The Premier League 2025/26 season kicks off for Liverpool at Anfield tonight, Friday, August 15, with a home clash against Bournemouth. The match begins at 12:30 AM IST (Saturday), and Indian fans can watch it live on Star Sports Select 2 and stream on JioHotstar.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has named a strong starting XI, balancing fresh summer signings with experienced campaigners. Alisson starts in goal, with Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté in central defence. New arrivals Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong occupy the full-back positions.
In midfield, Dominik Szoboszlai lines up alongside Alexis Mac Allister, who replaces Curtis Jones from the Community Shield to offer more stability in the absence of suspended Ryan Gravenberch. Florian Wirtz makes his Premier League debut in the attacking role, supporting Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo, and striker Hugo Ekitike.
Bournemouth, managed by Andoni Iraola, bring a reshuffled XI. Đorđe Petrovic starts in goal, with Bafodé Diakité and Marcos Senesi in central defence. Adrien Truffert and Adam Smith take the flanks. Tyler Adams and Alex Scott hold the midfield, while David Brooks, Marcus Tavernier, and Antoine Semenyo play behind striker Evanilson.
The night carries an emotional weight at Anfield, with Liverpool paying tribute to forward Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva through a moment of silence, black armbands, and a Kop-end mosaic.
Liverpool vs Bournemouth Premier League Opener – Confirmed Lineups
Liverpool XI: Alisson; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Wirtz; Gakpo, Ekitike, Salah.
Bournemouth XI: Petrović, Smith, Diakite, Senesi, Truffert, Adams, Scott, Brooks, Tavernier, Semenyo, Evanilson.