Liverpool is set to face Ipswich Town at Portman Road, looking to break a winless streak that dates back to April. The team has managed to secure only two points from their first two matches of the current season, drawing 2-2 against both Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest. With the Reds currently positioned 13th in the Premier League, manager Andoni Iraola is eager to secure his first victory in charge.
As Liverpool prepares for this crucial match, Iraola faces a challenging selection dilemma due to defensive issues that have plagued the team thus far. The squad has yet to keep a clean sheet in their opening fixtures, indicating that defensive solidity is a primary concern. Adding to the complexity is a mixed injury list that leaves the coach with limited options at the back.
In terms of team news, five first-team players will be absent for the match. Joe Gomez is sidelined with a muscle injury, while Conor Bradley, Federico Chiesa, Hugo Ekitike, and Giovanni Leoni are also out. Gomez is reportedly the closest to returning, with a potential return to training next week. Fortunately for Iraola, there are no new fitness concerns beyond this list as they head into the match on Friday.
One of the highlights for Liverpool fans is the potential debut of Bradley Barcola, who joined the club from Paris Saint-Germain on deadline day. Although he has trained with his new teammates for the first time this week, Iraola hinted that Barcola might start on the bench due to his lack of pre-season minutes.
Cody Gakpo, who saw a move to Manchester City fall through before the transfer window closed, is expected to retain his position on the left side of Liverpool's attacking trio. Dominik Szoboszlai's adaptability has been beneficial for the team; he filled in at right-back during the latter stages of the previous match against Nottingham Forest, providing Iraola with additional options as he navigates through his defensive absentees.
The predicted lineup for Liverpool is anticipated to follow a 4-2-3-1 formation, featuring Alisson in goal, with Frimpong, Jacquet, Van Dijk, and Kerkez forming the backline. The midfield duo is likely to consist of Mac Allister and Szoboszlai, while Gakpo, Wirtz, and Munoz will support striker Alexander Isak in the attacking setup.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 20:00 BST on Friday, September 4, 2026, and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event, with coverage beginning at 7 PM BST. As Liverpool aims to secure their first win of the season, fans will be eager to see how the team adapts to the challenges posed by Ipswich Town.
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