Bournemouth v Liverpool: Andoni Iraola Returns to Vitality Stadium

Liverpool return to Premier League action on Sunday afternoon when Andoni Iraola takes his side to face former club Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.

The Reds travel to the south coast unbeaten in all competitions this season and fresh from a 3-1 Carabao Cup victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield. Bournemouth, meanwhile, will have confidence of their own after beating Real Sociedad 2-1 in their first ever European fixture on Thursday night.

Bournemouth v Liverpool Match Information

Liverpool travel to the Vitality Stadium to face Bournemouth in the Premier League on Sunday 20th September 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 2:00pm.

Fixture: Bournemouth v Liverpool
Competition: Premier League
Date: Sunday 20th September 2026
Kick-Off: 2:00pm
Venue: Vitality Stadium, Bournemouth
TV Coverage: Sky Sports

The fixture sees Andoni Iraola return to the Vitality Stadium for the first time as Liverpool Head Coach, adding another intriguing storyline to an important early-season Premier League encounter.

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Manchester City, Brighton & Hove Albion, Arsenal and Manchester United are among the sides still to visit Anfield over the coming months, giving supporters a choice of major Premier League fixtures. Liverpool hospitality packages, including the Anfield Beat Lounge, combine premium seating with a range of matchday benefits.

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Liverpool Looking to Turn Unbeaten Start into More League Wins

Liverpool remain unbeaten after four Premier League matches under Iraola, although three of those games have ended level.

The Reds opened the campaign with a 2-2 draw at Newcastle before recording the same scoreline against Nottingham Forest at Anfield. Alexander Isak then scored twice as Liverpool beat Ipswich Town 2-0 at Portman Road, but a goalless home draw against Fulham last weekend left them with seven points from their opening four league fixtures.

Their performances in other competitions have provided further encouragement. Liverpool beat Atletico Madrid in the Champions League before Iraola made ten changes for Tuesday’s Carabao Cup tie against Spurs.

Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo put Liverpool in control before Dominik Szoboszlai completed the 3-1 victory with a late strike, sending the Reds through to the fourth round.

The task on Sunday will be translating that momentum back into the Premier League.

Bournemouth Showing Plenty Despite Winless League Start

Bournemouth are still searching for their first Premier League victory under Marco Rose, but their opening results do not tell the full story.

The Cherries led Manchester City before suffering a late 2-1 defeat at the Etihad Stadium and were then denied victory by a stoppage-time Everton equaliser at the Vitality Stadium. They subsequently opened up a two-goal advantage at Newcastle before drawing 2-2 and were held by the same scoreline against Brentford last weekend.

Rose’s side have therefore shown they can create opportunities and compete strongly against Premier League opposition, even if they have not always been able to protect promising positions.

Their confidence received another boost in midweek when goals from Justin Kluivert and Rayan secured a 2-1 Europa League victory away against Real Sociedad. It was Bournemouth’s first European match and gives them a major result to take into Sunday’s meeting with Liverpool.

Iraola Returns to Bournemouth

Sunday will also see Iraola return to the Vitality Stadium for the first time since leaving Bournemouth to take charge of Liverpool.

His Liverpool side have already shown signs of the high-intensity approach associated with his teams, although the head coach has called for more work from his forwards when Liverpool are out of possession. That press could be particularly important against a Bournemouth side comfortable playing through midfield and committing numbers forward.

Liverpool will also have to manage Bournemouth’s threat in wide areas. Marcus Tavernier has made an impressive start to the campaign, while Kluivert and Rayan both arrive after scoring in Spain.

At the other end, Bournemouth’s defence will face a Liverpool attack containing several major summer additions. Isak has already opened his Premier League account for the Reds, while Bradley Barcola and Florian Wirtz provide further options behind the striker.

Iraola admitted he is looking forward to seeing former players and staff on his return to the Vitality Stadium, but insisted sentiment will have to be put aside once the match begins. The Liverpool boss also believes Bournemouth remain recognisable under Marco Rose, meaning both sides should have a strong understanding of what to expect tactically.

Alex Scott Could Be Key for Bournemouth

One of Bournemouth’s most important players on Sunday could be Alex Scott.

The midfielder has started the season strongly and his performances have now earned him a place in Thomas Tuchel’s latest England squad. Scott scored against Everton and was heavily involved in Bournemouth’s attacking display during the 2-2 draw at Newcastle.

His battle with Liverpool’s midfield could have a significant influence on the match. Mac Allister and Szoboszlai both found the net against Tottenham in midweek, while Ryan Gravenberch gives Iraola another established option in central areas.

Liverpool Team News

Liverpool are expected to restore several senior players after Iraola rotated heavily against Tottenham.

Alisson Becker, Virgil van Dijk and Florian Wirtz are all in contention to return to the starting XI after being rested or left out of the midweek side. Gakpo strengthened his case for a Premier League start by recording a goal and an assist against Spurs after returning from injury.

Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni, Federico Chiesa and Hugo Ekitike remain unavailable through injury.

Bournemouth are currently expected to be without Veljko Milosavljevic, Julian Araujo, Amine Adli and Junior Kroupi.

Bournemouth v Liverpool Fixture Details

Bournemouth v Liverpool takes place at the Vitality Stadium on Sunday 20th September 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 2pm BST.

The match represents Liverpool’s final Premier League fixture before the extended international break and gives Iraola’s side an opportunity to build on Tuesday’s cup victory when they return to league action on the south coast.

Bournemouth v Liverpool FAQs

When is Bournemouth v Liverpool?

Bournemouth host Liverpool on Sunday 20th September 2026.

What time does Bournemouth v Liverpool kick off?

The Premier League fixture kicks off at 2pm BST.

Where is Bournemouth v Liverpool being played?

The match will take place at the Vitality Stadium in Bournemouth.

Can I buy Liverpool hospitality with Eventmasters?

Yes. Eventmasters offers official Liverpool hospitality packages for fixtures at Anfield, including premium matchday options such as the Anfield Beat Lounge. Upcoming home matches include fixtures against Manchester City, Brighton & Hove Albion, Arsenal and Manchester United.