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Premier League POWER RANKINGS: How prepared is YOUR team for the new season? Our experts analyse how ready every side is - and why some are in for a rude awakening

The Premier League season kicks off with a bang on Friday evening as last year's champions Liverpool welcome Bournemouth to Anfield to start their title defence.

The Reds have lavished over £250million and counting on a blockbuster summer spending spree in a bid to sharpen their already impressive side ahead of Arne Slot's second season in charge.

Although the Merseyside club failed to see an immediate return on their investments after they were defeated in last weekend's Community Shield - few could argue that they've had a disappointing pre-season.