Ipswich vs Liverpool Prediction: Preview and Betting Tips
Ipswich welcome Liverpool to Portman Road on 4 September 2026 in Premier League Regular Season - 3, with the newly promoted hosts looking to claim another big scalp in front of their own fans. After two rounds, Ipswich sit 12th with 3 points, while Liverpool are 13th with 2 points, adding extra intrigue to this early-season clash.
Portman Road has already seen one home win for Ipswich this campaign, and the atmosphere should be intense as they try to build on that start. Liverpool, meanwhile, have drawn both of their opening matches and will be under pressure to turn performances into three points. With both sides averaging 2.0 goals scored per game so far, this fixture has the profile of a high-energy, attacking contest that will attract plenty of interest from fans and bettors alike.
Ipswich vs Liverpool Key Stats
- Ipswich are 12th with 3 points from 2 matches (1 win, 1 loss, goals 4-6), while Liverpool are 13th with 2 points from 2 matches (2 draws, goals 4-4).
- In their last two Premier League meetings, Liverpool beat Ipswich 2-0 at Portman Road on 17 August 2024 and 4-1 at Anfield on 25 January 2025.
- In 2026 Premier League statistics, both sides average 2.0 goals scored per game, but Ipswich concede 3.0 per match compared to Liverpool’s 2.0.
Ipswich vs Liverpool — Tale of the Tape
- Position: 12 vs 13
- Points: 3 vs 2
- Goals For: 4 vs 4
- Goals Against: 6 vs 4
- Clean Sheets: Ipswich 0, Liverpool 0 (2026 Premier League statistics)
After two rounds, the table shows how fine the margins are. Ipswich’s single victory gives them a one-point edge over Liverpool, but their goal difference of -2 (4 scored, 6 conceded) underlines how open their matches have been. At home they have been effective in attack with 2 goals scored and only 1 conceded, but the 5-2 away defeat shows defensive vulnerabilities against stronger sides.
Liverpool’s two draws leave them unbeaten but slightly frustrated. They have scored and conceded 4 goals across 2 games, with a perfectly balanced goal difference of 0. Their profile is of a side that can create and score (2.0 goals per game) but has yet to tighten up at the back. Both teams have yet to keep a clean sheet, suggesting that another game with chances at both ends is likely.
Ipswich vs Liverpool Key Matchups
J. Enciso vs C. Gakpo
Julio César Enciso Espínola has been Ipswich’s creative hub in the early weeks. In 2 Premier League appearances (both starts) he has played 161 minutes, delivering 2 assists and posting a strong 7.3 rating. He has taken 5 shots (1 on target), completed 47 passes at 85% accuracy, and contributed defensively with 2 tackles and 1 interception. His 11 dribble attempts with 6 successful underline his ability to break lines and carry Ipswich up the pitch.
For Liverpool, Cody Gakpo has started the season as a key attacking midfielder. In 2 appearances and 161 minutes, he has 1 goal and 1 assist with a 7.25 rating. He has 3 shots (1 on target), 51 passes at 78% accuracy, and 5 key passes, showing his dual threat as both finisher and creator. Defensively, he has 3 tackles and 4 interceptions, indicating work rate out of possession. The duel between Enciso’s dribbling and Gakpo’s all-round attacking influence could shape the tempo and territory of this match.
Emersonn vs Víctor Muñoz
Emersonn has offered Ipswich a direct attacking outlet. Across 2 starts and 111 minutes, he has scored 1 goal, with 3 shots (2 on target) and a 7.1 rating. His 13 passes with 76% accuracy and 3 key passes highlight his involvement in the final third, while 2 successful dribbles from 2 attempts show efficiency when taking on defenders.
Víctor Muñoz has been one of Liverpool’s standout performers. In 2 appearances (1 start) and 117 minutes, he has scored 1 goal, taken 3 shots (1 on target), and produced a 7.35 rating. He has completed 26 passes at 76% accuracy, added 1 key pass, and worked hard defensively with 2 tackles, 1 block, and 3 interceptions. His 5 dribble attempts with 1 success show he is willing to take risks in advanced areas. The battle between Emersonn’s movement and Muñoz’s two-way contribution on Liverpool’s flank will be critical in wide areas.
Head-to-Head: Last Meetings
Recent Premier League meetings between these sides have gone firmly Liverpool’s way, both home and away. Ipswich will be keen to show that their current squad can be more competitive at Portman Road.
- 25 January 2025: Liverpool 4-1 Ipswich (Premier League)
- 17 August 2024: Ipswich 0-2 Liverpool (Premier League)
Ipswich vs Liverpool Prediction
Stats suggest a more balanced contest than the league positions of recent years would imply. Ipswich have 1 win from 2 and have already shown they can score freely, averaging 2.0 goals per match. However, their 6 goals conceded in 2 games and a goals-against average of 3.0 highlight defensive frailty, particularly in the 31–45 and 61–75 minute windows where a significant share of goals against have come.
