Liverpool vs Bournemouth match review, 2:00 a.m. August 16: The "Reds" kick off the new season

Liverpool vs Bournemouth form

After last season's surprising Premier League title, Liverpool continued to show their ambition to defend their title and advance deep into the Champions League with a rare show of force.

Even on the journey to revive the empire of legendary coach Jurgen Klopp, he did not spend so much in a transfer window.

Before the opening day of the 2025/26 Premier League, The Kop had spent a total of 300 million euros to bring to Anfield a series of quality new players.

The above terrifying figure promises not to stop as the Red Brigade is still trying to pursue "heavy artillery" Alexander Isak and buy 1 to 2 more central defenders.

The ability to quickly integrate "blockbuster" rookies like Florian Wirtz or Hugo Ekitike helps Liverpool's attack gradually shape a new, penetrating style.

However, fans of the port city still cannot be completely assured about their favorite team.

Liverpool's recent defeat to Crystal Palace in the Community Shield has revealed some worrying signs.

Although the attack played quite variedly at the beginning of the match, Mohamed Salah appeared quite lost and did not leave much of an impression.

The second missed penalty in less than a week is a sign that the "King of Egypt" is not in his best form. Even more worrying is that Salah's lackluster performance has continued since the second half of last season.

It cannot be denied that Ekitike and Wirtz have both made significant contributions, but the stability of these two stars still needs more time to answer.

Facing a not-so-strong opponent like Palace, The Kop had to accept defeat at times because the lines above the defense could not control and circulate the ball well enough.

Finally, except for goalkeeper Alisson Becker who is still solid in goal, the "guardians" right above like Van Dijk or Konate have not really completed their tasks well.

In particular, the Anfield captain was the one who made the direct mistake that led to the opponent's equalizer from the 11m mark.

However, Liverpool's chances of winning the opening match of the 2025/26 Premier League are still very high.

In addition to playing at their familiar home ground, The Kop also only has to host Bournemouth, who are facing many difficulties in terms of personnel, especially in defense.

Three-quarters of Bournemouth's key defensive players from last season have left.

Besides Milos Kerkez arriving at Liverpool, the central defender duo Dean Huijsen and Illia Zabarnyi also moved to promised lands like Real Madrid or PSG.

The additions of Bafodé Diakité (center-back) or Adrien Truffert (left-back) will need time to adapt and prove their abilities.

But overall, Bournemouth have shown signs of weakness and it would not be surprising if the team under the direction of coach Andoni Iraola finds it difficult to fly as high as last season. Many even believe that The Cherries will have to fall into the relegation race.

Liverpool vs Bournemouth squad information

Liverpool: Gravenberch is not available due to suspension following a red card in the final round of last season. Joe Gomez and Conor Bradley are unlikely to play.

Bournemouth: Enes Unal, Lewis Cook, Ryan Christie, Luis Sinisterra and Justin Kluivert are all out due to injury.

Expected lineup Liverpool vs Bournemouth

Liverpool: Alisson; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike

Bournemouth: Petrovic; Araujo, Senesi, Hill, Truffert; Adams, Scott; Semenyo, Tavernier, Ouattara; Evanilson

Prediction: 3-1

Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/the-thao/nhan-dinh-tran-dau-liverpool-vs-bournemouth-2h00-ngay-168-lu-doan-do-khai-phao-mua-giai-moi-161097.html