LIVERPOOL, UK — Sky Sports has confirmed it will broadcast Liverpool’s Premier League curtain-raiser against Bournemouth on Friday, 15 August 2025, handing Arne Slot’s reigning champions the spotlight in the opening match of the new campaign.
The Reds will kick off their title defence at Anfield under the lights, one day ahead of their main title rivals. Manchester City begin their season on Saturday with a trip to Wolves, while Arsenal face Manchester United on Sunday in a heavyweight clash at Old Trafford.
This marks the first time since 2021 that Liverpool have opened the Premier League season in a Friday night prime-time slot, highlighting Sky Sports’ commitment to featuring high-profile fixtures. With an expanded broadcast deal in place, Sky will televise up to 80% of Premier League matches this season, including exclusive coverage on Fridays, Mondays, and three full midweek rounds.
Slot’s Early Test of Credentials
Arne Slot faces a tough opening stretch to the season, with fixtures against Newcastle United, Arsenal, and local rivals Everton all within the first five games. New signings Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz, and a potential deal for Milos Kerkez signal an ambitious summer rebuild but the Dutchman’s tactical credentials will be tested immediately.
A dramatic subplot awaits as Kerkez, who is in talks for a move from Bournemouth to Liverpool, may line up against his current club in what could be an emotional farewell or a baptism of fire in red.
UEFA Calendar Complicates Fixture Timing
The Premier League has also warned of fixture flexibility this season, with nine clubs, including Liverpool, participating in UEFA competitions. The Reds’ Champions League group-stage campaign begins mid-September under the revamped league-phase format, meaning several domestic matches may shift to accommodate European scheduling.
Slot’s team will be one of the most televised sides in the opening weeks, with Sky Sports and TNT Sports expected to feature several of their fixtures live, particularly high-stakes games like Arsenal at home and a Merseyside derby on the horizon.
Eyes on the Title Defence
Liverpool will be eager to avoid the sluggish starts that plagued previous campaigns. Fans will remember the sharp performances of Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah in last year’s opener against Ipswich Town a match that set the tone for their title-winning season.
With Sky Sports opening the season with Liverpool in focus, the message is clear: the Reds are must-watch TV and the pressure is on to live up to the billing.
