Ipswich Town

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Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "Another tough game for us. Positivity with how we ended it but of course disappointed to be behind in the game.

"I didn't think in the first half we were under a huge amount of pressure but Liverpool were clinical and we didn't defend our box well enough. Before you know it you're 3-0 down in the game from not many shots on target and then the second half is difficult.

"Second half I thought we did all we could do. We knew we couldn't open up, we defended on shape, we had some really good play with the ball, scored a goal and could have even scored another one.

"It has been a tough two-game block and it's come at a tricky stage of the season for us, but if we take the lessons in the right way we will be stronger for it and it'll help us in the games coming up."

Gary Rose
BBC Sport journalist at Anfield

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A 500-mile round trip is a long way for anyone to go, let alone for a game that, as a fan, deep down you know there's little chance of getting something from it.

But despite seeing their side lose 4-1 at Liverpool, there was some encouragement those supporters could take from it.

They finished the game strongly and ensured those travelling supporters had something to celebrate thanks to Jacob Greaves' stoppage time goal.

It was always going to be difficult for Ipswich to get something from their last two games - a home fixture against Manchester City and then this trip to Liverpool - but their focus now turns to a more important battle next week, when they host bottom-of-the-table Southampton.

Ipswich have shown fight this season and remain very much in the battle for survival, and the game against the Saints will likely go a long way to determining which league they are playing in next season.

Were you at the game or following from elsewhere?

Have your say on Liverpool's performance

What did you make of Ipswich's display?

Come back to this page on Monday to find a selection of your replies

Six matches make up Saturday's Premier League action.

• Bournemouth v Nottingham Forest

• Brighton v Everton

• Liverpool v Ipswich

• Southampton v Newcastle

• Wolves v Arsenal - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Man City v Chelsea (17:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

All kick-off times 15:00 GMT unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction here

Ipswich got absolutely smashed by Manchester City last time out and I have told my daughter's Ipswich-supporting teacher, Mr Fields, that if he is considering travelling up to Anfield for this game, then he really shouldn't bother.

Another of Sophia's teachers, Mr Worral, is upset that Mr Fields got a mention and he didn't - so I am putting that right here.

Mr Worral is actually a Liverpool fan, and he is going to have a much more enjoyable weekend.

It's a long way for Ipswich fans to travel to watch their team get spanked, then go all the way back to East Anglia.

This should be pretty routine for Liverpool and they will get a few goals, but because they are fighting on so many fronts I don't think they will absolutely wallop them.

Sutton's prediction: Liverpool 3-0 Ipswich

Read all of his predictions and have your say here

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Ipswich have won two of their past three away league games against Liverpool, having failed to win any of their first 27 visits to Anfield beforehand (D8 L19). Their last visit ended in a 5-0 defeat on the final day of the 2001-02 season, however.

Liverpool have won their past 10 Premier League home games against promoted sides by an aggregate score of 34-7 since a 1-0 loss to Fulham in March 2021.

This Premier League pursuit becomes a lot easier if you take your chances.

BBC Sport has checked in on some data comparing goals versus expected goals this season.

You can see from the bar graph some teams aren't finding the goals (yellow) to outstrip the expected goals they should score (black).

Tottenham, Manchester City, Arsenal, Brentford, Newcastle, Brighton, Fulham, Nottingham Forest, Wolves and Leicester have all scored more than expected.

Wolves in particular have found the net 32 times from an expected 23.56 - a significant overperformance.

League leaders Liverpool are pretty much bang on in returning what they should, while Arsenal have outperformed, with 43 goals from an expected 37.78.

Bournemouth - 36 goals from an expected 43 - are leaving opportunities on the table.

Every so often, a player is described by a pundit as someone who "loves to defend".

Most fans would naturally welcome such a sort in their team, that player who stands tall, lets stuff bounce off him and somehow masters the ability to become a magnet to the ball when it enters the penalty area.

BBC Sport took a look at three metrics this season - headed clearances, blocks and tackles - to see which players seem to relish this kind of thing.

Everton's James Tarkowski leads the way, amassing a total of 131 across the three areas, with Brentford's Nathan Collins second. The two men have made 73 headed clearances each, a stat that proves their value when it comes to defending dead balls.

