Ipswich Town play host to Liverpool FC to usher in their first Premier League encounter for 22 years, with the Reds ironically playing them in their final topflight appearance in 2002 before being relegated that season.
Ipswich Town return to the Premier League after back-to-back promotions, and they kick off their 2024/25 campaign with what is no doubt daunting clash against Liverpool at Portman Road.
This fixture is set to be one of the weekend’s highlights, with a newly promoted team going up against an Arne Slot overseeing his first competitive Liverpool game, adding extra intrigue to this contest.
Ipswich Town’s resurgence under manager Kieran McKenna has been nothing short of remarkable.
McKenna, who guided the club from League One to the Premier League in just two seasons, remains at the helm despite interest from Chelsea and Manchester United over the summer.
The Tractor Boys were an exciting attacking side in the Championship, scoring 92 goals in 46 games last season.
However, they also conceded 57, highlighting a need for defensive improvements as they step up to the more competitive Premier League.
Liverpool will kick off their Premier League campaign against a promoted team for the fifth time in the last six seasons (three victories, one tie).
Since suffering a 3-0 loss to West Bromwich Albion in the 2012–13 season, the Reds have gone 11 seasons without a loss on the opening matchday (winning eight, drawing three).
While Liverpool have been quiet on the transfer front, Kieran McKenna’s side have not been, and the Suffolk side are now racing to finalize two deals before Saturday afternoon.
Ipswich Town want to finalize two signings before hosting Liverpool
We have already reported that Manchester City man Kalvin Phillips has joined the club on a season-long loan.
The England international has had a difficult few seasons since completing his 2022 transfer to Manchester City, and will hope a stint at Portman Road will reignite his career.
Now Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth have reported that striker Sammie Szmodics has completed his medical ahead of his imminent move.
The Sky journalist wrote on X:
“Sammie Szmodics has completed his Ipswich Town medical. Ipswich working to ensure both he & Kalvin Phillips are registered by midday to be available for tomorrow’s game against Liverpool FC.”
So, it seems that Ipswich will have signings to boost their squad while Liverpool will be arriving with no new faces.
Phillips could be a significant coup if he manages to recapture some of the form he showed at Leeds United.
But for Liverpool, the buzz around the stadium with new signings as well as the opening day of Premier League action for a promoted team could create a difficult atmosphere for an away side.
Sammie Szmodics has completed his Ipswich Town medical. Ipswich working to ensure both he & Kalvin Phillips are registered by midday to be available for tomorrows’s game against #LFC. #ITFC #Rovers #MCFC https://t.co/kqzX4FpHjM
— Dharmesh Sheth (@skysports_sheth) August 16, 2024
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