Ipswich Town face Liverpool at Portman Road on Friday night with both sides looking to improve on their early Premier League form. The Tractor Boys sit 12th in the table with three points from two games, while Liverpool's new manager Andoni Iraola is still searching for his first league win.
Andoni Iraola has said Liverpool 'need a win' when they travel to face Ipswich Town on Friday. The manager, speaking in his pre-match press conference, acknowledged his team's frustration after opening the campaign with successive draws against Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest. Iraola stated his sole focus is on securing three points, regardless of the significant summer investment in his squad.
"We need a win, we are frustrated at this part of the job," Iraola said. "I want to win, I need to win." He added that the closure of the transfer market has provided clarity, allowing the team to focus on performance. Liverpool were the highest net spenders in the Premier League over the summer, investing more than £200m, but Iraola insisted price tags are irrelevant to team selection.
Gary O'Neil has a near-full-strength squad to choose from for the Liverpool match. The head coach will again be without midfielder Azor Matusiwa, who is continuing his recovery from a muscle injury. Jack Taylor remains sidelined with a knee problem and winger Jaden Philogene is also out, though O'Neil described him as "close"to a return. There is positive news regarding striker Emersonn, who jarred his knee against Manchester United last weekend."no concerns" over his fitness. Deadline-day signing Zian Flemming, who joined from Burnley for around £20m, is in contention after completing his move. Florentino Luis is also available for the first time this season following a calf issue.
Gary O'Neil is considering his attacking approach for the visit of Liverpool. O'Neil could deploy Julio Enciso as a false nine to disrupt Liverpool's back two, or opt for a more direct pairing of new signing Zian Flemming with Emersonn. Ipswich's promotion-season momentum was checked in a 4-2 defeat at Old Trafford last weekend, but the team has won six of its seven games in all competitions this season.
The predicted lineup is a 4-2-3-1 formation: Kjell Scherpen in goal; a back four of Nathan O'Shea, Issa Diop, Jacob Greaves and Leif Davis; Marcelino Nunez and Sasa Lukic in central midfield; Abdul Fatawu, Julio Enciso and Daizen Maeda supporting lone striker Emersonn. The match kicks off at 20:00 on Friday, 4 September 2026 and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event in the UK.
Zian Flemming's transfer to Ipswich Town could boost his chances of breaking into the Netherlands national team setup. New Dutch coach Xavi, who succeeded Ronald Koeman after the 2026 World Cup, is looking at younger striking options. Memphis Depay's injury issues and Wout Weghorst's age have created an opportunity for the 28-year-old Flemming.
Flemming scored 11 Premier League goals last season but was overlooked by Koeman, who famously replied 'who?' when asked about the striker's omission from the World Cup squad. Ipswich fans will hope the forward can replicate that form at Portman Road to force his way into Xavi's plans. The club's current league standing of 12th, with four goals scored and six conceded, shows there is room for improvement in attack.
Ipswich Town's next fixture after the Liverpool match is an away trip to face Crystal Palace on 12 September. The team will be hoping to have players like Jack Taylor and Jaden Philogene back from injury soon, with current squad availability detailed on our injuries page.
