Prediction: Ipswich Town vs Liverpool

Verdict: Total away goals over 2.5

Best odds: 1/1

Bookmaker: BetUS

Two new eras will commence at Portman Road on Saturday lunchtime when Ipswich Town and Liverpool open their respective Premier League campaigns against each other.

For the Tractor Boys, it marks the end of a prolonged absence from the top tier of English football. Meanwhile, Liverpool will also be stepping into a new chapter as they embark on their first competitive match under new manager Arne Slot.

Ipswich Town

Unlike upcoming opponents, Ipswich Town have welcomed several new faces through the doors of Portman Road following their second successive promotion. As the runners-up of League One in the 2022/23 season, they narrowly missed out on Championship glory to Leicester City. However, their second-place finish was still enough to secure a return to the Premier League after a 22-year absence, following their relegation after the 2001/02 campaign.

Kieran McKenna, their head coach, has gained significant recognition for his impressive work, reportedly attracting interest from clubs such as Chelsea and Manchester United. However, he chose to remain at Ipswich, signing a new contract at Portman Road.

Ipswich enjoyed a productive pre-season under McKenna, recording 1-0 victories over Shakhtar Donetsk, Hoffenheim, and Nice, with their only defeat coming in a 2-1 loss to Fortuna Dusseldorf. Despite the low-scoring friendlies, Ipswich’s attacking output has been outstanding, with 222 goals since McKenna’s appointment in December 2021—only Manchester City have scored more in England’s top four divisions during that time.

However, memories of their last Premier League meetings with Liverpool from the 2001/02 season linger, as the Tractor Boys conceded 11 goals across the two fixtures, including a heavy 6-0 defeat at Portman Road.

Team News

Ipswich Town’s medical team is currently working to bring several key players back to full fitness, including Harry Clarke (Achilles), George Hirst (knee), Nathan Broadhead (thigh), and Janoi Donacien (adductor). Cameron Humphreys is also a major doubt due to an unspecified issue.

Over the summer, Ipswich have bolstered their squad with nine new signings on permanent deals, and several of them could make their debut in the season opener. Notable arrivals include goalkeeper Arijanet Muric, striker Liam Delap, defender Jacob Greaves, and winger Omari Hutchinson, formerly of Arsenal and Chelsea.

In addition, Ipswich are reportedly close to securing a loan deal for Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips, but until that move materializes, the midfield is likely to be anchored by the reliable pairing of Massimo Luongo and captain Sam Morsy.

Liverpool

Liverpool begin their Premier League season under the guidance of new manager Arne Slot, while Jurgen Klopp, who confirmed his departure seven months ago, can enjoy the match as a fan. Klopp’s final season in charge ended with an EFL Cup victory, though a title challenge eluded the Reds.

Slot, who is said to have turned down the Tottenham Hotspur job in 2023, now faces the challenge of restoring Liverpool to Champions League football, and his tenure started promisingly during pre-season. After an unexpected loss to Preston North End, Liverpool bounced back with four consecutive wins against strong opposition including Real Betis, Arsenal, Manchester United, and Sevilla. However, they ended with a goalless draw against Las Palmas at an empty Anfield.

While Slot has left his mark on the team, Liverpool fans are still waiting for the first new signing of the summer, with the club focused on securing contract extensions for captain Virgil van Dijk, vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold, as well as Mohamed Salah, the third-choice captain.

Team News

Liverpool’s preparations for their Premier League opener appear mostly smooth, with just one notable absence as teenage midfielder Bobby Clark nears a move to Red Bull Salzburg in a £10m deal. Otherwise, Slot will have the luxury of a full squad for his first competitive match in charge.

Andy Robertson, back from a Euro 2024 injury, played 60 minutes in the pre-season draw against Las Palmas and should be ready to start at left-back. Key players Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold are expected to be in the lineup, even amid ongoing contract discussions.

However, there are rumblings about Slot’s reservations regarding Ibrahima Konate. The French defender featured in the Las Palmas friendly, but young Jarell Quansah was preferred in the more high-profile Sevilla clash. This may signal a potential shift in Slot’s defensive preferences going forward.

Conclusion

Though their respective goals for May 2025 may differ greatly, both sides will be keen to make a strong start to the season. However, the quality of the Liverpool squad, likely coupled with every player’s motivation to prove himself to the new coach, should be too much for Ipswich to handle on Saturday.

Verdict: Total away goals over 2.5

Best odds: 1/1

Bookmaker: BetUS