The Tractor Boys have been thrown in at the deep end after back-to-back promotions under Kieran McKenna delivered them to the promised land quicker than almost anyone could imagine.
Ipswich are largely set to depend upon the squad which carried them to the top flight after only a handful of signings over the summer - certainly fewer than some promoted clubs have opted for in recent years. Omar Hutchinson’s loan being made permanent for £20million is their marquee addition along with deals for Liam Delap, Ben Johnson, Conor Townsend and Jacob Greaves.
Last year’s Championship top scorer Sammie Szmodics also joined from Blackburn on Friday in time for this game, along with Manchester City loanee Kalvin Phillips.
Liverpool, meanwhile, have the little matter of Arne Slot ’s first competitive game as Reds manager to look forward to.
After Jurgen Klopp’s departure from Anfield, new boss Slot has opted for an evolution-not-revolution approach with no new signings made as of yet after they were snubbed by Martin Zubimendi . Although, there is still talent in abundance at his disposal following an impressive pre-season campaign.
Date, kick-off time and venue
Ipswich vs Liverpool is scheduled for a 12.30pm BST kick-off today, Saturday August 17, 2024.
The match will take place at Portman Road in Ipswich.
Ipswich are back in the big time for the first time in 22 years (Getty Images)
Where to watch Ipswich vs Liverpool
TV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on TNT Sports 1, with coverage beginning at 11am.
Live stream: Subscribers can catch the contest live online via the Discovery+ app and website.
Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog.
Ipswich vs Liverpool team news
Ipswich will be without Nathan Broadhead, Harry Clarke and George Hirst due to injuries.
Delap and new goalkeeper Arijanet Muric both started in Town’s final friendly, a 1-0 win over Nice, so can expect to make their competitive debuts on Saturday lunchtime.
Szmodics and Phillips joined in time on Friday to be in contention to play some part this weekend.
How McKenna’s front-foot 4-2-3-1 system fares in the Premier League promises to be an intriguing factor of their stay.
Slot has no injuries to contend with ahead of his Liverpool bow.
Diogo Jota has been deployed as a central striker for much of pre-season but Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo are back after extended summer breaks. Fabio Carvalho has left for Brentford .
Mo Salah is back with a new, improved, haircut (Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Ipswich vs Liverpool prediction
It promises to be a cracker at Portman Road.
Ipswich will have the crowd behind them as they look to make a big splash in the top flight, although they could easily get picked off by an experienced Liverpool team. However, it being Slot’s debut adds a layer of unpredictability to the visitors. They could struggle early on but should get to grips with the occasion eventually.
Liverpool to win, 3-1.
Head to head (h2h) history and results
El Hadji-Diouf netted spot-kicks in both normal time and the penalty shootout as Liverpool knocked Ipswich out of the League Cup in their last meeting, a fourth-round tie which ended 1-1 at Anfield in December 2002.
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