses of creativity and composure. His positioning between the lines will be key in unlocking Bournemouth’s block.
Hugo Ekitike: New striker, new stage. His ability to stretch defences with clever runs could give Salah and Gakpo more space to operate.
Eli Junior Kroupi: For Bournemouth, the teenager’s pace and unpredictability could trouble Liverpool if he gets isolated against a full-back.
What’s at Stake
For Liverpool, it’s about starting as they mean to go on — with authority. Any early slip in the title defence invites narrative pressure, and Slot will want three points and a clean sheet to silence doubts.
For Bournemouth, it’s a free hit in many ways. Avoiding defeat at Anfield on opening night would be a massive statement.
Predicted Line-Ups
Liverpool (4-3-3):
Alisson; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Szoboszlai, Jones, Wirtz; Salah, Ekitike, Gakpo.
Bournemouth (4-2-3-1):
Petrovic; Truffert, Senesi, Hill, Araujo; Adams, Tavernier; Brooks, Kroupi, Ouattara; Semenyo.
Final Word
An evening game at Anfield always carries its own magic — the lights, the noise, the sheer sense of occasion. But beneath that romance lies a very real challenge. Bournemouth have nothing to lose, and Liverpool must match their intensity from the outset.
If Slot’s men are ruthless in the final third and disciplined without the ball, the champions could make a perfect start. If they switch off, even briefly, the Cherries have the tools to make it uncomfortable.
Either way, the title defence begins here. And Anfield, as ever, will be ready.
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YNWA (You’ll Never Walk Alone)!
The Liverpool FC Times Team
LiverpoolFCTimes.com