Table of Contents
Match Details
Match: Ipswich Town vs Liverpool
Competition: Premier League
Location: Portman Road, Ipswich, England
Date: Saturday, 17 August
Kick-off Time: 12:30 BST / 09:30 ET / 06:30 PT
Referee: Tim Robinson
Liverpool’s Preparedness Under Arne Slot for Premier League Opener
Liverpool enter a new chapter under Arne Slot, who takes charge of his first competitive match as head coach against Ipswich Town. Slot’s arrival brings renewed optimism, particularly given his unbeaten pre-season record, which included six friendlies and a behind-closed-doors fixture against Preston.
The team’s fitness is impressive, with only two players sidelined: Jayden Danns, out with a back injury, and Bobby Clark, who is nearing a transfer to Salzburg.
Slot has made it clear that youth will take a backseat as he prioritizes experience. Notable young talents like Ben Doak, Owen Beck, Harvey Blair, and Kaide Gordon have been relegated to the U21s despite their pre-season contributions.
With 28 players in training, Slot faces the tough task of reducing his squad to 20 for the trip to Ipswich. Players like Harvey Davies, Vitezslav Jaros, Nat Phillips, Sepp van den Berg, Tyler Morton, and Stefan Bajcetic are expected to miss out.
Liverpool’s predicted lineup reflects Slot’s strategic focus on balance and experience. Alisson is set to start in goal, with a back four of Alexander-Arnold, Quansah, Van Dijk, and Tsimikas. In midfield, Gravenberch and Mac Allister will anchor the team, while Salah, Szoboszlai, Diaz, and Jota lead the attack.
Ipswich Town Faces Liverpool with Injury Concerns
Ipswich Town returns to the Premier League under manager Kieran McKenna, who led the club to promotion last season. However, their top-flight opener against Liverpool is overshadowed by injury concerns, with up to five first-team players potentially sidelined. Harry Clarke, George Hirst, Nathan Broadhead, and Janoi Donacien are confirmed out, while Cameron Humphreys remains doubtful.
Despite these setbacks, Ipswich will rely heavily on key player Leif Davis. The left-back was instrumental last season, providing 18 assists in the Championship, and is expected to be a vital source of creativity against Liverpool. Up front, Liam Delap is set to lead the attack, looking to capitalize on any opportunities created by Davis and the midfield trio of Morsy, Taylor, and Chaplin.
Ipswich’s predicted lineup includes Muric in goal, with a backline of Johnson, Woolfenden, Greaves, and Davis. The midfield features Morsy and Taylor, while Burns, Chaplin, and Hutchinson support Delap in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
Head-to-Head, Form, and Predictions for Ipswich vs Liverpool
Last Five Meetings:
- Ipswich: 1 win
- Liverpool: 3 wins
- Draws: 1
Last Meeting: Liverpool 1-1 Ipswich Town (3 December 2002) – EFL Cup
Ipswich Recent Form: Strong preseason, including a 1-0 win against Nice
Liverpool Recent Form: Unbeaten, highlighted by a 4-1 win over Sevilla
Liverpool’s Strategy: Slot’s lineup informed by pre-season; key players like Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk expected to start
Ipswich’s Strategy: Aiming to capitalize on Premier League return, but missing key players could pose a challenge
KN24 Predictions: Ipswich Town 0 – Liverpool 3
