bournemouth vs liverpool

Football Predictions Today: Liverpool vs Bournemouth

The 2025-26 Premier League season kicks off with a Friday night clash as Liverpool welcome Bournemouth to Anfield on Friday. Read our preview for the Liverpool vs Bournemouth match. Before you lock in your picks for the opening fixture, read below for Matchplug’s odds and analysis on all football games this season. preview. Betting Preview for Liverpool vs Bournemouth Betting On Liverpool Liverpool head into the new season as defending Premier League champions after finishing top of the table last year. The Reds suffered a setback in their most recent outing, losing on penalties to Crystal Palace in the FA Community Shield, but Arne Slot’s side remain in excellent form overall. With attacking threats like Hugo Ekitike and Mohamed Salah, Liverpool will look to dominate possession and create chances early. Given their strong home record, they will be expected to set the tone for their title defence with a convincing display. Betting On Bournemouth Bournemouth impressed last season with a ninth-place finish but have shown inconsistency in recent months. Their pre-season wrapped up with a 0-0 draw against Real Sociedad, a performance that underlined their need to be more clinical in the final third. The Cherries have struggled historically against Liverpool, especially at Anfield, and will need to be defensively disciplined to stand any chance of getting a result in this one. MatchPlug Prediction For Liverpool vs Bournemouth Liverpool have been relentless at home in recent years and boast a significant talent advantage over Bournemouth. While the visitors are capable of frustrating top teams, their record in this fixture is poor. Expect Liverpool to control the match from start to finish and secure three points to open their campaign. Final Prediction: Liverpool Moneyline

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Football Predictions Today: Aston Villa vs Newcastle United

The Premier League kicks off its opening weekend with a high-profile clash as Aston Villa host Newcastle United at Villa Park on August 16th, 2025. Read our preview for the Aston Villa vs Newcastle United match. Before you lock in your picks for Saturday’s match, read below for Matchplug’s odds and analysis on every football match this season.  Betting Preview for Aston Villa vs Newcastle United Betting On Aston Villa Aston Villa secured a sixth-place finish in the Premier League last season and have continued their positive momentum under Unai Emery. The Villans wrapped up pre-season with a comfortable 2-0 win over Villarreal last week, displaying composure in attack and stability in defence. Villa have shown steady improvement in recent months and will be looking to make a strong statement at home in their opening fixture. With home advantage and a confident squad, they will fancy their chances of taking all three points. Betting On Newcastle United Newcastle United enjoyed a stellar 2024/25 campaign, finishing fifth and cementing themselves as a top-six contender. However, their preparations for the new season took a hit with a 2-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid in their last outing, exposing a few defensive vulnerabilities. Anthony Gordon has been a bright spark for the Magpies and will be key if they are to leave Villa Park with a result. Newcastle will be aiming to shake off their final pre-season setback and start their league campaign on a positive note. MatchPlug Prediction For Aston Villa vs Newcastle United Both sides have made big strides in recent years and will expect to compete for European places again this season. Villa’s home advantage gives them a slight edge, but Newcastle’s attacking threat means this could be a close battle. With both teams evenly matched, a share of the spoils looks a likely outcome. Final Prediction: Draw

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Liverpool Elliott tipped to replace Leipzig Simmons

Liverpool have been highly active in this summer’s transfer window. They adopted a strategy of reinforcing their squad while at the top of their game rather than waiting for weaknesses to emerge. So far, the Reds have brought in Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Armin Pecsi and Freddie Woodman, while parting ways  Trent Alexander-Arnold, Luis Diaz, Jarrel Quansah, Tyler Morton, Nat Phillips and Caoimhin Kelleher Darwin Núñez is reportedly close to a move to Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal, while Federico Chiesa looks set to leave and manager Arne Slot remains interested in Newcastle striker Alexander Isak. These moves suggest Liverpool’s starting XI for the 2025/26 campaign could look markedly different from last season.

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ten-hag-defends-ronaldo-and-criticizes-man-utd

Ten Hag defends Ronaldo and criticises Man Utd

Former Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag says Cristiano Ronaldo was “never the problem” during their time together at Old Trafford. Ten Hag and Ronaldo, 40, were reported to have clashed before the forward left for Saudi club Al-Nassr. Ronaldo has since kept up his scoring form, netting a hat-trick in a 4-0 friendly win over Rio Ave. Speaking after Bayer Leverkusen’s 2-0 friendly defeat to Chelsea, Ten Hag said: “For me, it is no problem, he was never the problem. I think that’s the past, it is what happened, and after that we won two trophies at Manchester United, and I wish him all the best for the future.”

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westham-signs-mad-hermansen-on-five-year-deal

West Ham sign Mads Hermansen on five-year deal

West Ham United have confirmed the signing of Danish international goalkeeper Mads Hermansen from Leicester City. The 25-year-old Hermansen joins the Hammers on a five-year contract with a one-year option. “I’m happy to join West Ham United”, said Hermansen, who will wear the No. 1 shirt. “I’ve felt that West Ham would be a good fit for me and my style of play for a long time. It feels natural to be here – it was a straightforward decision.  “The fans can expect me to be brave and bring good energy to help the team in the best way I can. This is a great step in my career. I have huge ambitions and I can’t wait to get started”, said Hermansen to the club website. Head Coach Graham Potter is happy to have beaten off competition from several leading clubs to secure Hermansen’s services, and is looking forward to adding him to his squad.

