Liverpool began life after Jurgen Klopp with a 2-0 win over Ipswich Town in the early Saturday kick-off in the Premier League.

A positive start from Ipswich led to a fairly even first half, with both sides having chances before going in level at the break.

But Liverpool came out the more energetic in the second half, and before long they were cutting through the home defence,mwith Diogo Jota flashing a header wide from six yards.

The Portuguese made amends soon after though, as Salah broke free and slipped through the pass to lay it on a plate, and Jota duly obliged by slotting into the top corner.

And from there Liverpool dominated, creating several great chances before Ryan Gravenberch and Mo Salah combined before the Egyptian slotted in the second.

Ipswich did themselves proud in a tough start to life back in the Premier League, but the Reds showed their quality in their first competitive match under Arne Slot, and will be hoping to lay down some title credentials over the next few weeks.

Follow all the latest build-up and team news from Portman Road below:

Ipswich v Liverpool - Premier League

• GOAL! Mohamed Salah adds a second! - IPS 0-2 LIV (65’)

• GOAL! Diogo Jota breaks deadlock! - IPS 0-1 LIV (60’)

• Half time: Ipswich 0-0 Liverpool

• Ipswich v Liverpool kicks off at Portman Road at 12:30pm BST

• Arne Slot succeeds Jurgen Klopp as a new era begins at Anfield

• Kieran McKenna bids to keep the Tractor Boys up following promotion

• IPS: Walton, Tuanzebe, Woolfenden, Greaves, Davis, Morsy, Luongo, Burns, Chaplin, Hutchinson, Delap

• LIV: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Quansah, Van Dijk, Robertson, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Salah, Jota, Diaz

Arne Slot starts Premier League life with a glimpse of Liverpool’s newest superpower

14:55 , Chris Wilson

Arne Slot is in town and so is Kieran McKenna. Arguably the two head coaches most-spoken about this summer - once Erik ten Hag’s future became clear, at least - went head to head on the opening day and both gave their supporters evidence that there’s plenty of reason for optimism in 2024/25.

Liverpool completed their own mini “Old Farm derby” challenge: three years ago they went to Norwich City on the opening day of the season and beat them 3-0; this time it was Portman Road for their first game and Ipswich Town suffered the same fate, albeit with one fewer conceded. Two scorers that day managed to find the net again here, in Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah; perhaps the reason the Reds spurned so many chances to wrap up the points on this occasion was because their third scorer in 2021 - Roberto Firmino - is no longer at the club.

Slot starts Premier League life with a glimpse of Liverpool’s newest superpower

FULL-TIME! Ipswich 0-2 Liverpool

15:20 , Chris Wilson

Kieran McKenna is the last to speak to TNT after a promising afternoon turned to disappointment.

“I thought we showed plenty of good things. I thought the first half was really good, qe made it difficult for Liverpool, we pressed well. It was a really positive first half, and it gives us something to build on.

“We know that we’re going to improve, and the challenge is to maintain that level of performance for longer, and to manage things better in the second half.

“I think for us, [the important thing to work on] is managing the point after they scored. For this team, our response when we conceded has always been to come out swinging for the next goal, but that’s one thing we’re going to have to find the balance of.

“The players will learn from that, we’ll take the lessons form today, many positives, and we’ll be stronger for it.”

15:10 , Chris Wilson

More from Slot below...

“I don’t believe that much in one man, I believe in the team more than the individual. He (Salah) can score his goals because of good runs, good assists. I think Mo also needs the team but we also have more creative individuals who can decide the game.”

“We know but it’s normal if you’re Liverpool that you have a lot of good players. You saw today how tough Premier League games are so you also need good individual performance if the team is playing well to win.”

On his goals for the season, he says he isn’t looking too far forward.

“Not that I’m looking so far forward to the end of the season. I think every game we have to do everything in terms of defence but also with the ball. You saw last season how close the games were. We have to make sure we are up three and that’s what we’re trying to do.”

He finishes by adding that he is “definitely looking forward to” playing at Anfield next week.

“With the win now it’s nice to go into a week where we can train a lot again which is helpful because many came in quite late. But again it’s about preparing the team, not the occasion.”

FULL-TIME! Ipswich 0-2 Liverpool

15:05 , Chris Wilson

Arne Slot was the first of the managers to speak to TNT. He says that “the first taste [of Premier League football] in the first half was maybe as expected because they were all on top of us, very aggressive. [But the] second half was a joy to watch.”

“First thing was we don’t have to speak about tactics if you don’t lose so many duels. I think we needed to win the long balls through the air. That helped and gave us control. I don’t think Ipswich could keep up with the tempo in the second half.”

