Liverpool Seeks First Win Under Iraola

Liverpool is set to face Ipswich Town on Friday, with manager Andoni Iraola desperately seeking his first competitive victory. The team has drawn their last two fixtures, both finishing 2-2, highlighting ongoing defensive vulnerabilities and a lack of depth in key areas. Significant summer spending, including $166 million on Bradley Barcola, has not yet resolved these issues.

Ipswich, despite a recent 5-2 defeat to Manchester United, has also invested heavily, spending $285 million to strengthen their squad. They will look to exploit Liverpool's defensive frailties, particularly through counter-attacks, similar to strategies employed by Newcastle and Nottingham Forest. However, Liverpool's superior roster depth and strong offensive output, evidenced by their 4.7 expected goals (xG), are anticipated to be decisive.

Liverpool's attacking firepower is expected to overcome Ipswich, who have conceded a league-worst 5.4 xG. The head-to-head record favors Liverpool, having won both encounters in the 2024-25 season and not losing away to Ipswich since 1986. The predicted score is Ipswich 1-2 Liverpool.