Ipswich plotting revenge against Liverpool after 22-year absence.

2024-09-15

Twenty-two years after their infamous 5-0 defeat that led to relegation, Ipswich Town return to the Premier League for a season opener at Portman Road, seeking redemption against Liverpool.

Ipswich Town

Ipswich Town will face Liverpool in Saturday’s early kick-off, marking their first match of the 2024–25 season. This comes after their return to the Premier League, following a twenty-two-year absence.

The Blues secured 2nd place in the EFL Championship after being promoted from EFL League One. With consecutive promotions, their aim is to secure their place in the Premier League by season's end.

Their summer transfer activity reflects their determination to stay in the topflight, having spent £73 million, ranking 7th in the Premier League for transfer spendings. New signings include Omari Hutchinson from Chelsea for €24 million and Liam Delap from City for €18 million, with Kalvin Phillips anticipated to join on a season-long loan.

Ipswich remains unbeaten in their last 10 opening-day games, with 6 wins and 4 draws. However, their last encounter with Liverpool ended in a 5-0 defeat, a result that contributed to their relegation in May 2002.

Twenty-two years later, Ipswich will have the chance to avenge that loss. Kieran McKenna is expected to deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation, with new signing Delap leading the attack against Liverpool.

Liverpool

The Reds, in a unique position within the Premier League, have not spent any money on transfers yet. Weeks ago, new boss Arne Slot was optimistic about making quality additions, but no notable signings have materialized for Liverpool.

Following Liverpool's 3rd-place finish last season, Slot faces the challenge of maintaining their competitive edge across multiple competitions. "We have to make sure that the style of play stays the same," he remarked, confident in the unwavering support from fans that has spanned a century.

Slot's tenure has begun positively with an unbeaten pre-season, including victories over potential Premier League rivals Arsenal [2-1] and Manchester United [3-0]. On Saturday, he aims to extend Liverpool’s unbeaten record at Portman Road against Ipswich Town [3W, 2D, 0L], deploying a 4—2—3—1 formation with Darwin Núñez leading the attack.

Bobby Clark is Arne Slot's only confirmed absentee for the match.