Ipswich Town v Liverpool – Premier League Preview

The 2024/25 Premier League season kicks off with the Reds travelling to Premier League new boys Ipswich Town for that infamous 12.30 kick-off. That lunch time encounter at Portman Road arrives for 19-time English League champions after a period of internal alteration and international tournaments, however, domestic salvation is finally upon us and the chance to see how the Anfield giants new Head Coach, Arne Slot, will perform at the top table of football. The Tractor Boys will be flying high and eager to carry their promotion-winning form into this intriguing campaign, as their brilliant young manager, Kieran McKenna, aims to claim a major scalp in match week one. The match is set, and the upcoming campaign promises to start with aplomb.

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Ipswich Town’s Squad Availability and Predicted Lineup

In terms of availability, the 2023/24 EFL Championship runners up will be without Nathan Broadhead, Harry Clarke, Ali Al Hamadi, Janoi Donacien, and George Hirst, whereas Cameron Humphreys faces a late fitness test. Kalvin Phillips has arrived on a season long loan from reigning champions, Manchester City, which should see the England international take a place on the substitutes bench.

A predicted line up for the home team is listed below, in a 4-2-3-1 formation, one that will look to counter attack and use their Championship promotion form to cause a huge upset. After speaking to several Ipswich Town fans, one enthusiastic supporter, Sam James, gave his thoughts on the league opener and delivered his predicted line up before begrudgingly calling a 1-2 home defeat against his beloved Ipswich.

GK – Arijanet Muric

RB – Ben Johnson

RCB – Luke Woolfenden

LCB – Jacob Greaves

LB – Leif Davis

CM – Sam Morsy

CM – Massimo Luongo

ACM – Conor Chaplin

RM – Wes Burn

CF – Liam Delap

LM – Omari Hutchinson

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Liverpool’s Squad Availability and Predicted Lineup

In terms of injures, there appears to be a clean bill of health for the new coaching team, therefore, competition for places will be rife in the lead up to this enthralling Suffolk encounter. Liverpool will need to start fast and make a strong impression, with a lacklustre transfer window creating tension in the fan base.

Below is the team I believe the Dutch boss will start for his first-ever competitive game as Liverpool’s Head Coach. A 4-2-3-1 system of play appears likely, with a double pivot incorporated in the central midfield area. The groundwork for change has been set throughout preseason, though one or two incoming names are likely to arrive before the end of the month. Within a ball-dominant enterprise, there will be a tactic to entice the Ipswich press before launching incisive passes through the field. Mohamed Salah and Diogo Jota look primed for a strong goal-scoring season, which should start on their southeast travels.

GK – Alisson Becker

RB – Trent Alexander Arnold

RCB – Ibrahima Konaté

LCB – Virgil van Dijk (c)

LB – Andy Robertson

CM – Ryan Gravenberch

CM – Alexis Mac Allister

ACM – Dominik Szoboszlai

RF – Mohamed Salah

CF – Diogo Jota

LF – Luis Díaz

Match Analysis and Prediction

I cannot see a way in which Liverpool do not win this game comfortably, given the expectation of a team beginning a new and exciting era. The attacking prowess of the European heavyweights will be almost impossible to keep at bay, which should make for an exhilarating game to kick off the first Saturday of the new season. The hosts will need to be steadfast and resilient whilst looking to exploit some overplaying in their opponent’s defensive third.

Player to watch – Mohamed Salah

Score Prediction – Ipswich 1 – 3 Liverpool

Steven Smith