Ipswich vs Liverpool Predictions

• Ipswich had the best home record in the Championship last season
• Liverpool dropped points in 11 of their 19 away games in the Premier League last term
• Both teams scored in 26 of Liverpool’s 38 league matches last season
• No Liverpool player bettered Mo Salah’s return of 18 league goals in 2023-24

Slot’s Reds could take time to get going

Ipswich begin their first Premier League campaign since the 2001-02 season with a baptism of fire as they welcome Liverpool to Portman Road.

Kieran McKenna masterminded an unlikely promotion push in the Championship last season as the Tractor Boys finished second and the head coach reportedly snubbed interest from Chelsea and Manchester United to stay put in Suffolk.

The next big challenge is steering Ipswich to safety in their first season back in the big time and they have been given a testing start with their home tie against Liverpool followed by a visit to Premier League champions Manchester City.

But there is every chance Ipswich could get something against the Reds on Saturday with the visitors under new management.

Jurgen Klopp called time on his Liverpool tenure last term and Arne Slot, formerly of Feyenoord, has replaced him.

And while his appointment makes more sense than it may seem, the Dutchman could take time to implement his methods.

With no players signed this summer following the collapse of Martin Zubimendi’s transfer from Real Sociedad, it is a case of evolution rather than revolution for Slot at Liverpool.

The introduction of so many youngsters last season means there is a good base on which the Reds can build another title-challenging side.

But in the near future, they very much look like a side in transition and they could therefore be vulnerable.

Ipswich can make most of big occasion

Portman Road will be rocking come Saturday as Ipswich make their Premier League return and that could have an impact on the result.

No Championship club collected more points at home last season than Ipswich (54), who lost just one of their 23 matches at their East Anglian home.

And while pre-season friendly results should always be taken with a pinch of salt, wins over Hoffenheim and Nice already in August suggest Ipswich are ready to go.

They too have been quiet in the transfer window and are relying on the same core of players who gained them promotion, having made their loan deal for Omari Hutchinson permanent.

But that is not a bad thing and at the prices, Ipswich are worth backing to avoid defeat.

Salah could be on target in opener

As for a correct score bet, a draw is more likely than a home win and 1-1 could be the way to play it.

Both teams scored in 26 of Liverpool’s 38 league games last term and that could be the case again.

As for an anytime goalscorer pick, Mo Salah stands out.

Last season was not the most prolific for the Egyptian but he still bagged 18 league goals and should be well-rested and raring to go.