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Fantasy Premier League (FPL) Season 2024/25 – Gameweek 1

The curtain rose on the Premier League with Ipswich hosting Liverpool in what was Arne Slot’s much-anticipated debut as Liverpool’s manager. All eyes were on how the Reds would fare in their first match post-Klopp, and whether Ipswich could mark their return to the top flight with an upset.

In a game that featured a tale of two halves, Liverpool managed to secure a 2-0 victory, but not without a few nervous moments. we’ll delve into the key moments of the match and explore the FPL implications for managers looking to make early adjustments.

Match Review

First Half Struggles

Liverpool’s first half against Ipswich was anything but smooth. The team seemed out of sync, struggling to find their rhythm under new manager Arne Slot.

Ipswich, on the other hand, looked sharp and determined. They made the most of their return to the Premier League, pressing Liverpool and causing real trouble. The home side even had the better chances in the first 45 minutes.

Omari Hutchinson had a promising moment just past the half-hour mark. He jinked inside but couldn’t get enough power on his shot. Axel Tuanzebe followed up with a header that flashed wide. These were clear warnings for Liverpool, who appeared vulnerable and disjointed.

Despite the pressure, Liverpool managed to hold on, but it was clear they needed to step up their game in the second half.

Second Half Resurgence

The second half was a different story. Liverpool came out with more urgency and better organization. Slot made a crucial change by bringing on Ibrahima Konaté for Quansah, which solidified the defense. The passing was crisper, and the pressing was far more aggressive, as Slot’s adjustments began to pay off.

Diogo Jota broke the deadlock with a well-taken goal, giving Liverpool the lead they desperately needed.

Salah, ever the reliable star, added a second to seal the win. His goal was a reminder of his quality and his importance to Liverpool’s attack.

Ipswich, despite their early promise, couldn’t keep up with the pace and precision Liverpool brought in the second half.

Ipswich’s Performance

Ipswich may have lost, but they showed they belong in the Premier League. Their first-half performance, in particular, was full of energy and intent.

Liam Delap’s debut was one of the highlights for Ipswich. His movement and pressing caused significant disruption to Liverpool’s defense. Although they didn’t score, Ipswich made it clear they won’t be an easy team to beat this season.

The second half exposed some of their naiveties, especially in dealing with Liverpool’s pressure after the first goal. But there’s plenty for Ipswich fans to be optimistic about.

Kieran McKenna’s side showed they have the potential to compete, even against top-tier teams like Liverpool.

FPL Implications

Liverpool Assets

Liverpool’s performance in this match offers some key insights for Fantasy Premier League managers. Let’s start with Mohamed Salah. He’s a player who continues to deliver when it matters. Salah not only scored but also assisted in this match, proving once again why he’s a must-have in any FPL squad. His consistency, especially on the opening day, is unmatched. If you don’t already have him in your team, it might be time to reconsider.

Diogo Jota is another Liverpool asset to watch. He’s been involved in 10 goals over his last 10 Premier League appearances. That kind of form makes him a strong contender for your FPL team. With Jota, you get a player who’s not only scoring but also contributing with assists. He’s becoming a crucial part of Liverpool’s attack under Slot.

However, not everything is rosy on the Liverpool front. Their defense still has question marks. The rotation between Jarell Quansah and Ibrahima Konaté in this match is a sign that Liverpool’s defense isn’t as settled as we’d like.

Virgil Van Dijk seems to be the only one with secured minutes. But when it comes to attacking threats, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Robertson are your go-to. However, keep in mind that they are no more 90-minute men as they used to be, as both didn’t pass the 80-minute mark.

Ipswich Assets

Ipswich showed enough promise to warrant attention from FPL managers. Liam Delap, in particular, caught the eye. His pressing and movement caused Liverpool plenty of problems. Delap could be a nice budget option in attack, especially if Ipswich can turn their strong performances into goals in future games.

While Ipswich’s defense struggled against Liverpool’s attack, their overall play suggests there’s potential for FPL bargains in their ranks. It’s worth keeping an eye on their fixtures. When they have a favorable run, Ipswich players could offer value, especially for managers looking to free up funds for premium options elsewhere.

Arne Slot’s Tactics

Slot’s approach to the game also has FPL implications. Liverpool under Slot might not be the same high-octane team we saw under Klopp. The shift to a more patient build-up style could affect the output of some of their players.

Salah and Jota seem to be thriving, but the midfield and defense might take time to adapt. This is something FPL managers need to monitor closely.

If Liverpool’s players can adapt quickly, they’ll remain valuable assets. However, if the transition drags on, we might see some fluctuation in their points returns. Keeping an eye on their performances in the next few games will be crucial for making informed FPL decisions

Conclusion

Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Ipswich in Gameweek 1 was a mixed bag. While the Reds eventually secured the victory, it was clear that Arne Slot’s team is still finding its feet.

For Fantasy Premier League managers, this match provided valuable insights. Mohamed Salah remains a reliable pick, continuing his impressive form. Diogo Jota also showed why he’s a player to consider for your squad.

On the Ipswich side, despite the loss, there were positive signs. As Ipswich adapts to Premier League life, they could offer FPL managers some budget options, especially in favorable fixtures.

For more insights, transfer planning, and up-to-date player analysis, Download the We Play FPL app. It’s your go-to tool for staying ahead in the FPL game.

May your arrows be green, and your captaincy choices be spot on. Until next time, happy managing!