Premier League preview: Saturday’s action including Ipswich Town vs Liverpool
Ipswich Town vs Liverpool
Ipswich Town’s first Premier League game in 22 years comes against Liverpool – the same club that hosted the Tractor Boys’ most recent Prem outing, back in May 2002.
On that occasion the Reds won 5-0. But with Arne Slot still finding his feet as he takes over from the beloved Jurgen Klopp – not to mention this is one of those lunchtime kick-offs that irked Klopp so much – Ipswich come into this match with cause for hope.
The trip to Portman Road may end up proving straightforward enough for the visitors. Still, Ipswich will be hopeful of starting this campaign in defiant style.
Manager Kieran McKenna, who led Town to back-to-back promotions from League One and then the Championship, has opted to remain with the club despite attention from the likes of Brighton, Chelsea and Man Utd in the summer.
McKenna is clearly a man that’s going places. For now though, he’s content to try and steer Ipswich onwards and upwards. Can he start with an audacious result against Slot’s side?
When Liverpool played this fixture in the 2001-02 season, they won 6-0. Ipswich will likely put up more of a fight this time, but the Merseyside team may still be able to enjoy a relatively straightforward win here.
Liverpool to win and BTTS No in a double is available at 13/10; alternatively, you could go with Liverpool to win and under 3.5 goals, which is a 27/20 shot.
Arsenal vs Wolves
After almost pipping Man City to the title last season before having to settle for a runner up finish, can Arsenal go one better this time?
Whatever their prospects for the season – and plenty of observers seem to think this is their time – this looks a fairly straightforward opener for the hosts.
Arsenal have won their last six meetings against Wolves, conceding only two goals over that run.
Gary O’Neil led Wolves to a 14th place finish last season, but the Old Gold won just one of their last 10 league games – that win coming against Luton, who would go on to be relegated.
Anything but a Gunners win would be a huge shock here. You can back Arsenal to win and under 3.5 goals in a double at 49/50.
Everton vs Brighton
Despite various setbacks last season, Everton confirmed their Premier League survival without too many problems in the end.
But with ongoing doubts about their finances going into the new campaign, could things quickly get sticky for the Toffees again this time?
Sean Dyche’s side finished the previous campaign in good shape, winning five of their last eight league games during a run that included a 2-0 win over Merseyside rivals Liverpool.
For this opener, Dyche pits his somewhat unshowy approach against a slightly more cosmopolitan opponent.
His haircut may pay tribute to Lloyd Christmas, but new Brighton coach Fabian Hurzeler is hardly a Dumb & Dumber type. Still just 31, Hurzeler is the previous manager of cult German side St Pauli, whom he led to promotion to the Bundesliga last season.
Will he prove an adroit replacement for the excitable Roberto De Zerbi, since departed for Marseille? The German coach prefers a possession-based style of play, and like De Zerbi he’s been known to become quite animated on the touchline.
It will be interesting to see how Brighton fare in this opener; both their games against Everton last season ended in 1-1 draws.
But Everton finished last season with five wins from their last five matches at Goodison Park; they didn’t concede a goal across that run, either. I’m tempted to stick with the hosts at 31/20.
Newcastle vs Southampton
Eddie Howe’s first game of the campaign comes against the newly promoted Southampton – and you have to wonder how well prepared the Saints are for their return to the Prem.
Russell Martin is the man in charge for the visitors, and with first choice goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu out through injury, his side will presumably be relying on Alex McCarthy in goal for the opening weeks of the campaign.
The 34-year-old made eight appearances in the Championship and play-offs last season. In one of those Championship games, Leicester scored five times.
Newcastle scored four or more goals in five of their last 10 games last season, so we wouldn’t be completely shocked if the Magpies started in emphatic fashion against Southampton.
Over 3.5 goals is a 19/20 shot; otherwise you could back Alexander Isak to start the season in style for the hosts. The excellent Isak is 19/5 to score at least twice.
Nottingham Forest vs Bournemouth
Bournemouth haven’t lost in their last eight meetings with Forest, winning their last three visits to the City Ground. Will this be another frustrating encounter for the Tricky Trees?
Perhaps, although it’s worth remembering Dominic Solanke scored all three goals when the Cherries beat Forest 3-2 last season. Bournemouth have since parted company with the prolific Solanke, now at Tottenham.
Regardless, Bournemouth won 3-2 on each of their last two trips to Forest. Even without Solanke they will surely view this opener as an opportunity to get points on the board early.
Apart from any other considerations, Forest have lost their opening fixture in each of the last five seasons. They’ve also won just four league games in 2024, from 18 played. It could be worth taking a chance on Bournemouth to earn the away win at 37/20.
West Ham vs Aston Villa
The David Cameron derby gets underway with Villa fancied to enjoy another fine season, having finished fourth in the Prem last time out under Unai Emery.
West Ham didn’t fare badly either, ending up ninth last time out. Nonetheless, David Moyes left at the end of the season; the Scotsman has been replaced by Spanish manager Julen Lopetegui.
In any case, Villa’s last two visits to the London Stadium have ended in 1-1 draws; will one of these sides be able to break the deadlock this time?
Jarrod Bowen was named West Ham’s captain earlier this week; and the English striker may be capable of putting in a memorable performance for the hosts. He scored against this side in the reverse fixture last season, and is 9/5 to find the net on Saturday.
To bet on a wide range of markets, visit 32Red Sport today. If you’re looking for a different kind of flutter, check out our 32Red Casino site. There’s plenty of slots and table games to keep you entertained!
