Liverpool vs Ipswich
Curtis Jones’ Injury Forces a Change for Liverpool
Liverpool manager Arne Slot faces a selection dilemma ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash with Ipswich Town at Anfield. The match, scheduled for a 3pm GMT kick-off, will see the Reds attempt to maintain their strong form despite injury setbacks.
Curtis Jones, Liverpool’s dynamic midfielder, will miss the encounter due to a knock sustained during the midweek Champions League victory over Lille. Slot confirmed Jones’ absence in his pre-match press conference, stating, “He [Jones] went out during half-time, so that’s mostly not a good sign. He will not be available for the game tomorrow.”
The head coach remained cautiously optimistic about Jones’ recovery, adding, “I’m not expecting months… but let’s see if he’s available for PSV or Bournemouth.” Jones’ absence adds to Liverpool’s growing injury list, which already includes Diogo Jota and Joe Gomez.
Managing Ibrahima Konate’s Return
Centre-back Ibrahima Konate has recently returned from a six-week absence due to a knee injury. Slot revealed the club’s careful approach to managing Konate’s minutes to avoid overloading him.
“I think you’ve seen how we’ve tried to manage that,” Slot said. “We skipped him twice. At least in this game [against Lille], Jarell Quansah played. And the Accrington Stanley game he didn’t play as well. That is a bit maybe because he still has some pain in his knee… but it’s safe for him to play.”
Konate’s fitness is crucial for Liverpool’s defensive solidity, and Slot expressed confidence in the player’s ability to handle a congested schedule, noting, “He now comes to a moment where he would be able to play three times a week.”

Ibrahima Konate
Virgil van Dijk’s Milestone
Saturday’s match marks a significant milestone for Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, who is set to make his 300th appearance for the club. Van Dijk’s leadership and defensive prowess have been instrumental in Liverpool’s success, and this landmark achievement underscores his importance to the team.
Ipswich Town’s Challenges
Ipswich Town, managed by Kieran McKenna, face an uphill battle as they travel to Anfield. The Tractor Boys’ squad has been bolstered by the loan signing of Julio Enciso from Brighton & Hove Albion. Enciso is eligible to feature against Liverpool, providing a potential boost to Ipswich’s attacking options.
However, Ipswich will be without key forwards Conor Chaplin and Sammie Szmodics, both sidelined due to injuries. McKenna commented on their absence, stating, “They’ve not trained with the group yet, so we’ll have to see how they go next week.”
Axel Tuanzebe’s Progress
Axel Tuanzebe’s return from a hamstring injury is a positive development for Ipswich. The defender made a substitute appearance in their recent 6-0 defeat to Manchester City. McKenna expressed satisfaction with Tuanzebe’s recovery, noting, “He’s come through well… had some good training days and is now more ready to start a game than he was last weekend.”
Key Stats and Comparisons
A glance at the Premier League statistics highlights the gulf between Liverpool and Ipswich:
- Goals Scored: Liverpool (50) vs Ipswich (20)
- Shots on Target: Liverpool (146) vs Ipswich (72)
- Shooting Accuracy: Liverpool (53.1%) vs Ipswich (49.7%)
- Conversion Rate: Liverpool (18.2%) vs Ipswich (13.8%)
- Assists: Liverpool (39) vs Ipswich (13)
Liverpool’s attacking efficiency and creativity have been pivotal to their success, while Ipswich’s struggles in front of goal have contributed to their challenges this season.
Recent Form
Liverpool come into the game on the back of a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Lille in the Champions League. The starting lineup for that match included Alisson, Bradley, Quansah, Van Dijk, Tsimikas, Szoboszlai, Gravenberch, Jones, Salah, Nunez, and Diaz.
Ipswich, meanwhile, endured a heavy 6-0 defeat to Manchester City in their last outing. Their starting XI featured Walton, Davis, Morsy, Cajuste, Burgess, Johnson, Delap, Hutchinson, O’Shea, Godfrey, and Clarke.
Tactical Insights
Liverpool’s Approach: Slot’s Liverpool have showcased a blend of high-pressing intensity and attacking fluidity. With Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez, and Luis Diaz leading the line, the Reds possess a potent attacking trio capable of unlocking any defense. The midfield pairing of Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch adds creativity and dynamism, while Van Dijk’s leadership at the back ensures defensive stability.
Ipswich’s Strategy: McKenna’s Ipswich are likely to adopt a more conservative approach, focusing on defensive organization and counter-attacking opportunities. The inclusion of Julio Enciso could add a spark to their attack, but the absence of Chaplin and Szmodics limits their options.
Predicted Lineups
Liverpool: Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Szoboszlai, Gravenberch, Elliott; Salah, Nunez, Diaz.
Ipswich: Walton; Davis, Burgess, Tuanzebe, Clarke; Morsy, Cajuste; Enciso, Hutchinson, Johnson; Delap.
Key Battles
- Salah vs Davis: Liverpool’s talismanic forward will look to exploit the space on Ipswich’s left flank. Salah’s pace and finishing ability make him a constant threat.
- Van Dijk vs Delap: The experienced Dutch defender will aim to neutralize Ipswich’s young striker.
- Midfield Control: Szoboszlai and Gravenberch’s ability to dictate play could overwhelm Ipswich’s midfield pairing of Morsy and Cajuste.
Predictions
Given Liverpool’s superior form and quality, they are firm favorites to secure a comfortable victory. Ipswich’s defensive frailties and limited attacking options make it difficult to envisage an upset. A 3-0 or 4-0 scoreline in favor of Liverpool seems likely.
Conclusion
Saturday’s clash at Anfield offers Liverpool an opportunity to continue their impressive campaign while Ipswich face the daunting task of halting their momentum. With key players missing for both sides, the game promises to be an intriguing encounter, showcasing the depth and resilience of each squad.
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YNWA (You’ll Never Walk Alone)!
The Liverpool FC Times Team
LiverpoolFCTimes.com