Ipswich Town vs Liverpool: Reds Seek First Premier League Win at Portman Road

Portman Road plays host to Friday night football as Ipswich Town take on Liverpool in Matchweek 3 of the 2026/27 Premier League season. Both sides enter the clash eager to climb the early table following mixed results across the opening fortnight.

Form and League Standings

Ipswich Town currently sit 12th in the standings with three points from their opening two league fixtures. Gary O'Neil's side kicked off their Premier League campaign with a 2-1 home victory over Sunderland before suffering a heavy 5-2 defeat against Manchester United at Old Trafford. Between those league outings, the Tractor Boys earned a 3-1 win over Leicester City in the EFL Cup.

Liverpool occupy 13th spot with two points, having started the season under new manager Andoni Iraola with back-to-back 2-2 draws against Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest. While the Reds have shown attacking fluency, defensive stability remains a priority as they look to end an eight-match run in the Premier League without a clean sheet dating back to last season.

Team News and Squad Availability

For the hosts, Gary O'Neil faces fitness concerns around striker Emersonn, who jarred his knee during the trip to Old Trafford. Midfielders Azor Matusiwa (muscle) and Jack Taylor (knee) are sidelined alongside winger Jaden Philogene-Bidace (ankle). In midfield, Marcelino Nunez and Sasa Lukic are set to partner up, with Julio Enciso operating in the advanced playmaker role behind the attack.

Liverpool's selection options are similarly affected by injuries. Striker Hugo Ekitike remains out following an Achilles rupture, while defenders Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni continue long-term rehabilitation. Joe Gomez is also unavailable with a muscular issue, and Federico Chiesa remains a doubt with a back problem. Iraola is set to field a front line led by Alexander Isak, supported by Cody Gakpo, Florian Wirtz, and Victor Munoz.

Head-to-Head Record

Liverpool hold the historical advantage in this fixture. The Merseysiders defeated Ipswich twice in the Premier League during the 2024/25 campaign, earning a 2-0 win at Portman Road in August 2024 before securing a 4-1 victory at Anfield in January 2025.

Match Outlook and Predictions

With ten total goals scored across Ipswich's first two league matches, energetic attacking action is anticipated at Portman Road. While Ipswich will rely on home support to unsettle the visitors, Liverpool's superior fire power led by Isak and Wirtz makes the Reds favorites to secure their first three points of the Premier League season.