Liverpool have been handed an awkward looking opening day fixture of the new Premier League season.
The Reds are heading into a new era under new management and could have done with a smooth start to the 2024/25 campaign.
In the eyes of some at Anfield, that will be exactly what they have been given. However, an away trip to newly-promoted Ipswich Town for the 12.30 Saturday kick-off should not be taken lightly.
The match will of course be Arne Slot’s first in charge of Liverpool and will be the Tractor Boys’ first back in the top division since 2002.
Ironically, their last Premier League fixture was away against the Reds over 22 years ago. Liverpool won 5-0 that day and Michael Owen has now predicted whether the same will happen again.
Michael Owen offers early Liverpool prediction
Plenty of supporters will place no truck in the order the fixtures come out in. You have to play everyone twice over the course of the season after all.
However, there’s little question that with a new head coach and coaching team onboard, it does make a difference.
For Jurgen Klopp, things weren’t quite the same. The German knew exactly what to expect from the Premier League having spent almost nine seasons in the division.
But for Slot, he really needs to get off to a good start. Away at a promoted side could be a good opportunity to do that, but it could also be a big banana skin. In the eyes of Owen, the Dutchman will not have been pleased with the draw.
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“If I was a manager or a fan, probably a promoted team away from home would be the last pick for me,” the pundit told Sky Sports.
“Obviously, the teams come up with a lot of confidence from having a great season last season, they also come up with all the enthusiasm in the world, then if they get a home tie as well it can be tricky,” Owen adds.
“Listen, the gulf in class will be huge so Liverpool should win. But if I was a manager I’d probably be thinking the last team I want to play on the opening day of the season would be away at a promoted team.
“However, it is that and I still think Liverpool should do it. But it’s a tricky opener.”
When is Arne Slot’s first game at Anfield?
It would have been nice if Slot’s first game for Liverpool had been in front of a home crowd.
However, the 45-year-old is going to have to wait a little longer before he greets the Kop.
As things stand, the Reds first home game of the season is scheduled for Saturday, August 24th against Brentford.
Hopefully Liverpool can come into that match on the back of a good win and three points against Ipswich.
As Owen says, that isn’t going to be especially easy, but it’s certainly do-able.
Get the win at Portman Road and Slot can expect a bouncing Anfield to help him along the way to another three points against Brentford. From there, Old Trafford awaits. One step at a time.