Liverpool begin their Premier League campaign at newly-promoted Ipswich Town on Saturday lunchtime, in Arne Slot’s first game in charge of the Reds.
The Dutchman has replaced Jurgen Klopp as manager at Anfield and will be aiming to build upon his predecessor’s decorated tenure with the club. Slot, who forged an impressive reputation in the Eredivisie during spells at AZ Alkmaar and Feyenoord, will want to avoid a season-opening banana skin at Portman Road.
Liverpool predicted line up vs Ipswich and team news
Liverpool Team News
Arne Slot is set to have a full squad to call upon for his Premier League opener with Liverpool, with Andy Robertson returning from an injury picked up at Euro 2024 for the behind-closed-doors friendly with Las Palmas.
Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo returned late from international commitments this summer and could have to accept a place among the substitutes, with fellow forwards Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz impressive during the pre-season schedule.
Slot has outlined his desire for Liverpool to have more control than during the Klopp era, urging a more patient approach and comfortability in retaining possession.
Jarell Quansah is expected to start in central defence alongside captain Virgil van Dijk with the academy product having featured prominently during the summer fixtures. The 21-year-old could oust Ibrahima Konate from the first XI this season after impressing with his ease on the ball.
Arne Slot discusses forward options leading into #IPSLIV 💬 pic.twitter.com/bwaxrsh9ON
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 16, 2024
The major decision to be made will be in midfield, where Slot has experimented with several options in a defensive midfield position. Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo and Alexis Mac Allister have all lined up as a number six in pre-season, while 17-year-old Trey Nyoni has caught the eye with his outings for the senior side.
Liverpool are yet to make a signing this summer and were this week turned down by Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimeni, indicating the anchor role is a position that Slot is keen to strengthen.
Perhaps the most pressing issue for the Liverpool board, however, will be agreeing new contracts with the side’s star names. Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold have all entered the final seasons of their contracts at Liverpool and will be free to leave on Bosman deals if extensions are not agreed before the end of the campaign. It is a situation the Reds will not want to drag on as the club look for a smooth transition from the Klopp era to Slot’s reign.
Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs Ipswich
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Quansah, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Salah, Jota, Diaz.
Liverpool vs Ipswich kick-off time and TV channel
Liverpool will take on Ipswich at Portman Road on Saturday 17th August with kick-off scheduled for 12:30pm BST.
UK viewers can watch the fixture on TNT Sports 1 with coverage commencing at 11:00.
