Tactical Analysis: Ipswich Town

by Kripa Krishnan

As Liverpool prepares to face Ipswich Town, the tactical battle between Arne Slot and Kieran McKenna promises to be fascinating. Both managers have distinct styles and strategies that will shape the outcome of the match.

Formation and Build-Up
We know that both Slot and McKenna emphasise pressing, but Slot’s pressing is more structured and meticulous. We have seen a consistent interplay between the 4-4-2 and 4-2-3-1 formations, wherein some of our forwards play deeper, morphing into the number 10 role when needed. I suspect Slot will leverage his structured pressing system to disrupt Ipswich’s build-up play in the center.

McKenna’s pressing may be more aggressive, with up to four outfield players involved in the press. There is likely to be competition in the midfield as both managers have historically focused on creating numerical advantages in the midfield. Both managers will want to gain control of the center, emphasising central overloads.

I am expecting a slight shift in our build-up play from the Klopp era, with more overlaps, underlaps, and fewer long-range passes. We may see Ali getting more involved in the build-up play, similar to how we used Kelleher as a situational center-back.

Defensive Liabilities
I do feel we will be tested in the final third, especially since Ipswich is known to aggressively attack the space between the center-back and fullback using various underlaps and overlaps. Active and precise zonal marking may be key here, as a good chunk of their goals have come from crosses to wingers at the back post.

Exploring Player Adaptability and Structural Flexibility
One of the key strengths of Slot’s approach is his emphasis on player adaptability and structural flexibility. Slot’s players are usually trained to be versatile, allowing them to switch roles and positions seamlessly during the game. 

Slot’s strategic flexibility is evident in his use of formations and player roles. For instance, we saw Connor Bradley and Kostas Tsimikas in some preseason games joining the double pivots line,enabling fluid transitions between defence and attack. 

Conclusion
In summary, the match between Liverpool and Ipswich Town will be a tactical showdown between Slot’s structured and meticulous pressing and McKenna’s aggressive and dynamic approach. Both managers will aim to dominate the midfield and exploit each other’s defensive vulnerabilities. It will be interesting to see how these strategies play out on the field.