Ipswich Town vs Liverpool Preview: Reds Seek First Win at Portman Road

Liverpool look for their first win of the season when they travel to Portman Road on September 4 to take on Ipswich Town. The Reds are looking for answers on the back line as they have dropped points after a pair of 2-2 draws to open the season. Here are the latest news and notes surrounding the club as they prepare for this important match.

Injury Update

It may be early in the season, but Liverpool have already picked up some pretty significant injuries. Joe Gomez is the closest to a return, which should bolster the backline. He could feature in the lineup as early as next week. Giovanni Leoni, who has been out since last year, is expected to start training soon. No timetable has been given for Hugo Ekitike, Federico Chiesa, or Conor Bradley, who are out with longer-term injuries. Be sure to check out our injury page for the latest updates.

Evaluating Ipswich

Ipswich are a tough side, particularly at home, as they are unbeaten in 17 of 18 games at Portman Road. They are a newly promoted side, having played in the Championship last year, and Liverpool have not lost to new EPL teams in 20 matches, 15 wins and 5 draws. Ipswich is just above Liverpool on the early season table with 3 points, having beaten Sunderland but losing to Manchester United. Four different players have found the back of the net for Ipswich so far this season.

The Barcola Factor 

It remains to be seen how new signing Bradley Barcola will fit in the squad, but Andoni Iraola dropped some hints during his press conference with the media.

“I think he has come also with the right mentality,” Iraola said.  “I've liked from him that he wanted Liverpool a lot. He just wanted to come here, and I think that's a good first sign. Being the player that he is and the things that he has won recently, I think he has come also with the willingness to help us. I'm very happy with him. He trained well with us. If everything goes well [in] today's training also, he will definitely be available for tomorrow, yes."

LFC Globe Verdict

I know it’s still early in the season, but this is a must-win game for the Reds. Liverpool have never drawn three straight games to start a season in the club’s long history. They can’t afford to start now. Even though Ipswich has an outstanding record at home, they do give up a ton of goals in the process. I expect a high-scoring affair. Alexander Isak scored a hat trick the last time he visited Portman Road with Newcastle, so it would not surprise me if he banged in at least one goal in a 3-2 Liverpool win.

Have Your Say

Is this the match that the Reds finally break through and get a win? What impact, if any, will Barcola have? Drop a comment below.

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