Liverpool remain unbeaten with 2 draws, scoring and conceding 2.0 goals per game. Their goals tend to arrive after half-time, with all 4 league goals so far coming in the 46–60 and 76–90 minute periods. Defensively, they have conceded steadily across the first 75 minutes, but not in the final quarter-hour, suggesting better game management late on.
The prediction model gives Ipswich only a 10% chance of victory, with the draw and Liverpool win each rated at 45%. That aligns with the bookmakers, who have Liverpool as clear favourites. Ipswich’s home edge and attacking threat should not be dismissed, but Liverpool’s superior squad depth and recent dominance in this fixture make them more likely to take at least a point.
Predicted Score: Ipswich 1-2 Liverpool
Ipswich Recent Form
Ipswich’s recent Premier League form reads as one win and one defeat. They have been potent going forward, scoring 4 goals in 2 games with an average of 2.0 per match and finding the net both home and away. However, they have conceded 6 goals, including a heavy 5-2 away loss, underlining that while they can hurt opponents, they are also vulnerable when games open up.
Liverpool Recent Form
Liverpool’s recent form is two consecutive draws. They have yet to win but also remain unbeaten, scoring 4 and conceding 4. Their attack has been consistent, with 2 goals scored in each of their first two matches, and they have shown resilience to avoid defeat both home and away. The challenge now is converting those performances into wins while tightening a defence that has not kept a clean sheet.
Ipswich Possible Starting Lineup
GK: A. Palmer or D. Button; Defenders: L. Davis, I. Diop, C. Kipré, D. Furlong; Midfielders: J. Enciso, Florentino, A. Matusiwa, A. Fatawu; Forwards: Emersonn, C. Akpom.
Ipswich’s squad list suggests a likely continuation of a 4-2-3-1 shape, which they have already used in 2 matches this season according to their tactical statistics. Creative responsibility should fall on J. Enciso and A. Fatawu, who have combined for 3 assists so far, while Emersonn and C. Akpom provide goal threat with 1 goal each. With no confirmed absences, the manager has options to rotate in attacking positions, but maintaining balance will be key against Liverpool’s strong forward line.
Liverpool Possible Starting Lineup
GK: Alisson Becker; Defenders: V. van Dijk, R. Araújo, M. Kerkez, J. Gomez; Midfielders: W. Endo, A. Mac Allister, R. Gravenberch, F. Wirtz, C. Gakpo; Forward: A. Isak or Víctor Muñoz.
Liverpool have also favoured a 4-2-3-1 structure, used in both of their league games this season. C. Gakpo and F. Wirtz are central to their creative play, combining for 2 assists and strong passing numbers, while A. Isak and Víctor Muñoz add cutting edge in the final third, each with 1 goal. At the back, the presence of V. van Dijk and R. Araújo offers aerial dominance and ball progression, though both the clean sheet count (0) and goals conceded (4 in 2 matches) show there is still work to do defensively.
Ipswich Team News
No significant absences reported.
Liverpool Team News
No significant absences reported.
Injuries & Suspensions
Ipswich:
- None reported.
Liverpool:
- None reported.
Betting Tips: Ipswich vs Liverpool
Exactly 3 distinct betting angles stand out from the current stats and odds.
- Result Tip: Back Liverpool to win. The prediction model gives Liverpool a 45% chance of victory and only a 10% chance for Ipswich, with Liverpool unbeaten and dominant in recent H2H meetings. Across major bookmakers, away odds range from 1.57 to 1.68, implying an approximate win probability between about 59.5% (1 ÷ 1.68 × 100) and 63.7% (1 ÷ 1.57 × 100). That confirms Liverpool as strong favourites.
- Goals Tip: Over 1.5 total goals. Both teams average 2.0 goals scored per game, and neither has kept a clean sheet in 2026. Ipswich’s matches have averaged 5.0 total goals (4 for, 6 against over 2 games), while Liverpool’s have averaged 4.0 (4 for, 4 against). The prediction advice also leans towards “+1.5 goals”, supporting a goals-based play. Use the nearest available over 1.5 goals price from your chosen bookmaker.
- Value Tip: Cody Gakpo to score or assist. Gakpo has 1 goal and 1 assist in 2 league appearances, with 5 key passes and 3 shots, underlining his central role in Liverpool’s attack. Against an Ipswich defence conceding 3.0 goals per game, his involvement in a goal looks likely. Look for player performance markets (anytime scorer or goal/assist combined) where the odds offer a reasonable return relative to his early-season productivity.
Odds are accurate at the time of writing and subject to change. Please gamble responsibly.