Murillo - fresh from his contract extension at Nottingham Forest - was highlighted in recent weeks for a no-nonsense display against Liverpool, when he frequently launched clearances into the night. He makes the top three across these metrics and while Brazilian players are so often lauded for their flair, he can proudly carry the 'loves-to-defend' tag.

Josh Lobley
BBC Sport journalist

Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Liverpool (kick-off 15:00 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• McKenna spoke highly of new signing Julio Enciso: "He's a very talented young player. He's had some great experiences at a young age and had a really good impact at Brighton. It's a good move for both parties and hopefully it will be a good boost for us."

• He was asked what the conversations were like before signing the Paraguayan: "I speak about similar things with [all] loan players. It's a chance to play more minutes than you are and that is very important for him. We spoke about his role in the team and the squad and how we will try and get the best out of him. He was really keen to come, which is always a positive sign."

• McKenna also confirmed Enciso is available for selection on Saturday.

• He said that the club will "go to the last day" to try and bring in additional players in this transfer window: "We have enough depth in the squad, so it's only if we can add players who will have a really big impact and improve us."

• He accepted that outgoings are still a possibility before the window closes: "Ali Al-Hamadi has been having conversations with different clubs. George Edmundson has been recalled but there has been discussions there."

• He says that player availability will not be "drastically different" from last weekend's match: "[Sammie] Szmodics and Connor Chaplin will still fall short. The boys who missed out last week will still be unavailable."

• On opponents Liverpool: "They have been an enjoyable watch and they have carried that all the way through the season. They are a complete team who defend well and press high. Their counter-press and counter-attacks are good. They can control the game and also change gears really quickly. They are well coached and have good principles in all phases."

Follow all of Thursday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

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Brighton midfielder Julio Enciso has joined Ipswich on a loan deal until the end of the season.

The Paraguayan international, who turned 21 today, has made 12 Premier League appearances this season for the Seagulls, including a short cameo at Old Trafford on Sunday in their victory against Manchester United.

Speaking to TownTV, external about the move, Enciso said: "I am so happy to be here. The conversations with the manager have been good. I am very grateful to him and the club for believing in me. I'm a real fighter and I will do my best in every game."

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler said: "Julio wants to play regularly and that is not something we can guarantee with so many options in our attacking positions.

"Ipswich have offered Julio the possibility of more regular game time, and the move is the right one for all concerned.

"We will keep a close eye on his progress as the season continues, and we wish him well for his time with Ipswich."

Enciso has made 57 appearances for Albion, scoring four goals, including the Premier League Goal of the Season for the 2022-23 season after his incredible strike against Manchester City.

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We asked for you what one thing - good or bad - that nobody is talking about at Ipswich but should be.

Here are some of your comments:

Raymond: We have to give McKenna time to adjust to the heights of the Premier League. It's still a work in progress and, as most of the team were playing in League One two seasons ago, I am sure he can turn things around by the end of the season.

Gavin: It ties in a bit with the fan's unity after the Manchester City game, but despite being in the relegation picture all season, we're one of the few teams that haven't been demanding the firing of our manager. While there are sometimes questions about correct tactics/subs, I think the Ipswich fans have a real love and respect for McKenna and his team, and would rather let him play the season out the way he wants to rather than the club panic and throw in the towel.

Steve: No-one is talking abut the lack of a decisive selection at the back or in wide midfield at Ipswich. It still feels like Kieran McKenna doesn't know his preferred starters. It's fair to say he does change formation depending on the opposition and whether we are home or away, but other than Leif Davis at left-back, the centre-backs and right-back seem to be constantly shuffled as does the rest of the team ahead of them. Continuity is key at this level and Ipswich just don't appear to have that at all.

Andrew: Ipswich need to be working on their goal threat. We are not scoring enough currently. We have spent a lot on forward players this season and recently we have looked toothless. To stay up we need to score goals!

Andy: Plain and simple. We aren't scoring enough goals. Score more, and we stay up.

Fans and players remained united at full-time against Manchester City despite the heavy defeat on Sunday.

Naturally, all the talk is about how Ipswich can survive in the Premier League but you know your club best.

So tell us, what's the one thing at Ipswich no-one seems to be talking about, but really should be?