He confirms that taking off Jarrel Quansah was a tactical decision, before adding: “If a team plays all over the pitch 1v1, do not always play the ball short constantly.

“I didn’t see them fighting for it in the first half, we lost almost every long ball. In the second half they were ready and then gaps opened up and you could see we can play quite good football.”

“I don’t think our problem in the first half was midfield, our problem is we lost too many duels. A lot had been said about our signings but I saw three or four players coming off the bench and they were already good to play.”

FULL-TIME! Ipswich 0-2 Liverpool

14:50 , Chris Wilson

Mo Salah was the first player to speak to TNT, and he says today was “quite tough” as “the weather was really warm”.

“It’s a tough team, I’m glad we won today, I’m always happy to make a difference.

“When they play home especially it’s quite tough. The crowd is always up. We knew that before the game, we’re experienced, so we expected a tough game.

“Hopefully I keep going like this for the whole season! I always help to try to help the team all the time, I’m always happy to score goals or assist.”

The Egyptian adds that it is “quite different” under Arne Slot.

“Jurgen was in the team for eight years, he gave everything, now it’s a new manager and new system. It’s quite different for all of us, we need to adapt. We just need to know his way of playing and enjoy the football.

“We don’t need to put more pressure on him, we just need to play football and enjoy our games. Let’s see in the end.”

FULL-TIME! Ipswich 0-2 Liverpool

14:40 , Chris Wilson

That result puts Liverpool top of the table for now, though of course only four of 20 teams have played.

The Reds get off to a winning start in a season in which few have tipped them to be title challengers – could they spring some surprises at the top?

Ipswich put in a great first half, but they tired and lost cohesion as the match entered the second half. Still, the first 45 was enough evidence that many teams will struggle (at least at times) in their visits to Portman Road.

14:35 , Chris Wilson

FULL-TIME! Ipswich 0-2 Liverpool

14:29 , Chris Wilson

The final whistle goes and Liverpool collect three points at Portman Road in Arne Slot’s first competitive match in charge.

A less cohesive start from the Reds but a blistering 20 minutes in the second half blew the home side away, and in truth it could have been four or five.

The first top-flight match at Portman Road in 22 years ends 2-0 to Liverpool.

Ipswich 0-2 Liverpool

14:27 , Chris Wilson

97 mins: Great defending from Konate prevents Greaves from a great goalscoring opportunity after Harness had slipped in the through ball.

Ipswich are finishing in the ascendancy, but it’s too little too late.

Ipswich 0-2 Liverpool

14:26 , Chris Wilson

95 mins: Gakpo gets a soft booking as the match winds down. Salah is still hunting another goal, but his latest effort ends in a handball as he tried to bring it down.

Hutchinson is still looking for a consolation and he wins a corner as his cross is put behind.

Ipswich 0-2 Liverpool

14:23 , Chris Wilson

93 mins: Some more great attacking play from Liverpool ends with two crosses coming in from Gakpo, with the first blocked and the second ending in Salah volleying an effort right at Walton.

Ipswich 0-2 Liverpool

14:21 , Chris Wilson

90 mins: There’ll be eight minutes of added time at Portman Road, as Salah is awarded the MOTM award.

Gakpo leads the Liverpool counter and plays an inviting cross to Diaz, but Greaves slides in for the block.

Ipswich 0-2 Liverpool

14:18 , Chris Wilson

88 mins: Better from the home side as Hutchinson wins a throw on the counter after some good build-up.

The attack ends with a misplaced Taylor pass, and Liverpool counter. That counter ends with Diaz unable to get the ball under control, but the ball runs straight to Gravenberch anyway.

Ipswich 0-2 Liverpool

14:15 , Chris Wilson

85 mins: A lull in activity here as the match looks like it’s already reached its conclusion, with Ipswich struggling to put anything together in attack.

They stop a Salah-led Liverpool attack but the counter doesn’t amount to anything, before Al-Hamadi wins a corner with a deflected shot but he’s eventually flagged offside.

Ipswich 0-2 Liverpool

14:10 , Chris Wilson

80 mins: CLOSE! Al-Hamadi is through on goal after a long ball over the top, but he can only hit it at Alisson and was offside anyway.

Morsy is down and receiving treatment.

Ipswich 0-2 Liverpool

14:07 , Chris Wilson

78 mins: Jota comes off for Cody Gakpo, so it’s one goal for the day for the Portuguese. Will he be playing in the same position for the bulk of this season?