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Txiki Begiristain Leaves Man City After 13 Years

Manchester City have confirmed the departure of Director of Football Txiki Begiristain after 13 years at the club. He will be replaced by Sporting CP’s Hugo Viana. Begiristain leaves following a disappointing 2024–25 campaign in which City finished the season without a trophy. His exit also comes as the club continues to face over 100 charges for alleged breaches of Premier League financial rules. The former Barcelona executive was instrumental in shaping City’s recent success, having played a key role in bringing Pep Guardiola to the Etihad in 2016. The pair were teammates at Barcelona and maintained a close working relationship throughout their time in Manchester. “Everyone at Manchester City would like to thank Txiki for everything that he has achieved during his time at the Club, and we look forward to paying tribute to his outstanding contribution in September,” the club said in a statement. Begiristain previously held the same role at Barcelona from 2003 to 2010, where he also oversaw Guardiola’s appointment as head coach in 2008. In a farewell chat with City Studios, Begiristain said:“I told (Man City CEO) Ferran (Soriano), ‘I’ll handle Pep’s transition for you.’ And then you renewed for two more years. When you renewed the last time (in November last year), I said, ‘Ferran, I can’t do this anymore.’”

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Mateta

Crystal Palace reject £30m Atalanta bid for striker Mateta

Crystal Palace have turned down a £30 million offer from Atalanta for striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, according to BBC reports. The 28-year-old forward, Mateta who has two years left on his current deal, has been in strong form, prompting interest from the Serie A club. Palace quickly rejected the approach, and it remains unclear if they would consider a higher bid. Atalanta are actively searching for a new striker after selling last season’s Serie A top scorer Mateo Retegui to Saudi club Al-Qadsiah for £56 million. Other forwards on Atalanta’s radar include Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz, Lecce’s Nikola Krstovic, and Genk’s Tolu Arokodare.

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Etitike

Liverpool enter into ‘advanced talks’ for Frankfurt’s Ekitike

Liverpool have reportedly entered advanced negotiations with Eintracht Frankfurt. The discussion is over a move for French striker Hugo Ekitike, as the Reds continue to strengthen under new boss Arne Slot. With Newcastle United  standing firm on their decision not to sell Alexander Isak  despite Liverpool’s interest, the Merseyside giants have quickly shifted focus to Ekitike. According to David Ornstein,  the 23-year-old is keen on a move to Anfield and Liverpool. They are prepared to meet Frankfurt’s asking price to seal the deal. Ekitike is coming off a standout campaign in Germany, having scored 22 goals in 48 appearances across all competitions and helping Frankfurt secure a Champions League spot. His explosive pace, intelligent movement, and eye for goal have made him one of the most highly rated young forwards in European football. Slot has already added Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, and Milos Kerkez to his squad this summer, and Ekitike could be the marquee signing to spearhead Liverpool’s attack as they aim to mount a serious title challenge next season. With talks progressing quickly, the Frenchman’s potential arrival would mark another significant step in the club’s post-Klopp rebuild.

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Rashford

Rashford and Garnacho among five players seeking Man Utd exit

Five players including England forward Marcus Rashford and Argentina winger Alejandro Garnacho have informed Man Utd that they wish to explore a future away from the Premier League side, a club source said on Friday. Brazilian midfielder Antony, Dutch defender Tyrell Malacia and England international Jadon Sancho are also looking to leave the club, the source added. Rashford, who has fallen out of favour with manager Ruben Amorim, played for Aston Villa on loan while United had their worst-ever Premier League campaign, finishing 15th in the standings. Sancho was on loan at Chelsea, while Antony was at Real Betis and Malacia played for Dutch side PSV Eindhoven.

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Moyes Hopes Goodison Farewell Marks New Chapter for Everton

Everton manager David Moyes expressed optimism about the club’s future after a memorable final match at Goodison Park on Sunday. Iliman Ndiaye  scored both goals in a 2-0 victory over Southampton, marking the last game Everton’s men will play at the historic stadium, which has served as their home since 1892. The club is preparing to move into a new 52,000-seat stadium, which is expected to generate additional revenue and provide the platform for Everton to reestablish themselves in the Premier League after several seasons of battling relegation. In addition to the stadium move, Everton‘s future is under new ownership following the December takeover by the U.S.-based Friedkin Group, offering renewed hope for long-term stability and success. “There might be a club coming back together,” Moyes said, reflecting on the atmosphere surrounding the farewell. Moyes returned to the club in January for a second spell in charge. “The scenes outside the stadium were incredible. It is a club that is needing some big days, a big future. Let’s hope this is the start of it. “If we can take what we had today to the new stadium, it will be something.” The win over Southampton gave Everton a fitting send-off from Goodison Park, with supporters and players united in an emotional farewell to a ground that has hosted the club for more than 130 years. The team now looks ahead to the transition, with hopes that the combination of a modern venue and new leadership will help spark a resurgence.

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