Liverpool vs Ipswich Preview
- Liverpool to win
- Over 1.5 goals for Liverpool
Liverpool will host Ipswich at Anfield in what promises to be a crucial Premier League encounter for both sides.
With contrasting fortunes, Liverpool aim to extend their lead at the summit of the table, while Ipswich are desperate to escape the relegation zone. Here’s a detailed preview of the matchup, including form analysis, key players and potential outcomes.
Liverpool: Rediscovering Momentum
After opening the year with consecutive Premier League draws, Liverpool returned to winning ways in style. A late flurry of goals secured a vital 3-1 victory over Brentford, pushing them six points clear at the top of the table, with a game in hand over their closest rivals.
The win marked Liverpool’s 17th consecutive unbeaten top-flight match (W12, D5), a run that highlights manager Arne Slot’s impressive impact in his debut season.
Slot now boasts the longest unbeaten start to a league campaign by a Liverpool manager since William Edward Barclay in 1893/94, Liverpool’s first-ever season in the Football League.
The Reds also tasted success in Europe with a midweek 2-1 victory against Lille. Notably, they scored the opening goal—a refreshing change after conceding first in their previous three home league games.
As they prepare to face Ipswich, Liverpool will aim to replicate their 2-0 victory on the opening day of the season, which would secure their 11th consecutive home league win against promoted opposition.
Ipswich Town: A Struggle for Survival
The season has been unkind to Ipswich, who sit firmly in the relegation zone alongside fellow promoted sides Leicester and Southampton.
Their recent form paints a grim picture, having suffered consecutive defeats without scoring. A 6-0 thrashing at the hands of Manchester City followed a 2-0 loss to Brighton, leaving Kieran McKenna’s side in desperate need of points.
Despite their struggles, Ipswich have shown glimpses of resilience on the road. Over half of their points this season (9 out of 16) and a majority of their goals (12 out of 20) have come away from home.
However, Anfield is hardly an ideal destination for a revival. Ipswich have historically struggled in Liverpool, with just two wins from 30 league visits (D8, L20). McKenna will need to inspire a monumental performance to secure a positive result.
Key Players to Watch
Liverpool: Cody Gakpo
Cody Gakpo was rested during Liverpool’s midweek European fixture, making him fresh and ready to lead the charge against Ipswich.
The Dutch forward has been in scintillating form at Anfield, netting in each of his last four Premier League home games.
Should he find the net again, Gakpo will join Ruud van Nistelrooy and Robin van Persie as the only Dutchmen to score in five successive home league matches. His clinical finishing and movement will be pivotal as Liverpool look to break down Ipswich’s defence.
Ipswich: Liam Delap
For Ipswich, Liam Delap remains the key to any attacking success. The young forward has developed a reputation for delivering on the road, scoring four of his last five goals away from home.
If Ipswich are to spring a surprise at Anfield, Delap’s ability to capitalise on counter-attacking opportunities will be crucial.
Tactical Insights
Liverpool are expected to dominate possession and apply relentless pressure, particularly in the wide areas. Arne Slot’s high-pressing system has been effective in suffocating opposition midfielders and forcing errors.
With the likes of Mohamed Salah and Luis Díaz providing pace and creativity, Ipswich’s defensive line will face a stern test.
Ipswich, on the other hand, will likely adopt a cautious approach, relying on compact defending and quick transitions. Hutchinson may look to exploit Liverpool’s occasional vulnerability to counter-attacks, particularly if the Reds commit too many players forward.
Historical Context
The last time these two sides met at Anfield in a Premier League game, Liverpool emerged victorious.
The Reds have a dominant home record against promoted teams, with 10 consecutive wins in such fixtures. Ipswich’s dismal record of two wins in 30 visits underlines the enormity of the task ahead.
Predictions and Final Thoughts
Liverpool’s current form and home advantage make them overwhelming favourites to claim all three points. The Reds are riding high on confidence, buoyed by their unbeaten league run and recent European success. Ipswich, meanwhile, face an uphill battle to even secure a draw.
Predicted Scoreline: Liverpool 3-0 Ipswich
While football can be unpredictable, Liverpool’s attacking depth and tactical superiority should see them through comfortably.
For Ipswich, the focus will likely shift to winnable games ahead as they battle to climb out of the relegation zone.
Conclusion
This clash at Anfield pits title-chasing Liverpool against relegation-threatened Ipswich. With contrasting objectives and form, the match is set to offer another chapter in the ever-dramatic Premier League season.
Whether it’s Gakpo continuing his scoring streak or Delap defying the odds, fans can expect plenty of action as the two teams lock horns.
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Liverpool v Ipswich, 2024/25 | Premier League