Ipswich 0-2 Liverpool

14:06 , Chris Wilson

76 mins: Szoboszlai’s cross is headed away, and there’s some respite for Ipswich as they have the ball, though it ends as Szmodics can’t get it under control on the counter.

Alexander-Arnold comes off for Conor Bradley.

Liverpool sweep forward again, triggered by a lovely cross-field ball from Salah, but Mac Allister can’t get it under control from Diaz’s pass.

Ipswich 0-2 Liverpool

14:03 , Chris Wilson

74 mins: No joy for Ipswich as Delap’s ball wide to Tuanzebe goes out of play. Both are then replaced by Al-Hamadi and Sammie Szmodics.

Ipswich 0-2 Liverpool

14:01 , Chris Wilson

71 mins: Liverpool are getting joy all over the pitch now, as a Szoboszlai pass through the middle finds Salah but his shot is straight at Walton.

Ipswich go down the other end and have a chance as Harness blasts over, but he was offside. Moments later, Davis does well to clear almost on the line as the cross came in.

Ipswich 0-2 Liverpool

13:58 , Chris Wilson

69 mins: Liverpool get through once more and Diaz rounds the ‘keeper, but his touch was just a little too heavy and his lay off to Salah is misplaced.

GOAL! Ipswich 0-2 Liverpool

13:56 , Chris Wilson

66 mins: GOAL! And that could be that.

Salah collects the long ball on the wing, stands up his man and lays it off to Gravenberch. The Dutchman tries to slide a pass through and it takes a deflection right into Salah’s path, and he pokes past Walton for 2-0!

Ipswich 0-1 Liverpool

13:54 , Chris Wilson

64 mins: Ipswich have the opportunity for the counter but Liam Delap brings himself down while trying to beat Szoboszlai.

Ipswich bring on Jack Taylor and Marcus Harness for Luongo and Chaplin.

Ipswich 0-1 Liverpool

13:52 , Chris Wilson

62 mins: Liverpool are shouting for a handball but nothing doing there. Worrying times for Ipswich now though, as the away side are dominating.

Jota wins a corner after his cross is deflected behind.

GOAL! Ipswich 0-1 Liverpool

13:50 , Chris Wilson

60 mins: GOAL! The deadlock is broken.

Alexander-Arnold picks up the ball on the left and slips it through to Salah, who has overlapped into plenty of space. It’s created a 2-v-1, and all Salah has to do is thread it into the path of Jota, who hits it first time into the top corner.

Ipswich 0-0 Liverpool

13:48 , Chris Wilson

58 mins: Liverpool are really asserting their authority here, with two long-range shots that were flying goalwards blocked at the last.

Moments later, an inch-perfect cross from Alexander-Arnold is met by the head of Jota from around six yards out, but it flashes wide!

Ipswich 0-0 Liverpool

13:47 , Chris Wilson

55 mins: The offside is confirmed and Liverpool breathe a sigh of relief.

The Reds go on the attack themselves and they work a brilliant opportunity!

Szoboszlai holds it up in midfield and ships it to the onrushing Trent Alexander-Arnold, who drives towards the box and plays the one-two with Jota. Jota clips it back towards him on the edge of the area and Alexander-Anrold lays it into the path of Luis Diaz, who really should score but instead lifts it over Walton and over the bar!

Burns does come off in the end, and he’s replaced by Johnson.

Ipswich 0-0 Liverpool

13:42 , Chris Wilson

54 mins: It can’t have been a hamstring injury for Burns, as it looks like he’s going to carry on for now.

Ipswich keep possession and Delap just miscontrols it on the edge of the box.

Ipswich fans think they have a penalty as Delap goes down...but it’s offside!

There’ll be a brief VAR check.

Ipswich 0-0 Liverpool

13:40 , Chris Wilson

50 mins: This half has been Liverpool’s in the opening exchanges, but Ipswich threaten the counter as van Dijk gets across to beat Burns as the home side countered.

The Ipswich man stays down, and on replay it looks like he’s pulled up...Ben Johnson is warming up.

Looks like Burns’ hamstring had gone potentially.

Ipswich 0-0 Liverpool

13:37 , Chris Wilson

48 mins :Great feet from Diaz to skip past three challenges, and he’s opened up a gap, but he blasts his effort over.

Ipswich 0-0 Liverpool

13:36 , Chris Wilson

46 mins: Quansah is sitting on the bench and he does not look happy there. It must be some sort on injury.

Alexander-Arnold swings in a corner that bounces out to Salah – the Egyptian tries to slot a shot through the bodies and it’s sailing into the back of the net, but a blue shirt diverts it away at the last.

