Game Week 3 Predictions: Liverpool to beat Ipswich Town

Ipswich vs Liverpool preview: Iraola’s Reds seek a first league win as promoted Tractor Boys host at Portman Road.

Liverpool must beat Ipswich Town if they don't want to fall off the radar too early in the season. (Photo credit: Opta)

 Ipswich Town VS Liverpool

Portman Road

8:00pm

Liverpool is yet to register a win in the Premier League this season after back-to-back draws in their opening two games. Will the Kop finally achieve victory on their third attempt?

Ipswich Town suffered relegation on their return to the Premier League two seasons ago, which meant that they spent last season in the Championship. The Tractor Boys are back in the big league again; their ultimate goal will be to stay in it.

Ipswich has one win in two games. Gary O'Neil isn't new to the Premier League. The former Wolves manager knows this terrain, and the 5-2 reverse at Old Trafford is nothing to be ashamed of. It was a David and Goliath affair after all.

To put it into context, United's leveler after Ipswich went ahead was fortuitous, because if there was no slip by the goalscorer Leif Davis, there would be no opportunity for Cunha to feed Bruno Fernandes in space. That game at 0-1 at halftime could be a different story.

For the former champions, it's just been a case of too little too late. Liverpool huffed and puffed on the opening day away at Newcastle and were only lucky to earn a point at the death. It was the same story at home against Nottingham Forest, where they once again settled for a 2-2 draw.

Andoni Iraola was nearing a sack at Bournemouth in the first 10 games before turning things around. He won't get such patience at Anfield. Liverpool must win this one or their manager will once again be under the spotlight.

The standard at Liverpool isn't the same as it was at the Vitality Stadium. Arne Slot won the league in his first season, and that didn't prevent him from being sacked after an underwhelming second season. Iraola must take this game seriously.

How will they line up? Liverpool are expected to launch their mega-money signing, Bradley Barcola, albeit as a substitute. Victor Munoz impressed last weekend; we might see him ahead of Rio Nguomoha again.

Defensively, Liverpool is suspect, but Jacquet is looking like a good signing, and they might count on him again. The midfield is where there might be a problem for Liverpool, with Dominik Szoboszlai set to be shunted to right back.

Ipswich Town will stay the same from the defeat at Old Trafford. They will bank on the home crowd to push for a result. A draw will represent greatness, as the ultimate goal is to stay in the league. This one should excite everyone.

Verdict: Liverpool to win.