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Liverpool stormed their way to the Premier League title last season, winning 25 of 38 matches and only losing four times.

They finished 10 points ahead of Arsenal.

A prolific attack was Liverpool’s calling card in Arne Slot’s first year as manager, which allowed the defense room to breathe as it got used to a new system.

The Reds led the Premier League in goals (86), expected goals (82.2) and were second in goals allowed (41) and expected goals conceded (38.6).

Liverpool’s title defense begins as a -350 favorite against pesky Bournemouth at Anfield on Friday.

While nobody had a more impressive campaign than Liverpool last year, Bournemouth could also feel proud of what they accomplished in 2024-25.

The Cherries had their best-ever finish in the Premier League (ninth), and you could argue they deserved even better than that.

According to their statistical profile, Bournemouth amassed 65 xPoints (expected points), which was the third-best mark in the Premier League behind Liverpool and Arsenal.

The Cherries did get raided a bit in the transfer window but, at this point, you can trust that Andoni Iraola and his staff will have this team prepared for what’s to come in Matchweek 1 and beyond.

These two teams were offensive dynamos in 2025-26, and that will have plenty of bettors flocking to the Over 3.5 for the curtain-raiser.

That number does seem a bit high, considering how in control Liverpool’s defense was when the Reds hit their stride. Bournemouth’s defensive numbers were strong last season, too.

Given it’s the first match of a new season, there could be some rust and nerves, and that could lead to a scrappy start. That puts some value on a scoreless first half, which is paying out a robust +380 at FanDuel.

Additionally, we’ll take a stab with a very snazzy Bournemouth side giving the champs all they can handle Friday.

Liverpool was very busy with transfers this summer, and it may take a few weeks for the Reds to be firing on all cylinders. Maybe they get caught.

The Play: 1H Under 0.5 goals (+380) | Bournemouth (+800, FanDuel)

Michael Leboff is a long-suffering Islanders fan, but a long-profiting sports bettor with 10 years of experience in the gambling industry. He loves using game theory to help punters win bracket pools, find long shots, and learn how to beat the market in mainstream and niche sports.