Can Ipswich Avoid Falling Into Slot's Trap on Top-Flight Return?
Can Ipswich Avoid Falling Into Slot's Trap on Top-Flight Return?
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| Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna celebrates their side's promotion to the Premier League after the Sky Bet Championship match at Portman Road, Ipswich. Picture date: Saturday May 4, 2024(Image-Getty) |
Match Analysis - Ipswich Town vs Liverpool
Date:
Saturday, 17 August
Location:
Portman Road, Ipswich
Time:
17:00
Kieran McKenna and Arne Slot will both make their Premier League managerial debuts at Portman Road on Saturday, 17 August, in what promises to be an exciting match. Ipswich Town, known for their attacking football, will face Liverpool in the early kick-off.
Ipswich's Defensive Challenges
Ipswich's primary weakness last season was their defense, which occasionally struggled due to a lack of pace. With summer reinforcements, McKenna might adopt a more pragmatic approach against Liverpool's rapid attackers such as Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez, Luis Diaz, and Diogo Jota. A deeper defensive block could help mitigate Liverpool's speed and offensive prowess.
Liverpool's Offensive Strategy
Arne Slot, Liverpool's new head coach, will likely encourage his players to exploit one-on-one situations against Ipswich's defenders. Slot's Feyenoord team last season excelled in ball-carrying, completing more dribbles per 90 minutes than any other UEFA Champions League team.
Most Completed Dribbles in Champions League 2023/24:
1. Feyenoord:
12.8
2. Bayern Munich:
12.2
3. Paris Saint-Germain:
12.0
4. Barcelona:
11.9
5. Milan:
11.6
Ipswich's Press Resistance
Ipswich prefers to play out from the back, but Liverpool's pressing game, inspired by Slot's 4-2-3-1 formation, could pose significant challenges. Slot's Feyenoord team consistently had one of the lowest PPDA (passes per defensive action) in the Eredivisie, indicating a well-structured pressing system.
Start Distance in Champions League 2023/24:
1. Real Sociedad:
48.4 meters
2. Man City:
47 meters
3. Feyenoord:
45.3 meters
4. Galatasaray:
44.8 meters
5. Arsenal & Barcelona:
44.6 meters
Ipswich's Counter-Pressing Strength
Ipswich is adept at counter-pressing, quickly regaining possession after losing it. In the Championship, only Southampton had more shots from high turnovers than Ipswich.
Most Shots from High Turnovers in Championship 2023/24:
1. Southampton:
82
2. Ipswich:
77
3. Leeds:
69
Late Game Drama
Both Ipswich and Liverpool excelled at scoring late goals last season, leading their respective leagues in goals scored from the 76th minute onwards. Ipswich scored 26 late goals, while Liverpool netted 27, making stoppage-time drama a likely scenario.
Conclusion
This match promises to be a tactical battle, with Ipswich aiming to counter Liverpool's press and exploit transitions, while Liverpool looks to leverage their speed and pressing prowess. Fans can expect an engaging and competitive game.
For more in-depth analysis, tactical insights, and coverage of the Premier League's opening fixtures, stay tuned to our updates.
