Leicester city, Ipswich city & Southampton: Liverpool FC
With the Championship season concluded, the footballing world turns its gaze to the newly promoted teams set to compete in the Premier League for the 2024-25 season. Leicester City, Ipswich Town, and Southampton have all earned their spots in England’s top flight. Each team has its unique story, historical context, and key players that Liverpool will need to be wary of in the upcoming season.
Leicester City: The Return of the Foxes
Premier League Pedigree
Leicester City’s remarkable journey from underdogs to Premier League champions in the 2015-16 season remains one of football’s greatest fairy tales. Claudio Ranieri’s squad, considered 5,000-1 outsiders at the start of that season, stunned the world with their improbable triumph, powered by the talents of Jamie Vardy, Riyad Mahrez, and N’Golo Kante. This victory solidified Leicester’s place in the annals of football history.
Despite their magical title win, Leicester has experienced a roller-coaster ride in the Premier League era. They fluctuated between divisions in the 1990s and early 2000s, facing relegations in the 2001-02 and 2003-04 seasons. However, their promotion in 2014 marked the beginning of a more stable era, culminating in their title win and subsequent top-five finishes in 2019-20 and 2020-21 under Brendan Rodgers.
Relegated in the 2022-23 season, Leicester swiftly bounced back under the stewardship of Enzo Maresca. The Italian manager led them to a dominant Championship campaign, finishing as champions with 97 points, showcasing their resilience and ambition to return to the top tier at the first attempt.
History vs Liverpool
Leicester City has had a mixed record against Liverpool in the Premier League, winning nine out of 34 meetings. Notably, they have secured victories at Anfield in 1997, 1999, and 2000. More recently, they were one of only two teams to beat Liverpool in the 2021-22 Premier League season, with a 1-0 win at King Power Stadium.
However, Liverpool has had the upper hand in recent encounters, winning the last four matches, including a 3-1 victory in the third round of the Carabao Cup in the 2023-24 season.
Key Players
Despite their relegation, Leicester managed to retain key players who played pivotal roles in their promotion campaign. Jamie Vardy, even at 37, remains a crucial figure, scoring 20 goals in all competitions last season. Alongside him, Kelechi Iheanacho and Ricardo Pereira bring Premier League experience and quality.
New signings like Stephy Mavididi, who scored 13 goals and provided six assists, and former Liverpool defender Conor Coady have bolstered the squad. Harry Winks, a vital addition from Tottenham Hotspur, and Belgian center-back Wout Faes have also been instrumental in their successful campaign.
Ipswich Town: The Resurgence of the Tractor Boys
Premier League Pedigree
Ipswich Town’s rise under Kieran McKenna has been nothing short of spectacular. After earning promotion from League One in the 2022-23 season, they immediately continued their upward trajectory by securing a spot in the Premier League for the 2024-25 season. This marks their first top-flight appearance since the 2001-02 season.
Ipswich were among the founder members of the Premier League in 1992, spending three seasons in the top flight before relegation in 1995. Their most notable recent Premier League campaign was in 2000-01, when they finished fifth and qualified for the UEFA Cup. However, they were relegated the following season and subsequently dropped to the third tier in 2019.
McKenna’s impact since his appointment in December 2021 has been profound. His team has been lauded for their attractive style of play, quality in possession, and goal-scoring prowess, netting 92 goals in 46 Championship games last season.
Ipswich City
History vs Liverpool
Liverpool’s last visit to Ipswich’s Portman Road resulted in a resounding 6-0 victory in February 2002. The Reds also secured a 5-0 win at Anfield later that season, a match that confirmed Ipswich’s relegation.
The clubs have a rich history, often competing at the top of the old First Division in the 1970s and 1980s. Memorable clashes include Liverpool’s 5-2 win in February 1975 and their 4-2 aggregate victory in the 1982 League Cup semi-final.
Key Players
Ipswich’s squad is a blend of young talents and experienced professionals who have predominantly played in the Football League. Conor Chaplin, with 13 goals and eight assists, was their standout player last season. Other significant contributors include Nathan Broadhead and Omari Hutchinson, who have since returned to their parent club Chelsea.
Captain Sam Morsy, an Egyptian international, is a vital presence in midfield. Left-back Leif Davis and goalkeeper Vaclav Hladky have also been key figures in Ipswich’s success.
Southampton: The Saints March On
Premier League Pedigree
Southampton, another founder member of the Premier League, have a storied history in the top flight. They spent 13 years in the Premier League before relegation in 2005. After a brief stint in the third tier, they returned under Nigel Adkins and impressed under Mauricio Pochettino and Ronald Koeman, achieving notable finishes, including a sixth-place under Koeman.
Relegated as the bottom club in 2022-23, Southampton immediately bounced back, finishing fourth in the Championship and winning the play-offs. Their journey back to the Premier League reflects their resilience and ambition to re-establish themselves among England’s elite.
History vs Liverpool
Southampton has a respectable record against Liverpool, winning 11 of their 48 Premier League meetings. Their most recent league encounter ended in an exciting 4-4 draw at St Mary’s on the final day of the 2022-23 season.
Liverpool’s biggest win against Southampton came in January 1999, with a 7-1 triumph at Anfield, a match notable for all goals being scored by home-grown players like Robbie Fowler and Michael Owen.
Liverpool vs Southampton
Key Players
Southampton’s promotion was significantly influenced by top scorer Adam Armstrong, who netted 24 goals in all competitions. Che Adams also contributed 18 goals, forming a potent attacking duo. Home-grown midfielder Will Smallbone and Nigeria international Joe Aribo have been crucial in midfield.
Defensively, England U21 international Taylor Harwood-Bellis, who also experienced promotion with Burnley, played a key role. Retained Premier League talents like Kyle Walker-Peters, Jack Stephens, Jan Bednarek, and goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu add depth and experience to the squad.
Conclusion
As Liverpool prepares for the 2024-25 Premier League season, the newly promoted sides of Leicester City, Ipswich Town, and Southampton present unique challenges and opportunities. Each team brings its history, key players, and recent form into the mix, promising exciting encounters and narratives.
Leicester City, with their Premier League pedigree and resilient squad, will look to re-establish themselves among the elite. Ipswich Town’s resurgence under Kieran McKenna adds a fresh dynamic, while Southampton’s immediate return to the top flight showcases their determination to compete at the highest level.
Liverpool’s encounters with these teams will not only rekindle old rivalries but also test their mettle against sides eager to prove themselves in the Premier League. The Reds will need to be at their best to navigate these fixtures successfully and continue their pursuit of domestic and European glory.
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YNWA (You’ll Never Walk Alone)!
The Liverpool FC Times Team
LiverpoolFCTimes.com