Let us know here

Richard Woodward
Fan writer

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Ouch. That one stung a bit.

Ipswich Town appear to have played Manchester City at the wrong time on both occasions we've faced them this season. Sunday's thrashing at Portman Road felt like Pep's side unloading weeks of frustration all in one go, and Kieran McKenna's side were in the firing line.

While no-one likes being beaten in this manner, and it can't be used as an excuse every week, the scoreline does simply underline the gaping chasm that exists between clubs like mine and the Premier League elite. Just look at our company in the current bottom three. It hardly sends a positive message to the rest of the footballing pyramid does it?

It's vital this defeat is now consigned to history and disregarded by all concerned at IP1. Losing games to Manchester City is an occupational hazard for most top flight teams over the last decade. While I would hope for learning and improvement from how the goals were conceded, the overall relevance for our season is minimal in my opinion. There are much more significant fixtures remaining to decide which side of the 'dotted line' we'll finish.

And one positive from Sunday is the unwavering support of the Blue Army. The scenes at full-time demonstrated that most Town fans 'get it' – that they understand the challenging circumstances McKenna's side face having "climbed the mountain really, really, quickly" as he put it at full-time.

But some weeks things will come together for Town, as has been proven in enough fixtures both home and away. Taking each game 'as it comes' (as the cliché goes) and in isolation from what goes before or after is the best way to prepare.

So, to quote Ted Lasso, it's time to "be a goldfish". Be a goldfish and travel to Anfield on Saturday (eek!).

Find more from Richard Woodward at the Blue Monday Podcast, external

Tottenham are considering a move for Ipswich striker Liam Delap this month but could face competition from Chelsea. (Teamtalk), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

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We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's Premier League game between Ipswich Town and Manchester City.

Here are some of your comments:

Ipswich fans:

Matt: I expected us to lose, of course, but there is losing and there is total humiliation - which this was. We are simply nowhere near good enough. No team should ever lose by six at home. Why didn't we just defend second half? Total embarrassment. Bet Philogene is already regretting signing…

James: City have the potential to do that to any team. It always felt like a damage limitation exercise from the moment they got the first goal. However, we need to keep positive and hope Town can pull through. It showed the gulf in class between the top and bottom.

Joseph: Can't say anything because I am speechless - though I am concerned for our future goal difference, which may be crucial in May. We just need to do better than Wolves for the rest of the season!

Man City fans:

John: City (the lion) have woken and the beast is starting is starting to roar! All you naysayers who stated we were finished be prepared to eat your words!

Kieran: City's win looks really good on the surface but there is still a lot to improve. By City's own standards they are still short but it looks like they are slowly unlocking it again.

Stephen: Let's not get too to carried away - remember who we were playing. Very good performance but still along way to go.

Highlights and analysis from Sunday's four Premier League fixtures, plus the best of the action from the rest of the weekend.

If you missed Match of the Day 2, catch up now on BBC iPlayer.

And you can watch Saturday's Match of the Day here.

Listen back to the weekend's full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Brentford 0-2 Liverpool

• Aston Villa 2-2 Arsenal

• Everton 3-2 Tottenham

• Man Utd 1-3 Brighton

• Ipswich 0-6 Man City

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Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna, speaking to BBC Match of the Day after today's defeat: "Painful game for us. Beaten by a world-class side and they were too good for us. Positives the early parts of the game, but after the first goal they hit top form and top confidence - we weren't able to find a response.

"They were outstanding and when that's the case the gulf between us was too much on the day. Once they got the first goal they played really well, our confidence did drop and they caused us a lot of promise individually.

"The players showed some good character in the last 25 minutes. In a difficult moment in the last 20 minutes they regrouped well. We had to take our medicine and work hard to stop Man City."

On the Ipswich fans: "The supporters were fantastic as well. They were outstanding, and we are so grateful for the reception at the end - they know how hard we are working.

"The payers are working hard and they know we have climbed a mountain really quickly. There is going to be some difficult days are we don't use that as an excuse.

"We are grateful for the way they stuck with us. On Monday we get the group in, and we need to analyse the things we need to do better and then it is on to Liverpool.

"Liverpool away is as good as what's out there."