Liverpool begin their Premier League title defence at Anfield tonight against Bournemouth, aiming to extend a dominant run that includes 12 wins in their last 13 meetings with the Cherries.
Arne Slot is eager for a positive response after last weekend’s Community Shield defeat to Crystal Palace, where defensive lapses proved costly for the Reds.
Joe Gomez returns to training after an achilles injury and could feature from the bench, but Conor Bradley remains a doubt, meaning new signing Jeremie Frimpong is expected to start at right-back.
Ryan Gravenberch is suspended, while Alexis Mac Allister may miss out on a place in the starting XI as he recovers from an injury picked up at the end of last season.
Milos Kerkez, another fresh arrival, is set to face his former club at left-back, and all eyes will be on attacking signings Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz, who are primed for league debuts.
With Bournemouth reeling from a defensive overhaul and lacking key players, Liverpool are strong favourites to win this and get their season off to a flyer. Expect an energetic start and a strong showing from Mo Salah, last season’s leading scorer. A comfortable home win is predicted, with a 2-0 or 3-1 scoreline likely as the Reds look to kick off the season in style.
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