Ipswich 0-0 Liverpool

13:34 , Sonia Twigg

46 minutes: Liverpool have made a half time substitution, Konate has come on for Quansah.

KICK-OFF! Ipswich 0-0 Liverpool

13:34 , Chris Wilson

Back underway for the second half at Portman Road! Liverpool have brought on Ibrahima Konate for Jarell Quansah.

HT: Ipswich 0-0 Liverpool

13:28 , Sonia Twigg

Ed Sheeran is off! He has a gig in Serbia tonight so could only stay for the first half, he didn’t manage to see a goal but he will likely have been happy with what he did see.

HT: Ipswich 0-0 Liverpool

13:26 , Sonia Twigg

Peter Crouch: “It’s a little bit more patient for Liverpool than what we’re used to.”

He mentions that they have looked their most threatening when trying to play in the likes of Salah and Diaz and making the most of their threat down the wings.

HT: Ipswich 0-0 Liverpool

13:22 , Sonia Twigg

Here are some photos from the first half:

HT: Ipswich 0-0 Liverpool

13:19 , Sonia Twigg

Half time: Well the whistle blows, the Ipswich fans are on their feet applauding their side down the tunnel, but Liverpool might be slightly disappointed with that.

They didn’t look fluent and there was a noticeable lack of anchor in the midfield, that they had last season but had different ways and a different style of dealing with it.

Alisson had to make two saves, while Walton was left largely untroubled in the first half.

Ipswich 0-0 Liverpool

13:17 , Sonia Twigg

45 minutes: Alexander-Arnold shoots! It is set up perfectly for him on the edge of the box, and his curled effort goes just over the bar.

There will be one minute at the end of the first half.

Ipswich 0-0 Liverpool

13:14 , Sonia Twigg

43 minutes: Ipswich have another set piece, the corner is headed away by Salah, and the second ball is blocked out on the right by Robertson.

Ipswich 0-0 Liverpool

13:14 , Sonia Twigg

42 minutes: It’s already feeling like Liverpool could do with half time, just a chance to reset and go over a couple of things that haven’t quite worked in this half so far.

Ipswich have had the better chances in the first half and they will be happy with how they have started on their return to the Premier League.

Ipswich 0-0 Liverpool

13:10 , Sonia Twigg

39 minutes: Burns has made another foul, it’s a deliberate handball, and he was already on a yellow card.

But there is nothing shown from the referee, he might have slightly got away with one there.

Ipswich 0-0 Liverpool

13:09 , Sonia Twigg

37 minutes: Great goalkeeping!

Walton flies off his line just as it looked like Jota had poked the ball into the path of Diaz who was about to run onto it with no defender there to close him down.

That was a promising sign from Liverpool, and Jota who the club will be hoping can avoid injury this season.

Ipswich 0-0 Liverpool

13:06 , Sonia Twigg

34 minutes: Liverpool are struggling to get control in the midfield and it is affecting how broken up this game is becoming.

Liverpool didn’t make any signings in January, and haven’t signed anyone yet this summer.

The visitors still have yet to have a shot on target in this match.

Ipswich 0-0 Liverpool

13:03 , Sonia Twigg

31 minutes: SAVE! A quick break and a long ball up to Salah almost causes problems, he can’t quite carve out a clear-cut chance, but Liverpool have a corner.

Ipswich break, and Hutchinson manages to take the shot, it’s low and drilled towards the goal, forcing Alisson into a low save.

Ipswich 0-0 Liverpool

13:01 , Sonia Twigg

29 minutes: The game has broken down slightly, there are a lot of fouls being awarded to both sides, and a slight lack of fluidity when it comes to the passages of play.

Liverpool will want to regain control at some point and start putting pressure on the Ipswich back line.

Ipswich 0-0 Liverpool

12:56 , Sonia Twigg

24 minutes: Liverpool have had lots of posession, almost 60 per cent of it in fact.

Ipswich have been shown three yellow cards, with Burns shown one for a foul.

But the Ipswich goalkeeper has not had many saves to make.

Ipswich 0-0 Liverpool

12:51 , Sonia Twigg

19 minutes: SAVE! The commentators are drawing attention to the pitch, which they believe is slow and interfering with both teams’ desire to play fluid football.

Ipswich have a free kick after a clumsy foul from Robertson.

Alisson makes a key save to deny a header from a towering Greaves.

Ipswich 0-0 Liverpool

12:47 , Sonia Twigg

16 minutes: Salah times his run perfectly, carving the space between the defenders, but the pass is slightly overhit.

Ipswich 0-0 Liverpool

12:46 , Sonia Twigg

14 minutes: Liverpool have another corner, but again they cannot capitalise and just play it back to Alisson to mount another attack.

