2 hours ago
2
Alan Shearer and Paul Merson are both expecting Liverpool to make the perfect start to its Premier League title defense.
The Reds kick off the 2025/26 campaign at home to Bournemouth later today, with Arne Slot’s new-look side aiming to send an early message to their rivals after a busy summer that has seen nearly $400 million spent on new signings.
Many of those new faces, including Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike and Jeremie Frimpong, will be expected to start later at Anfield, with Liverpool looking to put its Community Shield defeat at the hands of Crystal Palace firmly behind it.
Liverpool begins the season as the favorite to make it back-to-back titles with many pundits, although it is likely to face a more stern challenge from the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City this time around.
A win in its opening game then would be the ideal start to its title defense, and former Newcastle striker Shearer is fully expecting the Reds to claim all three points today.
Predicting a Liverpool win, Shearer told Betfair: "Bournemouth have lost Zabarnyi, Kerkez and Huijsen. That's a big ask to fill for any club when all of them played on a regular basis last year.
“I know Liverpool were disappointing in the Community Shield but I'd guess Anfield will be rocking again so I'll go for a home win.”
And former Arsenal midfielder Merson agrees, having backed Liverpool for a comfortable victory.
Predicting a 3-0 win for the Reds, Merson told Sportskeeda: “I've got to go with Liverpool here.
“It's a nice game for Liverpool to start the new season. If you look at Arsenal, they have to play Manchester United away from home. So in all honesty, Liverpool would be more than happy to settle with this opening fixture.
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
“Only time will tell if Liverpool have made too many changes for the upcoming season. I expect Florian Wirtz to shine. He looks like a quality player and will almost definitely become a superstar in the years to come.
“But I ain't so sure about [Mohamed] Salah this season. And unlike last time, Liverpool have enough players who can replace him in the starting XI, if he has a bad run.”
Merson would go on to add: “Bournemouth are a bit light at the back and I don't think they will trouble Liverpool. Comfortable win for Arne Slot's reigning champions.”
Liverpool could have four players missing for today's game, with Conor Bradley looking likely to be out injured while Ryan Gravenberch is missing through suspension, while Bournemouth may be without as many as seven players, including Justin Kluivert.
English (US) ·