Reds Seeking First Win as Ipswich Look for Upset
Liverpool head to Portman Road on Friday still searching for their first win of the season, having drawn back-to-back matches, 2-2 with Newcastle and 2-2 with Nottingham Forest, results that have left them with two points through two games. Ipswich, meanwhile, sit on three points after a promising 2-1 win over Sunderland was followed by a chastening 5-2 loss to Manchester United. With both sides showing they can score but also concede freely, this newly promoted vs. title-chasing clash looks primed to produce goals at both ends once again.
Match Details
Competition: 2026-27 English Premier League
Matchday: 3
Location: Ipswich, England
Venue: Portman Road
Date: Friday, Sept. 4, 2026
Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
Liverpool Are the Better Side
For me, there is simply no question that Liverpool are the better team, and I expect them to score at least once. The question is whether Ipswich can get on the scoresheet. I think they can.
Ipswich's Attacking Threat
We saw them score twice against Sunderland, one of the best defensive teams in the league last season, and then score another two at Old Trafford against Manchester United. Their offense looked particularly dangerous in transition, and those four goals were no fluke. Across those two games, they generated 3.9 xG, and I expect them to cause Liverpool problems through Julio Enisico or Abdul Fatawu, who should have success on the right wing against Kerkez, who isn't among the best EPL defenders.
Liverpool Won't Lose This One
As for the second part of the bet, I don't see Liverpool losing this match. Ipswich's collapse against Manchester United, particularly in the second half, makes it difficult to trust them to hold on against a stronger Liverpool side. Liverpool aren't playing their best football at the moment, but I still believe they are more than capable of picking up at least a point against a newly promoted team that hasn't beaten them in any of their last six head-to-head meetings.
The Trends Support It
Moreover, manger Andoni Iraola is unbeaten in his last 20 Premier League games with Bournemouth and Liverpool and should find a way to gain a positive result against a newly promoted team.
The Best Bet
Liverpool are the better side and should score, but Ipswich's transition threat, shown against Sunderland and Man United, gives them a goal too. Liverpool haven't lost to Ipswich in six meetings, and Iraola is unbeaten in 20 straight.
BTTS – YES & Liverpool Double Chance X2
CZR
What needs to happen to win this bet
This is a two-leg parlay-style market, so both parts need to hit. First, both teams need to score (BTTS) at any point in the match, it doesn't matter when, or by what score, as long as Ipswich and Liverpool both score at least once. Second, Liverpool need to avoid a loss. A Liverpool win or a draw both cash the Double Chance X2 leg, and only an Ipswich win voids it. So the cleanest outcomes for this ticket are something like a 2-1 or 2-2 scoreline in Liverpool's favor or a draw where both sides score. Clean sheets, a 1-1 draw or a Liverpool away loss would result in a losing ticket for bettors.