Still waiting for their first Premier League win of the 2026/27 season, Liverpool will travel to Portman Road on Friday evening to face newly-promoted Ipswich Town.
The Reds have taken two points from as many games, but both required late rescue acts: a 99th-minute penalty against Newcastle United at St James’ Park and an 82nd-minute leveller in the 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest at home. Andoni Iraola’s side will be looking for a win this week to kickstart their campaign.
Standing in Liverpool’s way will be Ipswich Town, who were thrashed 5-2 by Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday. Nonetheless, the Tractor Boys will be buoyed by the prospect of playing at home, where they beat Sunderland 2-1 in their season opener.
Liverpool Team News
At the start of the week, Liverpool ended a long-winded transfer saga by announcing the signing of Bradley Barcola in a £123m deal from Paris Saint-Germain. The club also rejected an £80m bid from Manchester City for Cody Gakpo in the closing hours of the transfer window.
As far as the injuries are concerned, Andoni Iraola continues to be without long-term absentees Hugo Ekitike (Achilles), Conor Bradley (knee) and Giovanni Leoni (knee). Joe Gomez is nearing a return from muscle injury, and Federico Chiesa is not expected to be too far behind the defender.
Predicted Liverpool lineup vs Ipswich Town (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
Alisson Becker has conceded four goals in the opening two games. The Brazilian glovesman will be keen to shut the shop as quickly as possible at Portman Road, hoping to keep his first clean sheet of the season.
Defence
Liverpool are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation once again. Despite four goals conceded in two games, the back four is unlikely to see any changes. This means Virgil van Dijk will lead the side again and partner Jeremy Jacquet in central defence in the Liverpool lineup.
Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez have to be on their toes as they will be tested by Ipswich Town’s wide players. The Liverpool full-backs must show defensive resilience as well as attacking intent when required.
Midfield
Up ahead in midfield, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai are likely to line up in the double pivot on Friday, shielding the fragile backline. Mac Allister will be tasked with sitting deep and controlling play, with Szoboszlai making his penetrative box-to-box runs.
Florian Wirtz should occupy the No.10 role again in the Liverpool lineup. The German international provided an assist against Nottingham Forest and must be raring to make a mark at Portman Road.
Ryan Gravenberch could be used off the bench.
Attack
Summer signing Victor Munoz has been Liverpool’s difference-maker, producing the decisive moment in both games. The Spaniard scored a brilliant goal in the 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest, and his overall impact should likely see him being rewarded with another start in the Liverpool lineup.
Gakpo has been the Reds’ best player across the opening two games, bagging a goal and an assist already. He assisted Alexander Isak’s goal last weekend and deserves to keep his place on the left flank.
Leading the attack will be Isak, who opened his tally for the season with a simple tap-in against Nottingham Forest.
Meanwhile, latest recruit Bradley Barcola could make his Liverpool debut on Friday if deemed fit.
Muñoz & Gakpo on the wings: 4-2-3-1 Liverpool predicted lineup vs Ipswich Town 1
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