Liverpool Face Ipswich Check as Reds Chase First League Win

September 3, 2026
11:52 am

Liverpool will likely be seeking to kick-start their 2026-27 Premier League marketing campaign after they journey to Portman Street to face newly promoted Ipswich City on Friday.

The Reds have endured a irritating opening to the season beneath Andoni Iraola, drawing their first two league matches towards Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest. A late equaliser from Victor Munoz rescued a 2-2 draw towards Forest final weekend, however Liverpool stay with no league victory.

The arrival of Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain for a reported £123m has supplied a significant enhance, though the winger is anticipated to start Friday’s contest on the bench. Liverpool will hope summer season signing Alexander Isak can lead the assault and supply the innovative they’ve lacked.

Ipswich, in the meantime, suffered a heavy 5-2 defeat to Manchester United final weekend after initially taking the lead by Leif Davis. Nevertheless, Gary O’Neil’s facet have been spectacular at Portman Street, beating Sunderland 2-1 of their opener earlier than defeating Leicester Metropolis 3-1 within the EFL Cup.

Manchester United 5-2- Photo credit: X media — Manchester United 5-2- Photograph credit score: X media

The Tractor Boys have gained six of their final seven matches and can consider they’ll bother one other Premier League heavyweight.

Crew Information

Ipswich City head into the conflict with a number of gamers going through health considerations, though supervisor Gary O’Neil nonetheless has a aggressive squad accessible for the go to of Liverpool. Jaden Philogene-Bidace stays sidelined with an ankle downside, whereas Azor Matusiwa can also be unavailable after struggling a muscle damage. Jack Taylor continues to get better from a knee concern and isn’t anticipated to function.

Emersonn is one other doubt after selecting up a knee downside, whereas Florentino Luis would require a late health evaluation earlier than a choice is made on his involvement. Regardless of these absences, Ipswich can nonetheless name upon the core of the facet that has made an encouraging begin to the marketing campaign, with their latest outcomes offering loads of confidence.

Liverpool, in the meantime, have a extra vital damage checklist. Hugo Ekitike is anticipated to stay out for an prolonged interval after struggling a ruptured Achilles, whereas new signing Giovanni Leoni is unavailable with a knee damage. Conor Bradley can also be recovering from a critical knee downside and won’t be concerned at Portman Street.

Joe Gomez is working his approach again from a muscle damage and stays a doubt, whereas Federico Chiesa can also be carrying a minor again downside. The Reds will subsequently need to handle their defensive choices rigorously.

There’s, nonetheless, constructive information in assault following the arrival of Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain. The £106m-rated winger may make his Liverpool debut, though he’s extra more likely to start the match on the bench as he settles into Iraola’s system.

With Ekitike unavailable, Liverpool are anticipated to rely closely on Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo for attacking output, whereas Victor Munoz and Florian Wirtz may present extra creativity.