The first match of the Premier League season brings a clash of styles as newly promoted Ipswich Town welcome Liverpool to Portman Road. The Tractor Boys are back in the top flight for the first time since 2002, while Liverpool will be hoping for a strong start under their new manager, Arne Slot.
The historical context of this fixture is one of dominance for the Reds. Liverpool have never lost a Premier League match at Portman Road against Ipswich, with their last visit resulting in a 6-0 victory in February 2002. However, Ipswich will be buoyed by their unbeaten record in opening league matches over the last decade.
Ipswich manager, Kieran McKenna, faces a daunting task in his first ever Premier League game. He becomes the 16th manager to face Liverpool in their maiden Premier League encounter, with only four predecessors emerging victorious.
Both teams will be looking to their star players to make an immediate impact. Mo Salah, with eight goals in opening day matches, is a prolific scorer on MD1, while Ipswich will be relying on the goalscoring prowess of their players, who have a remarkable record under McKenna.
The Tractor Boys scored more league goals than any other team in England's top four tiers last season, bar Stockport County and Manchester City.
This clash of new beginnings promises to be an intriguing encounter. Will Ipswich hold their own against the might of Liverpool, or will the Reds kick off the season with a resounding victory? The answer will be revealed on the pitch at Portman Road.
