Premier League Preview: Liverpool Opens Against Bournemouth
A brand-new Premier League season is upon us, beginning this Friday night as reigning champions Liverpool host Bournemouth at Anfield. According to those who voted in the Forza app, we can expect a straightforward home victory – as 89% believe The Reds will take all three points from the season opener.
Arne Slot’s debut season was nothing short of sensational, guiding The Reds to their 20th league title. But with a rebuilt squad over the summer, the question looms: are Liverpool ready to defend their crown?
Their Community Shield defeat on penalties to Crystal Palace last Sunday might not be a bad omen. In fact, history suggests otherwise – only one of the past 14 Community Shield winners has gone on to claim the league title in the same season.
Weekend Showdowns
The weekend fixture list is packed. Saturday’s early kick-off sees Aston Villa face Newcastle, while Sunday’s headline clash is Manchester United vs Arsenal at Old Trafford.
Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has reshaped his squad after last season’s disappointment, bringing in attacking firepower with Benjamin Šeško, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo. The big question: can the midfield and defence provide the balance needed to challenge at the top of the table?
They’ll face an immediate test in their opener against an Arsenal side desperate to end their 21-year wait for a league trophy. Mikel Arteta’s Gunners have finished runners-up in three straight seasons and hope the signing of Viktor Gyökeres can push them over the line.
From over 5,000 votes in the Forza app, a majority (52% at the time of writing) believe Manchester United will win the opener, while 44% back Arsenal and only 3% predict a draw. Perhaps a reflection, above all, of how the fan base is distributed out there?
Title Race
Bookmakers have Liverpool as slight favourites to lift the trophy, with Arsenal close behind. Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City lurk just behind them, while FIFA Club World Cup winners Chelsea are the fourth favourites.
European Competitions
England’s strong showing in Europe last season earned five Champions League spots ahead of this. Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea and Newcastle all qualified via league positions, while Tottenham secured an extra place by winning the Europa League.
Aston Villa, finishing sixth, booked their Europa League ticket, while Crystal Palace initially qualified by winning the FA Cup. However, a UEFA ruling – stemming from John Textor’s ownership links with both Palace and Lyon – forced Palace out of the competition, as both clubs could not compete in the same tournament.
After appeals failed, Palace were moved to the Europa Conference League, and Nottingham Forest inherited their Europa League slot. Forest had been in contention for a Champions League place late last season but faded to seventh after just one win in their final five matches.
Newly Promoted Sides
In recent years, newly promoted teams have struggled to stay up, with all three newcomers relegated in each of the past two seasons.
This year’s newcomers are Sunderland, Leeds United and Burnley. Scott Parker’s Burnley return boasting one of Europe’s best defensive records from last season, while Leeds are back after two years in the Championship. Sunderland, meanwhile, are returning to the top flight for the first time since their relegation in 2017, rekindling the fierce Tyne-Wear derby with Newcastle.
A Season to Remember?
With heavyweight clashes, bitter rivalries, and a tight title race expected, this Premier League campaign promises drama from start to finish. Fans can follow every goal and moment live through the Forza app – just mark your favourite teams and players, and never miss a second of the action.