As the 2024/25 Premier League season kicks off, fans are treated to an encounter between newly promoted Ipswich Town and perennial title contenders Liverpool.
- Date: 17/08/2024
- Kick-off time: 06:30
- Location: Portman Road, Ipswich
Ipswich Town's return to the Premier League is a story that has captured the imaginations of their supporters and neutrals alike. The Tractor Boys' journey back to the top flight has been nothing short of extraordinary, with successive promotions from League One to the Championship, and now to the Premier League. Under the guidance of Kieran McKenna, Ipswich have played an attractive and daring brand of football that has earned them plaudits and success in equal measure.
McKenna, one of the brightest young managerial talents in England, has been instrumental in transforming Ipswich's fortunes. His approach is epitomised by a commitment to attacking football, characterised by free-flowing, possession-based football and tactical flexibility.
The club's transfer activity over the summer reflects their ambition to establish themselves in the Premier League. Ipswich have made some shrewd acquisitions, focusing on strengthening key areas of the squad. Among the most notable signings is goalkeeper Arijanet Muric from Burnley, a player who brings both experience and quality to the team. In defence, the additions of Ben Johnson from West Ham United and Conor Townsend from West Bromwich Albion provide depth and versatility at full-back, while Jacob Greaves' arrival from Hull City adds steel to the centre-back position.
Perhaps the most intriguing signing is that of Liam Delap, the young striker brought in from Manchester City. Delap, at just 21 years of age, is unproven at this level but possesses a unique physical profile that makes him a potential breakout star. His performances in the Championship last season showed flashes of brilliance, and under McKenna's guidance, he could develop into a formidable Premier League striker. Ipswich have also secured the permanent transfer of Omari Hutchinson from Chelsea, a move that further strengthens their attacking options.
Despite these promising signings, Ipswich remain one of the favourites for relegation. The step up to the Premier League is always a daunting one, and the club likely still needs to add one or two more players to truly compete at this level. However, the optimism around Portman Road is palpable, and with McKenna at the helm, there's a belief that Ipswich can defy the odds and secure their place in the Premier League.
Liverpool's 2023/24 season was one of significant highs and lows. Under the stewardship of JΓΌrgen Klopp, the Reds were well in the title race for most of the campaign, only to suffer a dramatic and unexpected collapse in the final weeks. The frustration of narrowly missing out on the title and finishing third was compounded by Klopp's decision to step down as manager, bringing an end to one of the most successful periods in the club's history.
The departure of Klopp left a void that Liverpool were determined to fill with a manager capable of continuing the club's tradition of high-energy, attacking football. Enter Arne Slot, a promising Dutch manager who arrived from Feyenoord with a growing reputation. Slot's style is characterised by aggressive, intense football that shares many similarities with Klopp's approach. This tactical continuity is expected to ease the transition for the squad, allowing them to quickly adapt to Slot's methods.
Since taking charge, Slot has received positive feedback from both players and staff. The early signs suggest that Liverpool's squad has embraced the new manager's ideas, with several senior players publicly praising the intensity and clarity of his training sessions. Slot's ability to build strong relationships with his players and his tactical flexibility are seen as key attributes that could help Liverpool return to the summit of English football.
However, Liverpool's lack of transfer activity this summer has raised some concerns. The club are yet to make any signings, despite the clear need to strengthen in certain areas. The departure of experienced players, coupled with the demands of competing on multiple fronts, means that Liverpool's squad depth will be tested. The club are reportedly in pursuit of a holding midfielder, with Real Sociedad's MartΓn Zubimendi identified as their primary target. Securing such a signing would address one of the team's most pressing needs and could prove crucial in their quest to challenge for the title once again.
