The 2025-26 Premier League season kicks off Friday, with Liverpool starting their title defense by hosting Bournemouth at Anfield.

Despite winning the English top flight by 10 points last season, the Reds haven't sat still. Liverpool spent over $300 million in transfer fees to bolster a formidable squad. That included pricey moves to add Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitiké to a powerful attack, and replacing right back Trent Alexander-Arnold (who joined Real Madrid) with Jeremie Frimpong.

Bournemouth will be very familiar with one of Liverpool's big additions, with defender Milos Kerkez leaving the Cherries to join Arne Slot's side in a $54 million transfer this summer. Still, manager Andoni Iraola — who is likely to include U.S. men's national team midfielder Tyler Adams in his starting 11 Friday — has impressed since taking over in 2023, using a high-pressing approach that gives bigger-spending teams fits.

As such, it's hardly the easiest assignment for a team like Liverpool, who are favored to repeat as Premier League champions. The Reds beat Bournemouth home and away last season without conceding a single goal, but the Cherries were able to record solid wins over Arsenal and Manchester City, and are more than comfortable trying to punch above their weight.

Here's what to know for Friday's Premier League season opener between Liverpool and Bournemouth:

Liverpool vs. Bournemouth: Time, TV channel and how to watch Premier League soccer

  • Time: 3 p.m. ET
  • Location: Anfield (Liverpool, England)
  • TV: USA Network (English), Universo (Spanish)
  • Stream: Fubo

Watch Liverpool vs. Bournemouth on Fubo (free trial)

Liverpool looking for early red card

Bournemouth may be fortunate to escape an early moment at midfield with 11 players.

A bouncing ball confounded Marcos Senesi at midfield, with the Bournemouth center back eventually making clear contact with his fingertips on what could have otherwise been a breakaway from midfield.

The situation was checked by VAR, who ruled that the ball's earlier contact with Senesi's thigh is what caused the hand ball, a relatively recent interpretation referees are to use in situations like this. However, replays seem to show that the contact with Senesi missed his arm and took another bounce before the Argentine tipped the ball out of trouble with his hand.

Liverpool isn't happy, but this game remains 11-on-11 as VAR ruled there was not a denial of an obvious goalscoring opportunity (DOGSO).

Liverpool vs. Bournemouth: Premier League season kicks off

Following a touching minute's silence to commemorate the passing of Liverpool player Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva (who died in a car crash in July), the 2025-26 Premier League season has officially kicked off.

Liverpool has us underway at Anfield.

Liverpool lineup: Starting XI vs. Bournemouth

Liverpool's first starting 11 of the 2025-26 Premier League season includes all four of its most costly additions from the summer transfer window, with Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitiké, Milos Kirkez, and Jeremie Frimpong all included in Arne Slot's lineup.

Here is the complete starting 11 to face Bournemouth:

Bournemouth lineup: Starting XI vs. Liverpool

Bournemouth has announced Andoni Iraola's starting lineup to take on Premier League champions Liverpool. USMNT star Tyler Adams is unsurprisingly on the list, as is another former MLS player in goalkeeper Djordje Petrović (who joined the Cherries this summer in a reported $33.8 million transfer from Chelsea).

Here is the full Bournemouth starting 11:

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Liverpool vs. Bournemouth: Live updates, time, where to watch Premier League soccer

Reporting by Jason Anderson, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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