Ipswich vs Liverpool Prediction: Slot can start reign with a win

Saturday’s early Premier League encounter sees Ipswich make their return to the top flight after a 22-year exile, as they play host to Liverpool (12:30, TNT Sports 1).

The clash at Portman Road also sees Arne Slot take charge of his first competitive game as Liverpool manager, having filled the void left by Jurgen Klopp. Read on for my Ipswich vs Liverpool prediction, as well as the latest team news and match odds.

Football Odds

Team News

At least three new permanent signings look set to be handed starts by Kieran McKenna, with Liam Delap, Ben Johnson and Omari Hutchinson expected to start.

The home side will be without Nathan Broadhead, Harry Clarke and George Hirst, with all three sidelined by injury.

Liverpool have been boosted by the news that Andy Robertson should be fit to feature, having returned for an hour in the friendly with Las Palmas last weekend.

Slot has some big decisions to make in attacking areas, but has indicated that Diogo Jota will start in the front three after impressing in pre-season

Ipswich vs Liverpool Odds

The Premier League new-boys are 8/1 to collect a win in their opening game, with Liverpool 1/3 to claim the three points at Portman Road.

The draw is available at 9/2, while both teams to score can be backed at 4/6.

When the two teams last met in this fixture, in February 2002, Liverpool ran out 0-6 winners and over 4.5 goals on Saturday is 9/4.

Liverpool to win and both teams to score @ 7/5

Liverpool’s style under Slot will be different to that of Klopp, but pre-season performances have shown they will still be a big threat going forward.

The Reds racked up nine goals in their summer friendly victories over Arsenal, Manchester United and Sevilla.

The way they finished last season also suggests Liverpool will be amongst the goals, after finding the net eight times in their last four away games.

Ipswich scored more goals than any other team in the Championship last season, with 59 of their 92 strikes coming at Portman Road, and scored in each of their four pre-season friendlies.

Anytime Goalscorer - Diogo Jota @ 21/20

Game time has been an issue for Diogo Jota at both club and international level in recent months, but he could have a big role to play under Liverpool’s new manager.

Having featured less than expected at the Euros, the former Wolves man should be fresh and raring to go for the new campaign.

A stunning goal against Sevilla looks to have persuaded Slot to start him through the middle at Ipswich, with Jota the most natural goalscorer in the Reds camp.

Despite not always being a regular, the 27-year-old has an impressive record since moving to Anfield with 41 goals in 97 appearances.

Offers

Opt in and place a bet of £10 or more on a team to win the 24/25 Premier League and we'll give you a £2 Free Bet to use every game week in August!

Betfred are running their famed Double Delight & Hat-trick Heaven Pre-Match offer on this match, meaning that if a player scores first and then nets again, you will be paid at double the odds. If he grabs a hat-trick, you will be paid at treble the odds!

We are Top Price on either side to win in the SIX televised Premier League fixtures! (Ipswich vs Liverpool - available from 07:30 - 12:30).

You can read all our latest Football Betting Tips at our dedicated Betfred Insights content hub.