Ipswich’s Leaky Defence Faces Anfield Test | OneFootball

Ipswich’s Defensive Woes and Liverpool’s Opportunity: A Stat-Driven Analysis

As Liverpool prepare to host Ipswich at Anfield, there is much to analyse about the two teams’ form. On the latest episode of the Stat Me Up podcast, Dave Davis and Phil Barter dissected Ipswich’s performance this season and offered insights into Liverpool’s approach. With Ipswich struggling defensively and Liverpool looking to capitalise, this match provides an intriguing narrative.

Ipswich’s Defensive Struggles

Ipswich have endured a tough campaign, especially in defence. “When you think about Ipswich on paper,” noted Dave Davis, “they’ve shipped 43 goals and only scored 20.” Phil Barter added statistical depth to this assessment: “They’ve actually been running hot defensively—they should have conceded 51 goals according to understat.” These numbers paint a worrying picture for Ipswich, as conceding nearly two goals per game is a recipe for trouble, particularly against high-calibre opposition.

Ipswich’s defensive frailties are compounded by their inability to create consistent scoring opportunities. “In the last five games, they’ve not hit 10 shots in a single match and have only exceeded five shots on target once,” Barter remarked. With such limited offensive production, it’s no surprise that Ipswich is struggling near the bottom of the league table.

Liverpool’s Advantage at Anfield

The timing of this match seems ideal for Liverpool. As Davis put it, “Apart from Southampton, Ipswich is the team you’d pick to face right now.” Liverpool’s relentless schedule has taken a toll, but this fixture offers a chance to rotate players while maintaining momentum. Davis suggested, “Get the job done early, get into that garbage-time game state, and utilise all five subs.” This approach could keep key players fresh for upcoming challenges against PSV and Bournemouth.

Liverpool’s attacking metrics are another reason for optimism. Ipswich is conceding an average of 1.8 expected goals (xG) per game, and as Barter highlighted, “Their last match saw them concede 10 shots on target.” For a Liverpool side that has recently increased its shot volume, this is a golden opportunity to exploit a leaky defence.

Conclusion

Ipswich’s visit to Anfield appears to be a mismatch on paper, and the stats back this up. Their defensive woes and inability to generate meaningful chances make them vulnerable against a Liverpool side eager to maintain its momentum. As Davis aptly summarised, “If Ipswich can keep running those stats as they are, it would be greatly appreciated by Liverpool fans.”