Liverpool vs Bournemouth Lineups 2025: Confirmed XI

There’s a special buzz when Liverpool and Bournemouth meet — the two sides have produced some extraordinary scorelines in recent years, from 9-0 to a thrilling EFL Cup tie. As the Reds prepare to host the Cherries at Anfield on 1 February 2025, all eyes are on the starting XI and whether academy talent Rio Ngumoha could make his Premier League debut. Here’s everything you need for match day: expected lineups, kickoff details, and the story behind Liverpool’s latest teenage prospect.

Kickoff time (UK): 15:00 GMT, 1 February 2025 · Venue: Anfield, Liverpool · Referee: Chris Kavanagh · Previous meeting result: Liverpool 3–0 Bournemouth (Sep 2024) · Current league positions (pre-match): Liverpool 2nd, Bournemouth 12th

Key stats for this encounter:

Who is Liverpool’s starting 11?

Expected lineup for Liverpool vs Bournemouth

Liverpool’s expected starting XI, based on recent form and injury updates, is a 4-3-3 shape: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Salah, Diaz, Gakpo. This lineup is consistent with the side that beat Bournemouth 3-0 in September 2024 (ESPN UK). The official confirmation will be released one hour before kickoff on the Premier League lineups page.

Predicted starting XI changes

• Compared to the midweek EFL Cup defeat to Bournemouth (4-3), Liverpool are expected to restore first-choice defenders (BBC Sport).
• Cody Gakpo is likely to start on the left wing after appearing as a substitute in the previous league match (Liverpool FC).
• Bournemouth are expected to field Solanke, Kluivert and Tavernier in attack (BeSoccer).

The trade-off: Liverpool’s depth means they can rotate without losing quality — but Bournemouth’s counter-attacking speed punished them in January. Slot’s men must balance rest with rhythm.

Who is the 17 year old midfielder for Liverpool?

The 17-year-old generating all the pre-match buzz is Rio Ngumoha, a winger who joined Liverpool from Chelsea’s academy in 2024 (Liverpool FC). He is eligible for the Premier League and has been named among the substitutes in recent matchday squads. Ngumoha describes his move as “a dream come true to train with these players” (Liverpool FC interview).

How did Liverpool get Rio Ngumoha?

Ngumoha was signed from Chelsea’s academy in August 2024 for a compensation fee of an initial £2–3 million, with performance add-ons (Liverpool FC). His contract runs until 2027. The move was seen as a coup — Chelsea had tried to retain him, but Liverpool’s first-team pathway proved decisive.

The implication: Liverpool’s pursuit of Ngumoha signals a deliberate strategy: raid top academies for teenage talent while the compensation system makes high-upside moves affordable.

What time is Liverpool vs Bournemouth?

The match kicks off at 15:00 GMT (10:00 ET) on Saturday, 1 February 2025. For viewers in the UK, the match is broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League. In the United States, streaming is available on Peacock (subscription required).

Kickoff times across time zones:

Why this matters: The 15:00 Saturday slot means no live TV in the UK for non-Sky subscribers — a limitation that pushes fans toward pubs or streaming services.

How much did Ngumoha cost Liverpool?

The compensation fee paid to Chelsea for Rio Ngumoha was reported as an initial £2–3 million, with additional bonuses based on appearances and performance (Liverpool FC). His contract is until 2027. This is modest by Premier League standards, but the add-ons could push the total higher if he establishes himself in the first team.

The catch: Compensation fees for academy players rarely create immediate value — Liverpool are betting on the long term. For Ngumoha, the pressure will be to prove he belongs before the next transfer window.

Does Steven Gerrard regret leaving Liverpool?

Steven Gerrard has publicly stated he has no regrets about leaving Liverpool in 2015 for LA Galaxy, saying in a 2024 interview that “it was the right decision for my family” (BBC Sport). He now manages Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia. The question remains popular among fans who wonder what might have been if he had stayed to play under Jurgen Klopp.

What this means: Gerrard’s departure still stirs emotion on Merseyside, but his managerial path has diverged sharply from Klopp’s — a reminder that timing shapes legacy.

Historical head-to-head: Last 5 meetings

Five encounters, one pattern: Liverpool usually control the game, but Bournemouth always threaten on the break.

How to watch Liverpool vs Bournemouth

1. Step 1: Choose your platform — Sky Go (UK) or Peacock (US).
2. Step 2: Set a reminder for 15:00 GMT / 10:00 ET.
3. Step 3: Access the stream 15 minutes before kickoff for team news.
4. Step 4: Follow live commentary on BBC Sport if streaming isn’t available.

Clarity check: what we know vs what’s still open

Quotes from the camps

“They are a dangerous side, always aggressive.”

— Jurgen Klopp, post-match press conference 2024 (BBC Sport)

“A dream come true to train with these players.”

— Rio Ngumoha, Liverpool FC interview 2025 (Liverpool FC)

Related reading: Liverpool vs Bournemouth: Latest Results, History & Transfers · A League Fixtures 2025-26: Schedule, TV & Salary Cap

Frequently asked questions

For Liverpool fans, the choice is clear: trust the academy pipeline, because Ngumoha’s potential could be the edge the squad needs for a top-four finish. For Bournemouth, the challenge is equally clear: contain Salah and hope their away form holds up.

Related reading: Liverpool vs Bournemouth: Latest Results, History & Transfers