The Premier League is back, and what a way to kick off the 2025–26 season! On Friday night, Liverpool, fresh off their triumphant 2024–25 title campaign, open their doors at Anfield to welcome Bournemouth in a much-anticipated clash. The echoes of last season’s glory still ring through the red half of Merseyside, and fans are eager to see if the reigning champions can pick up right where they left off.
It’s not just any opener for Liverpool, either. The Reds have made a habit of starting strong in the Premier League era. Out of their last 33 opening matches, they’ve racked up 19 wins, 10 draws, and just 4 losses—a win rate of 57.58%. That’s a stat any club would envy. Even more impressive, Liverpool are unbeaten in their last 12 opening games and have emerged victorious in 11 of their last 12 league encounters with Bournemouth. If history is anything to go by, the Cherries will have their work cut out for them.
This fixture also marks a return to a familiar setting. It’s the first time since the 2020–21 season that Liverpool begin their campaign at home. Back then, the Reds edged out Leeds United in a thrilling 4–3 win at Anfield. And for those who love a good omen, Liverpool’s last Friday night season opener came in 2019–20—the very year they marched to their first Premier League title under the charismatic Jürgen Klopp. Could this be a sign of things to come?
Speaking of Klopp, his legacy continues to loom large over Anfield, even as the team looks to the future. But this week, the headlines have also been colored by off-field drama: former Premier League referee David Coote has been banned for eight weeks and ordered to attend a face-to-face education program after offensive comments he made about Klopp in a private video surfaced online. The fallout was swift—Coote was fired in December after an investigation deemed his position untenable, and further allegations, including an investigation into possible drug use during the European Championship, have only added to the controversy. According to The Associated Press, Coote admitted to a Football Association charge of acting "in an improper manner" and using "abusive and/or insulting words" in the 2020 video, which included derogatory remarks about Klopp and a reference to his nationality. The independent regulatory commission announced the new sanctions on Tuesday, casting a shadow over the start of the new season.
But on the pitch, the focus is on Mohamed Salah, Liverpool’s talisman and the man of the moment. The Egyptian forward, who claimed both the Golden Boot and Player of the Season award last year, is once again a Ballon d’Or nominee. Salah’s exploits in front of goal have become the stuff of legend at Anfield. He’s already Liverpool’s record-holder for most goals in opening day fixtures, leading a prestigious group that includes Michael Owen, Robbie Fowler, and Sadio Mané.
This Friday, Salah stands on the brink of Premier League history. If he finds the net against Bournemouth, he’ll become the first player ever to score 10 goals on Matchday 1—a milestone that would further cement his status among the league’s all-time greats. And there’s more: a goal would also see him move joint-second with Sergio Agüero for the most Premier League goals at a single venue, with 106. Only Thierry Henry, with 114 at Arsenal’s old Highbury, stands ahead. Given Salah’s form and fitness, overtaking Henry’s record isn’t out of the question this season.
The numbers behind Liverpool’s opening day prowess are staggering. Jamie Carragher leads the way with 15 Premier League opening day appearances, followed by Steven Gerrard (12) and Jordan Henderson (10). The Reds have scored 61 goals and conceded 35 in these fixtures, boasting a goal difference of +26. That’s a testament to the club’s consistency and attacking flair right from the season’s first whistle.
For Bournemouth, the challenge is as daunting as it gets. The Cherries have struggled historically against Liverpool, particularly at Anfield, and the odds are stacked against them. Still, football is nothing if not unpredictable. Can Bournemouth spring a surprise, or will Liverpool’s dominance continue?
Fans around the world won’t have to miss a moment of the action. The match kicks off at 3 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on USA Network and NBC Universo. For those preferring to stream, options abound: DirecTV (offering a free trial), fuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling all have the game available. Whether you’re in the stands at Anfield or watching from afar, the anticipation is palpable.
The off-season has seen Liverpool make some hefty investments in the transfer market, bolstering a squad already brimming with talent. Yet it’s Salah who remains the heartbeat of the team, his hunger for goals and silverware undiminished. The Egyptian’s quest for more records and another league title could well define Liverpool’s season.
But there’s more to this opener than just numbers and records. It’s about momentum, belief, and setting the tone for the long campaign ahead. Liverpool’s recent history of strong starts has often translated into sustained success, and the Anfield faithful will be hoping for another fast start to keep the title defense on track.
Meanwhile, the Premier League as a whole finds itself under the microscope, not just for the drama on the field but also for the controversies that have plagued its officials. The saga surrounding David Coote is a reminder that the game’s integrity is always in the spotlight, and the league’s response to such incidents will be closely watched.
As the clock ticks down to kickoff, all eyes are on Anfield. Will Salah make history? Can Liverpool extend their remarkable opening day record? Or is there a shock in store from Bournemouth? The answers will unfold under the Friday night lights, with the world watching and the stakes as high as ever.
One thing’s for sure: the Premier League curtain-raiser at Anfield promises fireworks, storylines, and the kind of drama that makes football the world’s game. As Liverpool and Bournemouth prepare to write the first chapter of the new season, fans can only buckle up and enjoy the ride.
With the action set to unfold, Liverpool’s quest for another memorable campaign officially begins. The champions are ready, the records are within reach, and the stage is set for another unforgettable Premier League season.