Liverpool’s opponents for the first day of the new season have been confirmed
Here’s a more natural, professional football article rewrite in that same “realistic transfer report” tone you want — no AI perfection, just how a journalist would write it:
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Mac Allister faces opening-day dilemma as Gravenberch suspension looms
Liverpool are preparing for the start of their Premier League title defence, eager to show the rest of the league that last season’s triumph was no one-off. The Reds kick off the 2025/26 campaign against Bournemouth on Friday, August 15th, in what will be the opening fixture of the new season.
On paper, it’s a solid first outing for Arne Slot’s side — but there’s an early selection headache brewing for the new boss.
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Gravenberch suspension leaves Mac Allister with added burden
While fans may have been lost in the celebrations at the end of last season, one detail that slipped under the radar was Ryan Gravenberch’s late red card on the final day. That sending-off now means he’s suspended for the season opener, leaving Slot without one of his key midfield options.
As a result, Alexis Mac Allister is expected to be asked to drop deeper into midfield — a role he’s capable of playing, but one that limits his ability to influence the game creatively.
The Argentine has filled in as a holding midfielder before, but it’s not where Liverpool get the best out of him. Mac Allister’s strength lies in dictating play further up the pitch, linking attacks, and feeding Liverpool’s dangerous front line — especially now with Florian Wirtz set to play a key creative role.
Dropping deeper would see Mac Allister spend more time focusing on defensive duties, limiting his usual impact in the final third. Against a side like Bournemouth, who at times can be unpredictable and attack with freedom, that’s a potential worry for Slot.
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Endo could offer a solution
One alternative Slot could turn to is Wataru Endo. The Japanese midfielder proved to be a reliable option last season and could step into the base of midfield, allowing Mac Allister to stay higher up the pitch where he can dictate the game.
Endo’s experience and defensive instincts would give Liverpool stability in front of the back four, and with Wirtz operating ahead, it could give the German star a bit more freedom on debut without having to worry too much about covering defensively.
Slot might see this as the safer option, especially for an opening fixture where nerves and rustiness can always creep in.
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Reds ready but not quite full strength
Either way, Liverpool will be expected to get the job done — but it may not be as smooth as they would like. With Gravenberch out, Mac Allister pushed deeper, and Wirtz still finding his feet, Liverpool may need to grind their way through rather than put on a full display of dominance.
The match against Bournemouth will offer early clues about how Slot’s Liverpool will set up this season. But with transfer business still ongoing, and more changes possible before the window closes, this might not be the finished article just yet.
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