Season opener for Liverpool: Arne Slot’s boys against newly-promoted Ipswich Town

Liverpool fans are bracing for a strange and unfamiliar sight as the 2024/25 Premier League season kicks off. For the first time in years, they’ll be watching their beloved Reds take to the pitch without Jurgen Klopp’s charismatic presence on the touchline. Klopp, with his baseball cap and passionate gestures, became synonymous with Liverpool’s resurgence, leading the club to numerous triumphs. His departure has left a void, and as Liverpool prepares to face Ipswich Town in their season opener, all eyes will be on Arne Slot, Klopp’s successor, as he takes charge of his first competitive game as Reds manager.

The fixture itself is a historic one. Ipswich Town, under the stewardship of Kieran McKenna, have made a remarkable return to the Premier League after more than two decades in the wilderness. Their reward for this rapid rise? A baptism of fire against Liverpool, one of the Premier League’s most decorated clubs, at a packed Portman Road.

The last game between the sides at the venue ended with Liverpool scoring six goals to secure three points. Michael Owen and Emile Heskey scored braces. Xavier and Sami Hyppia scored a goal each as well. Incidentally, that is our biggest win against The Tractor Boys. That was way back in February of 2002. The last fixture between the sides was in a League Cup encounter at Anfield with the home side going through to the next round on penalties after a 1-1 scoreline.

New Beginnings

Ipswich have only managed to score more than two goals against Liverpool on one occasion and that was in 1957 and that 3-1 result is our worst against the Suffolk side. Klopp was born 10 years AFTER that, so it has been quite a while since we’ve lost badly against this lot.

Among them, the permanent signing of Omari Hutchinson from Chelsea stands out as a statement of intent. Hutchinson, who impressed during his loan spell, will be expected to play a key role in Ipswich’s quest for survival. The arrivals of Liam Delap, Conor Townsend, and Jacob Greaves further bolster the squad, but it’s clear that Ipswich, much like Luton Town last season, are counting on the team spirit and cohesion that earned them promotion.

Despite their rise, Ipswich will be fully aware of the challenge that lies ahead. Liverpool, even without Klopp, remain a formidable force in English football. Under new boss Arne Slot, the Reds have opted for an evolution-not-revolution approach. Slot has yet to make any new signings, choosing instead to work with the talent already at his disposal. And what talent it is. With the likes of Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold among others, Liverpool have more than enough firepower and experience to mount a serious title challenge.

What to expect?

Slot’s tactical approach will be under intense scrutiny as fans and pundits alike look to see how the Dutchman’s philosophy translates onto the pitch. Slot has been known for his tactical flexibility, often shifting formations and strategies depending on the opposition. Whether he sticks to Klopp’s preferred 4-3-3 or opts for something different, like a 4-2-3-1, is something only time will tell. Signs have it that the Dutchman will show more versatility in setup compared to his predecessor. However, Slot’s focus will undoubtedly be on maintaining the attacking intensity and defensive solidity that became hallmarks of Klopp’s Liverpool.

On paper, Liverpool should have too much quality for Ipswich. The Reds’ squad depth, combined with their experience at the highest level, makes them strong favourites for the match. But football is rarely that straightforward, especially in the Premier League. Newly promoted sides often carry a momentum that can catch more established teams off guard, particularly in the early stages of the season. Ipswich will be buoyed by the occasion and the atmosphere at Portman Road, and they’ll be determined to give their fans something to cheer about on their return to the big stage.

Kieran McKenna’s preferred 4-2-3-1 system will be an intriguing aspect to watch. McKenna has earned praise for his front-foot approach, encouraging his team to press high and attack with purpose. How this system fares against the elite of the Premier League, starting with Liverpool, will be a key factor in Ipswich’s chances of survival. New signings Delap and goalkeeper Arijanet Muric, who both featured in Ipswich’s final pre-season friendly—a 1-0 win over Nice—are expected to make their competitive debuts.

Likely result?

Touchwood, the Reds have no injury issues to deal with as well. This gives Slot the luxury of selecting his strongest XI as he looks to get off to a winning start. The likes of Salah, Diaz, and Jota will be expected to spearhead the attack, while Van Dijk and Konate anchor the defence. The midfield trio, likely comprising Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, and Endo, will be key in controlling the game and dictating the tempo.

While Ipswich will be full of fight and enthusiasm, the reality is that Liverpool’s quality and experience should shine through. The Reds are Premier League royalty, and despite the changes at the helm, they remain one of the strongest teams in the league. A 3-1 victory for Liverpool seems a likely outcome, with Ipswich perhaps grabbing a consolation goal, an early one at that, in what will be a spirited effort.

As the final whistle blows on August 17th, Liverpool fans may still be adjusting to the sight of Arne Slot in the dugout instead of the ever-animated Jurgen Klopp. But if the Reds can secure a convincing win, it will go a long way in easing any nerves about the post-Klopp era.

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All in all, it promises to be an intriguing curtain-raiser for both clubs, setting the tone for what should be an exciting season. YNWA.