Liverpool Set for Premier League Curtain-Raiser Against AFC Bournemouth
Liverpool will welcome AFC Bournemouth to Anfield on Friday evening (8pm BST kick-off), looking to extend their remarkable opening-day record in the Premier League. With Arne Slot at the helm following a triumphant debut season, the Reds carry the confidence of champions into this eagerly awaited fixture.
Impressive Opening-Day Records
Liverpool have not lost on the opening day of the top flight in 12 consecutive seasons, the longest current streak in the division. Since the 3-0 defeat at West Bromwich Albion in 2012-13, they have achieved nine wins and three draws on the first matchday.
Having played away in each of the last four opening games, Liverpool will return to hosting a season opener at Anfield for the first time since the 2020-21 campaign, when they triumphed 4-3 over Leeds United. Their last home defeat on the opening day dates back to 2003-04 against Chelsea.
For only the second time in history, the Reds will start the league campaign on a Friday, replicating their 2019-20 season opener, a 4-1 victory against Norwich City. That season, they went on to lift the Premier League trophy, setting a precedent for a winning start.
Anfield Advantage in August
Liverpool have demonstrated formidable strength at Anfield during August fixtures, remaining unbeaten in the Premier League at home in the month since a 3-0 win over West Ham United in 2015. That run includes 11 wins and two draws over 13 matches. Additionally, the Reds have won nine of their last ten Premier League Friday games, drawing only once since a 4-2 defeat at Arsenal in April 2004.
The defending champions have experienced opening-day defeat in just three of their 33 previous Premier League campaigns, though all three came in the last nine seasons. This highlights both the consistency and resilience expected from a title-holder.
Head-to-Head Against Bournemouth
Liverpool’s dominance over AFC Bournemouth in the Premier League is evident. The Reds have won 11 of their last 12 encounters, with only a 1-0 away loss in March 2023 interrupting their run. Bournemouth have secured a solitary point from 24 attempts away at Anfield, losing their last six visits by a combined 23-2 scoreline.
Despite these statistics, the Cherries enter the match unbeaten in their opening league fixture over the past seven seasons, registering three wins and four draws since their last defeat at West Brom in 2017-18.
Players to Watch
Liverpool’s Alisson Becker could mark a milestone 300th appearance across all competitions, becoming the seventh goalkeeper in the club’s history to reach this landmark. Forward Mohamed Salah continues to shine, holding the record for most goals (nine) and goal involvements (14) on opening weekends. He has netted 105 Premier League goals at Anfield, only trailing Sergio Aguero and Thierry Henry for goals at a single venue. Salah has also scored more Premier League goals against Bournemouth than any other player (11).
Meanwhile, Florian Wirtz impressed last season with 10 goals and 12 assists, aiming to join the exclusive list of German players scoring on their Premier League debut. Liverpool’s other attacking threats, Curtis Jones, Cody Gakpo, and Dominik Szoboszlai, also have the opportunity to make history by scoring on all seven days of the week.
Liverpool’s 64th consecutive top-flight season promises excitement, drama, and, with Arne Slot’s side defending the title, a display of football crafted with ambition, skill, and purpose. Fans can expect an opening match at Anfield that honours tradition while signalling another chapter in Liverpool’s rich Premier League story.
