12 key stats for FPL managers ahead of Liverpool's Premier League opener at Ipswich Town

12 key stats for FPL managers ahead of Liverpool's Premier League opener at Ipswich Town

Eric Munene 09:56 - 16.08.2024

Liverpool have been dominant in the opening matches of the season for the last 11 seasons

Liverpool prepare to kick off their 2024-25 Premier League campaign with a Saturday lunchtime clash against newly promoted Ipswich Town.

Here are 12 important stats to get you up to speed before the action gets underway at Portman Road.

1. Liverpool’s opening fixture trend:

For the fifth time in the last six seasons, Liverpool will begin their Premier League campaign against a newly promoted team. They have had a solid record in these fixtures, winning three and drawing one of the previous four encounters.

2. Liverpool’s impressive first day record:

Liverpool are unbeaten on the opening matchday of the Premier League for the last 11 seasons, securing eight wins and three draws since their last opening-day defeat—a 3-0 loss to West Bromwich Albion in the 2012-13 season.

3. Ipswich’s opening day streak:

Ipswich Town have not lost their opening league match in the last 10 seasons, boasting six wins and four draws. Their last opening-day defeat came in the Championship against Reading in the 2013-14 season.

4. Mohamed Salah’s opening day prowess:

No player in Premier League history has scored more goals on the opening day than Mohamed Salah, who has netted eight times. He shares this record with Alan Shearer, Frank Lampard, and Wayne Rooney.

5. Ipswich’s top-flight return:

This will be Ipswich’s first Premier League game since May 2002, when they were defeated 5-0 by Liverpool. The Tractor Boys have been waiting over two decades to return to the top flight.

6. Ipswich’s Home fortress:

Ipswich have lost only one of their last 39 home league matches, with 28 wins and 10 draws. They are currently on a 21-game unbeaten run at Portman Road, having last lost there to Leeds United in August 2023.

7. Diogo Jota’s strong start:

Diogo Jota has been in sensational form, contributing to seven goals in just six Premier League starts this year (five goals and two assists). Remarkably, he has never lost a Premier League game in which he has scored, with 39 wins and seven draws from 46 occasions.

8. Ipswich’s goal scoring prowess:

Ipswich Town scored 92 league goals last season across the top four tiers of English football, only behind Stockport County and Manchester City, who both scored 96. Since Kieran McKenna’s appointment, Ipswich have netted 222 league goals, the second most after Manchester City’s 239.

9. Liverpool’s August record:

Liverpool have lost just one of their last 22 Premier League games in August, with 15 wins and six draws. Their only defeat during this run was a 2-1 loss to Manchester United in August 2022.

10. Liverpool vs. newly promoted sides:

Liverpool have remained unbeaten in their last eight Premier League games against newly promoted teams, winning seven of those encounters and drawing one. They have won each of the last five such matches.

11. Leif Davis’s creative impact:

Ipswich defender Leif Davis was the top chance creator across the top four tiers of English football last season, providing 125 chances. His creative prowess will be a key factor in Ipswich’s attacking strategy.

12. Arne Slot’s Premier League debut:

Liverpool manager Arne Slot will be overseeing his first Premier League game with the Reds. His tactical acumen will be under the spotlight as he looks to guide Liverpool to a successful start against Ipswich.

As Liverpool seek to start their season with a victory, Ipswich Town will aim to make their return to the Premier League memorable. With these stats in mind, fans can look forward to an intriguing opening clash at Portman Road.

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