Ipswich Town vs Liverpool is one of the headline Premier League fixtures on Friday, with Liverpool travelling to Portman Road still searching for their first league win of the 2026/27 season. Bradley Barcola is available for a possible Reds debut, while Ipswich have received a fitness boost ahead of kick-off.
Ipswich Town vs Liverpool kicks off at 10:00 PM EAT on Friday, 4 September 2026. Liverpool have opened their league campaign with two 2-2 draws, increasing the importance of this trip for Andoni Iraola’s side. Ipswich have taken three points from their opening two matches and return to Portman Road after a difficult defeat at Manchester United. Team news, Liverpool’s possible use of Barcola and the final attacking selections are among the main stories before the match.
Ipswich Town vs Liverpool match details
Ipswich Town vs Liverpool is scheduled for Friday, 4 September 2026 at Portman Road. Kick-off is 10:00 PM EAT for audiences in Kenya, with the match starting at 8:00 PM in the UK.
Liverpool arrive still looking for their first Premier League win of the season after back-to-back 2-2 draws against Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest. Ipswich have one league win from their opening two matches, having beaten Sunderland before a 5-2 defeat at Manchester United.
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Liverpool team news and Bradley Barcola availability
Bradley Barcola is available for Liverpool after completing his move from Paris Saint-Germain. Andoni Iraola confirmed that the France forward has trained with his new teammates, although his lack of pre-season match minutes could influence whether he starts or is introduced from the bench.
Liverpool remain without several players. Joe Gomez is expected to return to team training next week, while Giovanni Leoni and Federico Chiesa are targeting a return around the international break. Conor Bradley and Hugo Ekitike are further away from returning.
The absences are particularly relevant on the right side of defence. Iraola has noted that Liverpool can use versatile options when required, while the attacking positions now offer more competition following Barcola’s arrival.
Ipswich Town team news
Ipswich manager Gary O’Neil said his squad is in good health overall ahead of Liverpool’s visit. Emersonn has returned to full training after the knee issue that forced him off against Manchester United and is in contention to lead the line.
Jaden Philogene remains unavailable, while Azor Matusiwa and Jack Taylor are also sidelined. Florentino Luis is available again, giving Ipswich another central-midfield option, while deadline-day arrival Zian Flemming is in contention.
Ipswich can therefore choose between a more mobile attacking setup around Julio Enciso or a more direct approach using Emersonn and Flemming.
Possible Ipswich Town vs Liverpool lineups
The official starting lineups will only be confirmed closer to kick-off. Based on the latest availability and recent selections, the following combinations are possible rather than confirmed.
Ipswich Town possible XI: Scherpen; O’Shea, Diop, Greaves, Davis; Nunez, Lukic; Fatawu, Enciso, Maeda; Emersonn
Liverpool possible XI: Alisson; Frimpong, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Gakpo, Wirtz, Munoz; Isak
READ ALSO: Premier League: Fixtures, Standings, Lineups, Live and News
What to follow during Ipswich Town vs Liverpool
Liverpool’s main question is whether their attacking quality can turn two early-season draws into a first league victory. Ipswich, meanwhile, have already shown they can create chances against Premier League opposition and will want a stronger defensive response after conceding five at Old Trafford.
Barcola’s availability adds another major storyline. Even if he does not start, his ability to operate from either wing gives Liverpool a new option against an Ipswich side likely to protect central areas and attack quickly when possession changes.
For confirmed lineups, live scores, match events and the final result, use SportPesa Score rather than relying on pre-match predicted teams.
READ ALSO: Follow live football scores and match information on SP Score
Conclusion
Ipswich Town vs Liverpool brings together two teams looking for a stronger result before the international break. Liverpool need to turn promising attacking moments into a first Premier League victory, while Ipswich will aim to make Portman Road difficult for the visitors. Bradley Barcola’s availability gives Liverpool another option, but the official starting lineups will determine how quickly he is introduced. Follow SportPesa Score for confirmed lineups, live events and the final result.