The Reds face a promoted Ipswich side riding an 18-game home unbeaten streak, adding pressure to secure an elusive victory.
Liverpool is currently searching for their first Premier League win of the season as they travel to Portman Road to face newly promoted Ipswich Town. Under new manager Andoni Iraola, the Reds have registered draws against Newcastle and Nottingham Forest, creating early pressure to secure three points.
Adding intrigue to the match, new signing Bradley Barcola, a winger from Paris Saint-Germain, is available to make his debut. However, with no pre-season minutes under his belt, the talented Frenchman is expected to start the game on the bench.
This encounter promises to be a challenging test for Liverpool, as Ipswich has proven to be a formidable opponent at home. The Tractor Boys made a winning return to the top flight by defeating Sunderland and aim to continue their strong run, according to reporting by The Independent - Sport.
Liverpool's Rocky Start and New Faces Impact
Liverpool enters the match winless in their last six Premier League games, a run consisting of four draws and two defeats. This marks a concerning trend, as they have only once before gone seven or more matches without a league victory, a streak of 11 games between November 2002 and January 2003 under Gérard Houllier.
Manager Andoni Iraola has acknowledged the frustration but expressed newfound comfort now that the transfer market has closed. “Yes, definitely. When you don’t win you are frustrated,” Iraola stated. “That is part of the job. I think it’s still two games, but I want to win. I need to win and we will go with this aim. Now, honestly, I’m much more comfortable. Once the market is closed, we know who we are. I think we have a lot of talent in this group of players and now we have to perform.”
Beyond Barcola, Liverpool has also confirmed the signing of 18-year-old French winger Djylian N’Guessan from St Etienne for €5 million. N’Guessan, who boasts 11 goals in 11 appearances for France’s Under-17 side, will officially join the club in January.
Portman Road Proving a Fortress for Ipswich
Ipswich Town enters the match with an impressive home record, having gone unbeaten in their last 18 home league games. This streak includes 17 matches in the Championship last season and their 2-1 victory over Sunderland this term. Despite a 5-2 defeat to Manchester United last weekend, players like Julio Enciso and Abdul Fatawu have shown glimpses of attacking promise, making Ipswich a team to watch.
However, Ipswich faces a historical hurdle against Liverpool. They have lost their last four Premier League games against the Reds across the 2001-02 and 2024-25 seasons, conceding 17 goals and scoring just once. Breaking this pattern will be a key objective for Gary O'Neil's side.
Iraola Backs Cody Gakpo Amidst Transfer Buzz
Forward Cody Gakpo was a subject of transfer speculation as the window neared its close, with rumors linking him to Manchester City. Despite the buzz, Gakpo remains with Liverpool, and Iraola has publicly backed the player to be a key figure for the club this year.
“Cody’s a very smart player. I think also my relationship with him has been very honest since the beginning,” Iraola said. “He has performed with us, I would say, very well in all the pre-season games, in all of the games. He scored the first day, assisted the next one. He’s trained very well and I hope we keep him in the same level. I’m sure it’s going to be like this. I think he’s now in a good place physically, mentally, and I’m very happy to keep Cody because for me he’s a very valuable player.”
Historical Edge for Liverpool on the Road
Liverpool boasts a strong record against newly promoted teams in the Premier League, remaining unbeaten in their last 20 such matches, securing 15 wins and five draws. The last newly promoted side to defeat them was a Bournemouth team, managed by current Ipswich boss Gary O’Neil, back in March 2023.
The Reds also hold a dominant away record at Portman Road, being unbeaten in all six of their Premier League matches against Ipswich Town, with four wins and two draws. This is the most games they have played at one stadium without experiencing a loss in the competition, a testament to their historical strength at this venue.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Liverpool's current Premier League form?
Liverpool is currently winless in their last six Premier League games, with four draws and two defeats. They are seeking their first victory of the season under new manager Andoni Iraola.
Who is Bradley Barcola and will he play against Ipswich?
Bradley Barcola is a new winger signed by Liverpool from Paris Saint-Germain. He is available to make his debut against Ipswich but is expected to start from the bench due to his lack of pre-season match fitness.
What is Ipswich Town's home record like this season?
Ipswich Town has an impressive home record, being unbeaten in their last 18 home league games, which includes a 2-1 victory over Sunderland this Premier League season.
What did Andoni Iraola say about Cody Gakpo's future?
Andoni Iraola expressed strong support for Cody Gakpo, calling him a “very smart player” and a “very valuable player.” Iraola highlighted Gakpo’s strong pre-season performance and positive mental state, affirming his importance to the team despite recent transfer speculation.