Image Source: The Guardian
Ipswich Town vs Liverpool is shaping up as one of the most intriguing Premier League fixtures of the weekend, with both teams looking to build momentum at Portman Road. The match is scheduled for 8pm BST on Friday, September 4, 2026.
Ipswich Town have made Portman Road a difficult venue for visiting sides. The newly promoted club are unbeaten in their last 18 league matches at home, although 17 of those games came in the Championship. Their early-season confidence has been strengthened by an opening-day victory over Sunderland.
Liverpool, meanwhile, arrive searching for a response after a difficult run. Andoni Iraola’s team have failed to win their last six Premier League fixtures, a sequence stretching back to April. Consecutive 2-2 draws against Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest have added pressure to an already demanding start for the new manager.
Key team news before Ipswich Town vs Liverpool
Gary O’Neil has made one change to the Ipswich side that started the 5-2 defeat at Manchester United last weekend. Exequiel Palacios comes into midfield for Marcelino Núñez and makes his full debut for the club.
Zian Flemming, who recently arrived from Burnley, is among the substitutes. Ipswich will hope the home crowd can help them reproduce the energy they showed during the first half at Old Trafford, when they competed strongly before the match moved away from them.
Liverpool have also made one alteration from their previous fixture, a 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest at Anfield. Ronald Araújo replaces Jeremie Frimpong at right-back.
The headline news on the Liverpool bench is the inclusion of Bradley Barcola. The £106m signing has impressed in training but did not play during pre-season. Iraola said he had been tempted to start the forward, although the club is taking care not to overuse him immediately.
Explosive attacking options on both benches
Barcola could make his Liverpool debut during the second half. Iraola described him as a smart player who understands the game and said the newcomer had settled well during his first week with the squad. Barcola has also been helped by fellow new arrivals Jeremy Jacquet and Hugo Ekitike.
Liverpool’s starting lineup includes Alisson, Araújo, Virgil van Dijk, Jacquet, Milos Kerkez, Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Florian Wirtz, Oscar Mingueza, Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo.
Ipswich’s starting XI features goalkeeper Kjell Peersman, Dara O’Shea, Axel Tuanzebe, Jacob Greaves, Leif Davis, Sasa Lukic, Palacios, Fatawu Issahaku, Julio Enciso, Kaoru Mitoma and Emersonn.
Form guide creates a fascinating Premier League battle
Ipswich’s 5-2 loss at Manchester United was emphatic on paper, but O’Neil’s side competed well for long periods. The manager said the performance had given his team belief that they can compete at Premier League level. He also stressed the importance of choosing the right moments rather than attempting to go toe to toe for the entire match.
O’Neil acknowledged that Ipswich would be tested and expected something to go against his side during the evening. He called on the team to remain composed in possession and to keep showing the commitment that helped them defeat Sunderland at home.
Liverpool’s recent performances have been inconsistent. Their display against Newcastle was described as poor, while the first half against Nottingham Forest again exposed weaknesses. However, a stronger second-half showing at Anfield, along with improved contributions from Gakpo and Wirtz, offers Iraola reasons for optimism.
Alexander Isak may also provide a major attacking threat. The striker has scored four goals in two matches against Ipswich, all while playing for Newcastle United. Liverpool will hope that record continues to influence the contest, particularly if the visitors can create space around the Ipswich defence.
Historic record gives Liverpool confidence
Liverpool have won their last four Premier League meetings with Ipswich by an aggregate score of 17-1. That record stretches back to an earlier era of English football, so its relevance to Friday’s contest is debatable, but it remains a psychological advantage for the visitors.
Ipswich will counter that history with their current home form and the energy of a club enjoying its return to the top flight. The Tractor Boys have already earned one home victory this season and will view another strong performance against Liverpool as evidence that they belong at this level.
- Ipswich are unbeaten in 18 league matches at home.
- Liverpool are without a win in their last six Premier League fixtures.
- Exequiel Palacios makes his full Ipswich debut.
- Bradley Barcola is available from the Liverpool bench.
- Liverpool have won the last four league meetings between the clubs.
What to expect at Portman Road
The match is likely to hinge on Liverpool’s ability to start quickly and Ipswich’s discipline without the ball. Iraola has warned that his team must avoid conceding from set-piece situations and improve their opening phases, while O’Neil expects his players to be selective when pressing and attacking.
With Ipswich confident at home and Liverpool desperate to end their winless run, the fixture carries significant early-season importance. A victory for the hosts would strengthen their belief in survival, while three points for Liverpool could calm concerns surrounding Iraola’s start.
Frequently asked questions
When is Ipswich Town vs Liverpool?
The Premier League match is scheduled for 8pm BST on Friday, September 4, 2026, at Portman Road.
Who is starting for Ipswich Town?
Exequiel Palacios starts in midfield for Ipswich, replacing Marcelino Núñez. Zian Flemming is among the substitutes.
Is Bradley Barcola playing for Liverpool?
Barcola is named on Liverpool’s bench. Andoni Iraola indicated that the £106m signing could feature during the second half.
How has Liverpool performed recently?
Liverpool have drawn their last two matches and are winless in six Premier League fixtures. They are seeking a vital victory at Portman Road.
