Liverpool travel to Portman Road to face Ipswich Town on Friday, September 4, 2026, seeking their first Premier League win of the season. Andoni Iraola’s side arrive after consecutive 2-2 draws, while Gary O’Neil’s hosts look to rebound following a heavy defeat against Manchester United.
Liverpool Search for First Victory Under Andoni Iraola
Liverpool arrive at Portman Road looking to end a winless run stretching back to April, having taken just two points from their opening two matches this season. Andoni Iraola’s side sit 13th in the table after drawing 2-2 with both Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest, making a first win of his managerial tenure an urgent priority. Defensive frailties have defined the opening weeks for the Reds, who remain without a clean sheet in competitive league action. Nottingham Forest created 2.3 worth of expected goals at Anfield last weekend, which is noted as the third-highest total a team has amassed in the last 77 Premier League home games.
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The club moved swiftly before the transfer deadline, announcing the signing of winger Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain. While the 24-year-old is available to make his debut against Ipswich, Iraola indicated that a place among the substitutes is more probable than a starting berth given his lack of pre-season minutes. Meanwhile, Cody Gakpo is set to retain his role on the left of the front three after a proposed move to Manchester City fell through before the deadline. Dominik Szoboszlai showed his versatility by filling in at right-back during the closing stages against Nottingham Forest, giving Iraola a further option as he manages his defensive absentees. Summer signing Victor Munoz lashed home a late equaliser on his first competitive start last Saturday.
Ipswich Town Seeks Rebound After Old Trafford Setback
Gary O’Neil’s Ipswich Town side enter the fixture sitting 12th in the standings following an encouraging start to life in the top flight, despite crashing back down to earth with a 5-2 defeat at Manchester United last weekend, in a game that saw Bruno Fernandes hit a hat-trick and Jacob Greaves score an own goal. Leif Davis opened the scoring inside the opening half-hour at Old Trafford before the Tractor Boys capitulated, though home form at Portman Road provides reason for cautious optimism. Ipswich opened their home campaign with a 2-1 victory over Sunderland secured by a 90th-minute winner from Jack Clarke, followed by a 3-1 EFL Cup win against Leicester City on August 25. O’Neil has been encouraged by his side’s overall record of six wins from seven games in all competitions.
The hosts have been bolstered by the arrival of Zian Flemming, signed from Burnley for around £20m on transfer deadline day. O’Neil confirmed that forward Emersonn, who was withdrawn at half-time against Manchester United after jarring his knee, has trained fully this week and carries no lingering concerns, with O’Neil stating there are “no concerns” over his recovery. Florentino Luis is also available for selection for the first time this campaign after overcoming a calf issue, giving Ipswich additional depth in central midfield alongside Marcelino Nunez and Sasa Lukic. O’Neil has been weighing up his attacking approach, suggesting Julio Enciso could operate as a false nine against Liverpool’s back two, or that Ipswich could go more direct by pairing Flemming with Emersonn up front.
“to a return during his pre-match press conference. There is better news up front: Emersonn, who was withdrawn at half-time against Manchester United after jarring his knee, has trained fully this week and was confirmed fit by O’Neil, who said there are”
Gary O’Neil, Ipswich Town Head Coach
Squad Absences and Probable Starting Lineups
Both managers contend with significant selection puzzles due to injuries across their squads. Liverpool remain without five first-team players: Joe Gomez (muscle), Conor Bradley, Federico Chiesa, Hugo Ekitike and Giovanni Leoni are all sidelined through injury, with Gomez the closest to a return and expected to resume training next week. There is no fresh fitness concern beyond that list heading into Friday’s game.
Ipswich will again be without Azor Matusiwa, who is continuing his recovery from a muscle injury, while Jack Taylor remains sidelined with a knee problem. Jaden Philogene is also out, though Gary O’Neil described the winger as “close” to a return during his pre-match press conference. Kick-off for the Premier League match is scheduled for 20:00 on Friday, 4 September 2026, with live television coverage provided live on Sky.