Ipswich 0-0 Liverpool

12:44 , Sonia Twigg

13 minutes: A long ball is played up to the Ipswich forward, but Quansah can cut it out.

There is a second yellow card, this time for Hutchinson who dives in on Gravenberch and is rightly booked for it.

Ipswich 0-0 Liverpool

12:42 , Sonia Twigg

10 minutes: Liverpool have a corner, Robertson is standing over it, he swings it in and it’s well cleared and Ipswich take the opportunity to break.

They have a three on two, but cannot make the most of it and Alexander-Arnold is able to get back and make the crucial interception.

Ipswich 0-0 Liverpool

12:40 , Sonia Twigg

8 minutes: Ipswich show a lot of energy whenever they do get the ball, but they have not been able to build up any significant amount of possession.

Liverpool attack again with Kota trying to find Salah and he wins a throw in, he has a new haircut, but it is unlikely to affect performance.

Ipswich 0-0 Liverpool

12:38 , Sonia Twigg

6 minutes: The first yellow card has been shown, Jota was pulled back by Woolfenden and Liverpool were aggrieved that the referee did not play advantage with Gravenberch running onto it.

Ipswich 0-0 Liverpool

12:35 , Sonia Twigg

3 minutes: Liverpool have had most of the possession so far, but Ipswich are looking to hit on the counter, they find a way through and it was a good recovery from Robertson just on the edge of the box, he got himself the wrong side of it, and should have dealt with it earlier.

That’s an early warning sign.

Ipswich 0-0 Liverpool

12:32 , Sonia Twigg

1 minute: Liverpool’s Premier League season is underway

Ipswich vs Liverpool

12:27 , Sonia Twigg

The players are out in the tunnel, the banners are out all around the stadium as Ipswich prepare to celebrate their return to the Premier League after such a long time away from the top flight.

Liverpool have a new manager and he will want to kick off his reign with a comfortable victory.

Ipswich vs Liverpool

12:19 , Sonia Twigg

The players are out on the pitch warming up as kick off is less than 15 minutes away:

Ed Sheeran is in the stadium

12:12 , Sonia Twigg

Ed Sheeran is in action to watch his beloved club at Portman Road, and he said to TNT Sports: “I think people like success stories like this it is a grassroots club and it just feels good for the town as well, Ipswich have been through some tough years and it’s great for the county as well.

“I started sponsoring in league one and that carried on into the Premier League, I said I’d do one season in the top flight and then the sponsorship progressed.”

Liverpool manager Arne Slot speaks ahead of the match

12:07 , Sonia Twigg

Liverpool manager Arne Slot said to TNT Sports ahead of the game:

“Definitely looking forward to it, but it is all about getting a result. The job is the same if you work in Holland or here, you want to prepare in the best possible way.

“Jurgen left the team in a really good way, full of energy and they always want to work hard. I do think the results were a bit better than the way we played, some wins were the play was not as good. I’m ery positive about how we have worked until now. It is good to see that the boys who came in two weeks ago came back really strong.”

When asked about team selection, he said: “[Ryan] Gravenberch starts in the 6 because he has the attributes to play there, he will develop into a 6. Him playing today will help Macca [Mac Allister] play more forward.”

Ipswich vs Liverpool

12:00 , Sonia Twigg

Having just had a look at the fans arriving at Portman Road, it will also be Arne Slot’s first competitive game in charge of Liverpool and here are the visitors arriving:

Ipswich vs Liverpool

11:50 , Sonia Twigg

The fans have already started arriving at Ipswich ahead of their return to the top flight:

Joshua Zirkzee’s winner shows why there could be a new dimension to Manchester United this season

11:40 , Chris Wilson

Here’s Richard Jolly’s report from the opening game of the 2024/25 season...

It is, apparently, not how you start but how you finish. Joshua Zirkzee started his Manchester United career with a telling finish that bodes well for the rest of it. He began his debut on the bench and ended it as the match-winner. Old Trafford may have a new goalscoring hero and if the evidence of their opening night was that Erik ten Hag’s side needed one, a newcomer obliged.

The United manager stands accused of signing too many of his fellow Dutchmen. For a £42m buy, however, it amounted to an ideal beginning, a veritable theatre of a dream debut. Even in helping Bologna qualify for the Champions League last season, Zirkzee was not prolific. Yet it only took 26 minutes for him to open his United account with a goal that showed he can be both finisher, but also much more than a penalty-box poacher.

