The wait is finally over. The Premier League returns today, with champions Liverpool hosting Bournemouth at Anfield, then on Sunday, Manchester United and Arsenal will provide fans with the first blockbuster clash of the season.

Event # 1 – EPL – Liverpool vs Bournemouth – 2:00 PM

Liverpool will be aiming to retain the Premier League title they won last year, for the second time in the last 20 years, and they start the defence against Bournemouth at home, after they kicked off the new season with a loss to Crystal Palace in the Community Shield Final at Wembley last Sunday. However, failing to add the Community Shield trophy to the Premier League title may have been a blessing in disguise for Liverpool when you consider the history of the winners of the annual season curtain-raiser. Only one of the previous 15 Community Shield winners have gone on to win the Premier League title, and with Liverpool going into the new season as favourites to retain their crown, having spent massively in transfer window, they could see that loss as a blessing. With that said, Liverpool ended last season winless in their last five matches in all competitions, including the last four Premier League games, but were also unbeaten at home in their last five matches. Furthermore, Liverpool will be confident of getting their season off to a winning start as not since the 2012/13 season — a 0-3 battering from West Brom — have Liverpool been beaten on the opening day of the campaign. Their 12-match streak without defeat in such games is the longest of its kind in the Premier League.

Coincidentally, West Brom were also the last side to beat Bournemouth on the opening day of a new league campaign, doing so in 2017/18. Bournemouth have since embarked on a seven-match unbeaten run in their opening day matches but extending that run to eight will be easier said than done, for more than one reason. Four members of their dogged defence that finished ninth last season have moved on to other teams, and worryingly, none of Bournemouth’s final four preseason friendlies ended in victories, two defeats on tour and two defeats at home. Indeed, Bournemouth have never beaten Liverpool at home, have taken just one point from the last 24 on offer in the Premier League, and have lost on their last six trips by an aggregate scoreline of 23-2.

Key Stats

•Liverpool – Liverpool have not lost a Premier League game at Anfield since September 2024, going unbeaten in 17 matches following their shock defeat to Nottingham Forest.

•Bournemouth – Bournemouth had just one victory from any of their last six away matches dating back to last season.

•Both sides – Bournemouth have failed to win any of their last nine trips to Liverpool in all competitions (7 defeats 2 draws).

The betting Tip.Liverpool win.

Event # EPL – Manchester United vs Arsenal – 10:30 AM

The first Premier League blockbuster clash of the 2025/26 campaign will take place at Old Trafford this Sunday when Manchester United and Arsenal collide in an eagerly anticipated showdown. Manchester United finished an embarrassing 15th place last season and will be aiming to regain their status as one of the top teams in the Premier League. However, beating this Arsenal side might be easier said than done for Manchester United as the last time they defeated Arsenal was on September 4, 2022. Since then, they have lost four and drawn two of their last six matches against Arsenal. The Red Devils, Manchester United,will enter this clash unbeaten in their two pre-season matches, drawing with Leeds before beating West Ham 2-1.

Having last won the Premier League in 2004, Arsenal sees this as the season that they will end the drought, and having strengthened their team with some big name signings, especially Spanish Midfielder Martin Zubimendi, whom many believe to be among the best defensive midfielder in the world today, the Gunners’dreams of lifting a first league title in over a decade could become a reality. This will be a fascinating clash of two English powerhouse teams, with opening day records being put on the line. Firstly, Manchester United have won their opening game of the season more than any other side in the competition (22). On the other hand, Arsenal have won five of their last six opening games, including each of the last three. Interestingly, this is just the second time in the English Premier League history that Manchester United are hosting Arsenal in their first game of the season, previously beating the Gunners 4-1 in 1989/90.

Key Stats

• Man United – Man United last defeated Arsenal in their first match of the season during the 2022/23 campaign.

• Arsenal – dating back to last season, Arsenal enter this clash in smashing form, having won 13 of their last 18 Premier League matches, including the last five in a row.

• Both sides – In their last five meetings, both Manchester United and Arsenal have two wins with one match ending in a draw.

The betting Tip.Draw.

Iliman Ndiaye of Everton FC competes for the ball with Manuel Ugarte of Manchester United during the Premier League Summer Series match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on August 3, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo: AFP)