Ipswich vs Liverpool Preview: Reds Must Finally Get Their First Win
Ipswich vs Liverpool – Premier League Preview
Date: Friday, 4th September 2026
Venue: Portman Road
Kick-off: 20:00 GMT
After two games of the new Premier League campaign, Liverpool are still searching for their first victory. Two draws have left Andoni Iraola’s side with two points from their opening fixtures. While there have been encouraging signs in the attacking areas, there is an increasing sense that Liverpool need to turn performances into results.
Friday night provides the perfect opportunity to do exactly that, although Ipswich are unlikely to simply roll over, even if Bradley Barcola makes an appearance from the bench.
Liverpool: Time for Their First Win of the Campaign
Liverpool’s campaign has started with two draws, and although it is far too early to start talking about pressure on Iraola, there is no escaping the fact that three points are becoming important.
The new Liverpool head coach has been tasked with changing the way this team plays. His football is based around intensity, aggression, pressing and attacking quickly, but that transformation was never going to happen overnight. There have been glimpses of the football Iraola wants to implement, but Liverpool need to become more consistent and, crucially, more ruthless.
Alexander Isak will again lead the attack, with Florian Wirtz operating behind him. Víctor Muñoz provides the pace and directness from the left, while Cody Gakpo is expected to start on the right after a transfer saga which came and went earlier in the week.
There is plenty of attacking quality in this side, but the midfield remains an area that needs to develop. Alexis Mac Allister and Trey Nyoni will have an important job in controlling the game and protecting the defence, as I believe the time has come to start the natural defensive midfielder.
At the back, Virgil van Dijk will lead the side once again, with Jérémy Jacquet alongside him. Milos Kerkez continues at left-back, while the predicted selection sees Dominik Szoboszlai operating from right-back.
Liverpool should have enough quality to win this game, but they cannot afford another performance where promising attacking football is undermined by defensive uncertainty.
Ipswich: Dangerous Opponents With Nothing to Fear
Ipswich will see this very differently.
They have nothing to lose against Liverpool and everything to gain, particularly with the game being played under the lights at Portman Road. The home crowd will expect their team to compete aggressively, and Liverpool can expect a physical and energetic challenge from the opening whistle.
This is exactly the type of fixture where complacency could prove costly.
Ipswich will likely look to frustrate Liverpool, make the game uncomfortable and exploit any gaps left by Liverpool’s attacking full-backs. Iraola’s philosophy demands aggression and numbers going forward, but that can leave space behind the ball if the press is beaten.
Liverpool therefore need to show greater control. They cannot simply rely on their attacking talent to rescue them if the game becomes chaotic.
The expectation should still be for Liverpool to dominate possession and create the better chances. Isak’s movement, Wirtz’s creativity and the pace of Muñoz could cause Ipswich considerable problems, particularly if Liverpool move the ball quickly and attack the spaces behind the home defence.
But this is a game Liverpool need to win rather than simply play well in.
Predicted Liverpool XI (4-2-3-1)
GK – Alisson Becker
RB – Dominik Szoboszlai
CB – Jérémy Jacquet
CB – Virgil van Dijk (c)
LB – Milos Kerkez
CM – Alexis Mac Allister
CM – Trey Nyoni
AM – Florian Wirtz
RW – Cody Gakpo
LW – Víctor Muñoz
CF – Alexander Isak
Final Word
This feels like the night Liverpool finally get their campaign up and running.
Two draws from two games is not a crisis, but it is certainly not the start Iraola would have wanted. Liverpool need to start turning their attacking potential into victories, and Portman Road provides a difficult but winnable challenge.
Ipswich will make it competitive, but Liverpool simply have too much quality across the pitch.
The key will be discipline. If Liverpool can control the midfield, press effectively and avoid giving Ipswich cheap opportunities in transition, they should have enough to take all three points.
It may not be straightforward, and I expect Ipswich to score, but Liverpool should eventually have the quality to edge this one.
Steven Smith’s Score Prediction:
Ipswich 1 – 2 Liverpool
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