Zirkzee had dropped deep to collect the ball, fed it wide to Casemiro and accelerated into the box. He stuck out a left leg to poke in Alejandro Garnacho’s cross. Two substitutes combined for an opening-day win that, for the first time in Ten Hag’s reign, sent United top of the league, albeit when 18 other sides are yet to play.

Zirkzee’s winner shows there could be a new dimension to Man United this season

A new Premier League season awaits - but Man City’s legal case casts a long and inevitable shadow

11:30 , Chris Wilson

Something that could potentially have a huge effect on the outcome of Liverpool’s season...

There are only a handful of people who know exactly what is happening in the Manchester City case and one of them had to promote the new Premier League season this week.

“It’s clear we have some regulatory challenges,” competition chief executive Richard Masters said. “But I’m confident we can navigate all of that and, by the time we sit down again in 12 months, a lot of that stuff will be clearer and we can have the way we always want it, which is the football front and centre.”

It’s quite a hopeful spin that is perhaps natural from the world’s most bombastic league, especially since this season could involve a storm like no other. This could well be the most controversial and consequential campaign in the English game’s history, that reaches both Bosman and Italy’s Calciopoli in terms of its effects. It could change the face of the table, the future, the past, as well as the Premier League’s very image. An outcome of the City case is expected by April, but any time that late is almost even worse for the Premier League.

Man City case casts inevitable shadow over Premier League’s return

Ipswich v Liverpool - live updates

11:26 , Karl Matchett

New faces at Portman Road today...and some very familiar ones!

Ipswich v Liverpool - Confirmed lineups!

11:17 , Karl Matchett

The teams are in for the early kick-off - we get them 75 minutes before the start of matches this season remember, not an hour!

Ipswich are without new goalkeeper Muric who has a calf issue, but new additions Hutchinson and Delap are in.

Liverpool opt for for Jarell Quansah in defence for Arne Slot’s first match, while Ryan Gravenberch could be at the base of midfield after being trialled there in preseason.

IPS: Walton, Tuanzebe, Woolfenden, Greaves, Davis, Morsy, Luongo, Burns, Chaplin, Hutchinson, Delap

LIV: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Quansah, Van Dijk, Robertson, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Salah, Jota, Diaz

Head-to-head

11:00 , Chris Wilson

Today’s match will be the 73rd meeting between these two sides, with the first taking place in 1954.

Liverpool have won 37, with Ipswich winning 14 and 21 ending as draws.

The two sides last played in 2002, with Liverpool winning 5-0 and 6-0 in the Premier League before a 1-1 draw in the League Cup in December that the Reds ended up winning on penalties.

The last Ipswich win came in December 2000, when the Tractor Boys won 1-0 at Anfield. They haven’t beaten Liverpool at home since February 1986, when they won 2-1.

Match stats

10:45 , Chris Wilson

This is Ipswich’s first game in the Premier League in 22 years. Their last match was on the final day of the 2001/02 season, when a 5-0 loss to Liverpool confirmed their relegation – their last player to score a top-flight goal was Darren Bent in April 2002.

The Blues have scored 92 league goals in each of the past two seasons, a number bettered only by Manchester City and Stockport County (96) in the top four divisions.

Ipswich have not lost their opening league match in any of the previous 10 seasons (W6, D4), and are unbeaten in 21 home league games. Their only defeat in the past 39 at Portman Road was a 4-3 loss to Leeds a year ago.

This will be the fifth time in six years that Liverpool have atarted the season against a newly promoted team. They last lost the season opener in 2012, falling 3-0 to West Brom.

The Reds recovered 28 points from losing positions last term. Salah has scored a joint-record eight Premier League goals in the opening round of fixtures, with last season being the only time he has failed to score in their first match.

Which newly promoted club is best-placed to survive in the Premier League?

10:30 , Chris Wilson

So, will their signings be enough to keep Ipswich in the top flight?

Survival in the Premier League has become increasingly difficult for clubs newly promoted from the Championship.

Sheffield United, Burnley and Luton all went straight back down to the second tier last season, and plenty expect the same fate 2024/25’s new arrivals Leicester City, Ipswich and Southampton .

Which team, though, is in the best shape to avoid the drop? We’ve assessed each of the Premier League newcomers and their chances of remaining in the top-flight.

Which newly promoted club is best-placed to survive in the Premier League?

Premier League 2024/25 predictions: Champions, top four, relegation, best signing, top scorer and more

10:15 , Chris Wilson

Where will Liverpool and Ipswich finish this season? The Independent’s sports desk has its say...

Hold on to your hats once again everyone: the Premier League is back this weekend.

Manchester City, after their fourth title in a row, are aiming for a magnificent five-in-a-row - but will this be the season Arsenal finally get over the line and win a first top-flight crown in 21 years?

