Newly promoted side Ipswich Town welcome former champions Liverpool to Portman Road in a fascinating Matchday 3 clash in the 2026-27 Premier League season.
Ayomide Oguntimehin provides the lowdown for the September 4 matchup.
Ipswich Town vs Liverpool match preview
Ipswich Town enter this clash aiming to return to winning ways following their 5-2 defeat to Manchester United in their second game of the season. The Tractor Boys sealed promotion from the Championship last season after finishing second, behind Coventry City.
They began their campaign with a 2-1 win over Sunderland, marking their return to the top flight with a superb performance. However, the defeat to Manchester United saw them drop points for the first time this season and remain in 12th place on the standings with a minus 2 goal difference.
Fatawu ➡️ Davis
Our first away goal of the season. ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/Xh1oPoxTef
— Ipswich Town (@IpswichTown) August 31, 2026
Liverpool, meanwhile, are still searching for their first EPL win of the season under new head coach Andoni Iraola. The Spaniard had replaced Arne Slot at the helm of affairs in the summer, but has only led them to two draws in his first two games.
The Reds came from behind in both games to draw Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest, to sit 13th on the Premier League standings. French superstar Bradley Barcola has completed a £123 million move to the club and could make his debut in the clash against Ipswich.
Ipswich vs Liverpool Head-to-Head
(Last five meetings)
- 25.01.2025 – Liverpool 4-1 Ipswich
- 17.08.2024 – Ipswich 0-2 Liverpool
- 04.12.2002 – Liverpool 1-1 Ipswich
- 11.05.2002 – Liverpool 5-0 Ipswich
- 09.02.2002 – Ipswich 0-6 Liverpool
Liverpool have dominated this fixture in recent meetings and are currently unbeaten in the last five, including winning both matches during the 2024-25 season.
Best betting odds
Over 2.5 Goals – 1.46 (via 1xBet)
Prediction
This fixture has a rich history of producing multiple goals and with the defensive struggles of both sides, the game is expected to be open with plenty of chances and goals as well
Recent form: Ipswich Town
Ipswich’s defeat to Man United was their first defeat in seven games across all competitions, ending a run of six consecutive victories.
The Tractor Boys have not kept a clean sheet in any of their last four outings, although they found the net in every of the seven games during this superb run.
Go behind-the-scenes at Anfield with exclusive footage from our first home game of the season 🎬
Inside Anfield: https://t.co/CnLNmRzSV1 🔴 pic.twitter.com/EUGUAO3lSM
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 31, 2026
Recent form: Liverpool
Liverpool have been very inconsistent in recent matches and have managed just a single win in their last six matches across all competitions, although they only lost twice during that run.
The Reds have also failed to keep a clean sheet in both of their games this season and have only managed two in their last six across all competitions.
Player to watch
Chuba Akpom (Ipswich Town)
View this post on Instagram
The former Arsenal forward scored his first goal of the season in the defeat to Manchester United and will be looking to add to that tally if he gets the chance against Liverpool.
Chuba Akpom‘s aerial strength and work rate would offer his side an additional attacking threat in the encounter.
