
Ipswich Town vs Liverpool: Premier League Opener Preview
Ipswich Town vs Liverpool Prediction: Liverpool are expected to win against Ipswich Town with a predicted score of 2-0, showcasing their Premier League experience and attacking prowess in this season opener.
As the Premier League kicks off its 2024-25 season, newly-promoted Ipswich Town face a stern test against Arne Slot’s Liverpool at Portman Road. This Saturday lunchtime clash marks the Tractor Boys’ return to top-flight football after a 22-year absence, while Liverpool begin life under their new Dutch manager.
Match Preview
Ipswich Town’s return to the Premier League after over two decades is a testament to their remarkable back-to-back promotions. Manager Kieran McKenna has instilled a winning mentality, with the team showing impressive form in pre-season, including victories over Shakhtar Donetsk and Nice.
Liverpool, on the other hand, are entering a new era under Arne Slot. The Reds had a strong pre-season, winning four consecutive matches against top-tier opposition before a goalless draw with Las Palmas in their final friendly. The departure of long-serving manager Jurgen Klopp marks a significant change, but the core of the team remains intact.
Ipswich Town vs Liverpool Lineups and Team News
Ipswich Town Lineup (4-5-1): Muric; Woolfenden, Johnson, Burgess, Davis; Morsy, Burns, Chaplin, Luongo, Hutchinson; Delap
Liverpool Lineup (4-3-3): Alisson; Konate, Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Mac Allister, Endo, Szoboszlai; Jota, Salah, Diaz
Players Unavailable or Injured
Ipswich Town:
Liverpool:
Key Battle: Midfield Mastery
The midfield battle could prove crucial. Ipswich’s compact 4-5-1 formation aims to stifle Liverpool’s creativity, with Sam Morsy and Massimo Luongo tasked with disrupting the Reds’ rhythm. Liverpool’s new-look midfield, featuring summer signings Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister, will need to quickly find their feet in the Premier League.
Form Guide
Ipswich Town: W-L-W-W-D (Last 5 competitive matches)
Liverpool: W-W-W-W-D (Pre-season friendlies)
Head-to-Head
Historical encounters heavily favor Liverpool. In their last Premier League meetings during the 2001-02 season, Liverpool won both fixtures, including a 6-0 thrashing at Portman Road.
Where to Watch Live?
TV Schedule:
Data and Stats
Who Will Win?
While Ipswich Town’s home advantage and the emotion of their Premier League return will provide a boost, Liverpool’s quality and experience at this level should prove decisive. The Reds’ attacking prowess, led by Mohamed Salah, is likely to be too much for Ipswich’s defense.
Ipswich Town vs Liverpool Prediction is Ipswich Town 0-2 Liverpool
Liverpool are expected to control possession and create numerous chances. Ipswich will likely adopt a defensive approach, hoping to frustrate their opponents and potentially catch them on the counter. However, Liverpool’s superior quality should shine through as the match progresses.
Premier League Table (Pre-match)
As the season opener, this match provides both teams an opportunity to make an early statement. For Ipswich, avoiding defeat would be seen as a positive start to their Premier League campaign. Liverpool, meanwhile, will be eager to begin the Arne Slot era with a convincing victory and set the tone for their title aspirations.
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