Liverpool go to Ipswich Town on Friday night
By Karl Matchett
Much has been made of the Reds’ transfer window, with a massive outlay on Bradley Barcola not being matched by investment in a couple of clear problem areas from the past 12 months or so.
Gaping holes and a problem position
Driving buses through the centre of Liverpool’s midfield has been a fun and relaxing pastime for many a Premier League opponent of late, as Iraola is finding out, as Arne Slot failed to halt, as even Jürgen Klopp experienced too. Chopping and changing personnel will remain the approach for now, and seeing who sticks to the task of noticing when their double pivot partner has made a run forward – ideally then not doing the same.
But it’s at right-back where most fans remain concerned, with an underperforming Jeremie Frimpong being targeted by rivals and the presumed captain-in-waiting Dominik Szoboszlai already pressed into action there just two matches into the season. Unless either the diminutive Dutchman improves or an alternative out-of-position option presents itself within the squad, Jérémy Jacquet will quickly find himself overburdened with work on a regular basis, just as his predecessor did as the Reds’ right-sided centre-half.
Not mission critical but opportunity arises
For Ipswich, it would be easy to dismiss facing Liverpool as the type of match which won’t determine their fate come the end of the season, and perhaps that’s even true. But it doesn’t mean the fixture is a write-off and Gary O’Neil will want to put on a show against a former employer, where he was Academy coach before joining Bournemouth.
A heavy defeat to Manchester United will have been instructional as to the vagaries of Premier League football as much as the demands of consistency and quality, and the aforementioned areas to target against the former champions can quite feasibly leave the Suffolk side believing a point is there for the taking – at least.
Recent form
A win and a defeat for the newly promoted hosts is a reasonable start, but they’ll know building home form is key even if they now face the Reds and then Arsenal (in the EFL Cup) in quick succession. Liverpool have drawn both matches so far, requiring four comeback goals already to at least remain unbeaten.
Team news
New signings Florentino Luis and Emersonn are doubts for the hosts, so a decision is needed at No. 9 at least – Zian Flemming could debut. For Liverpool, Barcola may have to wait on the bench, while both Joe Gomez and Fede Chiesa remain out.
Key player
Florian Wirtz showed more reasons why he could be a driving force for Liverpool this season in his most recent outing, and despite a disallowed goal he fashioned the two they did score. 18 line-breaking passes in two games and covered the most ground last time out too, at 12.1km.
Prediction
Liverpool to continue with some defensive struggles – but their firepower should be telling. Ipswich 1-2 Liverpool.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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