Liverpool will be an intriguing watch under new manager Arne Slot and a total of five clubs will take to the new season with a fresh look in the dugout, with Enzo Maresca at Chelsea, Julen Lopetegui at West Ham, Steve Cooper at Leicester City and Fabian Hurzeler at Brighton.

Maresca at Chelsea will be a fascinating watch and how will Erik ten Hag fare at Manchester United after being given a new contract? The journeys of the newly-promoted trio of Leicester City, Ipswich Town and Southampton will be interesting, too.

Now, our writers make their predictions for the next season:

Premier League 2024/25 predictions: Champions, relegation, best signing, and more

Liverpool boss Arne Slot responds to lack of transfers, Zubimendi rejection and Luis Diaz rumours

10:00 , Chris Wilson

New Liverpool manager Arne Slot faced the media ahead of his first official match in charge of the Reds against Ipswich Town and was predictably quizzed about the club’s lack of transfer activity - but he insisted the squad was good enough to compete and that the market wasn’t the only way to strengthen.

The Reds were thought to be close to making Martin Zubimendi their first signing of the summer, and of the Slot era, but the Basque midfielder opted to stay with his current club Real Sociedad instead.

Slot, though, isn’t perturbed and has had a largely positive summer in the build-up to the start of 2024/25.

“I’ve said many times, our squad is really strong and it’s not easy to find player who can help us. Zubimendi was one to be fair but he decided not to come so we go on with the ones we have. We’re in a good place and in the background [sporting director] Richard [Hughes] is trying to strengthen the squad as he can.”

Liverpool boss Slot responds to Zubimendi rejection and Luis Diaz rumours

Liverpool and Ipswich transfers and rumours

09:45 , Chris Wilson

Liverpool are the only Premier League side not to sign a player so far this summer, with Martin Zubimendi perhaps deemed the only player of a high enough quality to be worthy of signing. They have been linked with Valencia ‘keeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, but if he did sign he would likely be loaned out immediately.

Nevertheless, the Reds have been linked with a host of other players, including Real Sociedad’s Take Kubo and Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon.

The Reds have let several players leave this summer, including Adrian, Fabio Carvalho and young midfielder Bobby Clark.

Ipswich have been more active in the market, with Kieran McKenna recently adding both Kalvin Phillips and Sammie Szmodics, who was the top scorer in the Championship last season.

The Tractor Boys have also added Omari Hutchinson from Chelsea, Liam Delap from Man City and Ben Johnson from West Ham.

Ipswich sign Kalvin Phillips on loan following capture of Sammie Szmodics

09:30 , Chris Wilson

England international Kalvin Phillips has joined newly-promoted Ipswichon a season-long loan from Premier League rivals Manchester City.

The 28-year-old midfielder, who spent the second half of last season with West Ham, could make his debut in Saturday’s clash with Liverpool at Portman Road.

“This is a day I’ve been waiting a number of weeks for now and I’m very happy to be here,” Phillips told the Tractor Boys’ website.

“I want to play as many games as possible, enjoy playing football again and help the team win as many games as possible in the Premier League.”

Ipswich sign Kalvin Phillips on loan following capture of Sammie Szmodics

With Arne Slot in charge, change is coming to Anfield but not how you’d expect

09:15 , Chris Wilson

Last season had barely finished when one man at Anfield launched into a chorus of Arne Slot’s name. Many another joined in. It helped, of course, that the instigator of the chant was Jurgen Klopp, in a parting gift.

Klopp set the scene for Slot’s reign. His will also be the spectre that looms over it. Liverpool have lost their biggest character, their best communicator, their most charismatic figure. Their history shows that they can go on to greater success thereafter: Bob Paisley won more trophies than the iconic Bill Shankly. And if such a comparison applies pressure to Slot, the Dutchman has spent team meetings looking at areas where Liverpool can improve from last season.

Klopp gave “Liverpool 2.0” their nickname. He was their biggest advocate. At least, to continue the references to Liverpool’s past, Slot has not started off as the Graeme Souness to the German’s Kenny Dalglish. He has not taken an axe to the group of players he inherited; Klopp felt he left a “fantastic squad” and his selflessness in rebuilding and promoting younger players showed he was planning for a future without him.

With Arne Slot in charge, change is coming to Anfield but not how you’d expect

Is Liverpool v Ipswich on TV? Kick-off time, channel and how to watch

09:00 , Chris Wilson

Here’s everything you need to know if you want to catch today’s match live on TV.

Ipswich v Liverpool kicks off at 12.30pm BST on Saturday, 17 August and takes place at Portman Road in Ipswich, England.

Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on TNT Sports 1, with coverage starting at 11am. Subscribers will also be able to watch on a live stream via the Discovery+ app and website.

If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch major sporting events, you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN round-up is here to help and includes deals on VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are, and also with the terms of their service provider.

Prediction

08:45 , Chris Wilson

It promises to be an entertaining game at Portman Road, with Ipswich looking to lay down a marker in McKenna’s first game in the Premier League. Nevertheless, Liverpool’s preseason performances under Slot, coupled with the underlying quality in their squad, suggest that the Reds should have enough to come away with an opening win. Ipswich 1-3 Liverpool.

Predicted line-ups

08:35 , Chris Wilson

Ipswich XI: Muric; Tuanzebe, Burgess, Edmundson; Johnson, Morsy, Luongo, Davis; Hutchinson, Delap, Harness.

Liverpool XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Quansah, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Szoboszlai, Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Nunez, Diaz.

Team news

08:30 , Chris Wilson

New Ipswich signings Arijanet Muric, Ben Johnson and Liam Delap both started the Tractor Boys’ final preseason game last week, so they are all in line to start.

However, the trio of Nathan Broadhead, Harry Clarke and George Hirst are unavailable due to injury.

Arne Slot has no new injury concerns, and has welcomed back Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo after their extended breaks. Andy Robertson managed 60 minutes against Las Palmas on Sunday, so he may be fit enough to start at left-back after missing the tour of the US through injury.

Whether the Dutchman prefers Jarell Quansah to Ibrahima Konate at the back remains to be seen, while Diogo Jota could start upfront for the Reds as he did several times in preseason.

Ipswich v Liverpool updates

08:15 , Chris Wilson

New Liverpool manager Arne Slot begins life in the Premier League with a trip to Kieran McKenna’s newly promoted Ipswich side on Saturday afternoon.

The Dutchman joined the Reds from Feyenoord earlier in the summer, and enjoyed a successful preseason before the club was surprised by a rejection from their top midfield target – Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi.

Nevertheless, Slot will feel he has a squad capable of challenging for the league title – all he needs to do now is prove its credentials.

Meanwhile, Ipswich have attempted to make shrewd signings as they bid to ensure Premier League survival in their first season in the top flight since 2001/02, with McKenna’s decision to stay in charge providing an early boost at the start of the summer.

And both managers will back themselves to make an impact at either end of the table, with Saturday’s match an excellent opportunity to lay down a marker to their closest rivals.

Ipswich v Liverpool updates

08:01 , Chris Wilson

Good morning and welcome to The Independent’s coverage of the first early kick-off of a new Premier League season!

The second game of the season pits newly promoted Ipswich against Arne Slot’s new-look Liverpool side at Portman Road, and it promises to be a cracker.

We’ll have all the build-up, team news and live updates as they come.

How Kieran McKenna guided Ipswich Town to the Premier League’s promised land

Thursday 15 August 2024 14:46 , Jack Rathborn

All the next great managers tend to be described in the same way: obsessive, a perfectionist, a details guy with a personal touch who always remembers the kit man’s birthday.

Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna is certainly one of those: he has amassed more points than any manager in English football since taking charge in League One in 2021 and has now led Ipswich to back-to-back promotions. A win against Huddersfield on Saturday sealed their return to the Premier League after 22 years away.

McKenna has big tactical ideas and a distinctive way to play. He conveys energy and enthusiasm and earns the trust of his players. But what stands out is that, first and foremost, McKenna is a coach: he doesn’t just get the best out of players, he makes them better.

How Kieran McKenna guided Ipswich Town to the Premier League’s promised land

Liverpool goalkeeper details early success of new boss Arne Slot with Reds’ tactical plan

Thursday 15 August 2024 14:45 , Jack Rathborn

Liverpool goalkeeper Vitezslav Jaros believes new head coach Arne Slot has done a good job in getting his tactical plans across to the squad.

Slot has insisted there would not be a huge style change from his predecessor Jurgen Klopp – that was one of the factors which elevated the Dutchman to the top of the list when the club was choosing a replacement.

In an interview on Wednesday he said he was working to “find the balance between trying to create chaos at certain moments and trying to keep possession of the ball a bit longer in other moments”.

Jaros has been elevated into the squad as third-choice behind Alisson Becker and Caoimhin Kelleher after a successful loan spell at Sturm Graz last season and featured in games on the tour of the United States, while also making his first appearance at Anfield in Sunday’s friendly victory over Sevilla.

Liverpool goalkeeper details early success of new boss Slot with Reds’ tactics