Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs. Bournemouth: No Gravenberch, New Signings Start

Arne Slot’s Reds have spent big in the summer transfer window.

Liverpool must bounce back from Community Shield disappointment. / IMAGO/Propaganda Photo

Liverpool kick off the 2025–26 Premier League season on Friday evening when they welcome Bournemouth to Anfield.

The Reds head into the new campaign aiming to defend their crown and clinch successive titles for the first time in the Premier League era, but they are expecting a much tougher ride in the battle for the summit this season. Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea are all considered significant rivals for first place.

Stumbling at the first hurdle would not be a good look for Arne Slot and his players, who will want to avoid the same disappointment they felt last weekend during the Community Shield. Liverpool were beaten on penalties by Crystal Palace at Wembley Stadium following a disjointed defensive display.

Slot’s unlikely to make many alterations from the team that was given a reality check by the Eagles, with an array of summer additions handed competitive debuts in Liverpool red.

Here’s how the Reds could line up at Anfield for their Premier League opener.

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Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs. Bournemouth (4-2-3-1)

Florian Wirtz will turn out in the Premier League for the first time. / IMAGO/Action Plus

GK: Alisson—Despite the arrival of Giorgi Mamardashvili, Alisson is undeniably Liverpool’s first-choice goalkeeper. The Brazilian will hope for a more coherent performance from the defenders in front of him on Friday than he witnessed last weekend.

RB: Jeremie Frimpong—While almost certainly a cross, Frimpong opened his Liverpool account at Wembley and supporters will be encouraged by the attacking nature of his display in the capital. He’s a completely different but similarly exciting proposition as his predecessor Trent Alexander-Arnold.

CB: Ibrahima Konaté—Konaté will be aware that Liverpool are closing in on the signing of 18-year-old Giovanni Leoni and could add Marc Guéhi to the mix before the summer deadline. He must maintain a high standard amid uncertainty over his future.

CB: Virgil van Dijk—Van Dijk had an afternoon to forget against Palace as he conceded a penalty and was once again undone by Ismaïla Sarr for the second—the forward is the Dutchman’s kryptonite. Evanilson could cause him similar issues at Anfield should he still be a tad rusty.

LB: Milos Kerkez—Kerkez will face the club he just left this summer on his competitive debut for Liverpool, likely coming up against former teammate Antoine Semenyo. He will be aware of the challenge the versatile winger poses better than most.

DM: Dominik Szoboszlai—With Ryan Gravenberch suspended, Szoboszlai is expected to continue in a deeper role for Liverpool. “What stands out with Dominik is the way he can press,” Slot enthused in his pre-match press conference, with such intensity crucial against Andoni Iraola’s high-octane Cherries.

DM: Alexis Mac Allister—Mac Allister’s pre-season has been disrupted by a nagging injury and the midfielder didn’t start at Wembley. However, he should come into the team for Curtis Jones and he will be crucial for the Reds in both halves.

RW: Mohamed Salah—Last season’s Premier League Player of the Season and top scorer will be aiming to put his uncharacteristically shocking Wembley penalty behind him against Bournemouth, who he’s scored 11 in as many league matches against.

AM: Florian Wirtz—The £100 million, potentially rising by a further £16 million, attacking midfielder has shown glimpses of his genius in pre-season and expectations will be high for his Premier League debut. Bournemouth will be deeply concerned about the havoc Wirtz could cause.

LW: Cody Gakpo—Gakpo managed four goals in pre-season and will benefit from Luis Díaz’s move to Bayern Munich, with a starting berth now guaranteed. The Dutchman was impressive last season and managed 24 goal contributions in all competitions.

ST: Hugo Ekitiké—Summer sig ning Ekitiké made the dream start to his Liverpool career with a well-taken goal early in the Community Shield. The Anfield faithful will hope to witness such clinical finishing on a regular basis in his debut term.

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