Ipswich Town column: Belief Kieran McKenna’s side can get something against Liverpool as Kalvin Phillips deal draws closer

Liverpool at Portman Road. It's still hard to believe really. But come Saturday lunchtime, Town will need to turn any disbelief into reality and show the world exactly who we are again. 'You'll never walk alone' will be the cry from those in red, but I can assure you those in blue will be doing everything they can to make it as hostile and veracious as they possibly can for them.

I fancy us to get something on Saturday. Is that me just being blinded by excitement? Or the fact we're heading into the unknown? No. It's because this group have given us so many magical moments over the past two-and-a-half years and you always get the feeling that another one is round the corner.

Kieran McKenna will have done his homework. This particular piece is probably the toughest he's had to do yet, but we'll have a plan. We'll be prepared and there will be a meticulous, carefully-thought structure going into this game - and the other 37 for that matter.

I cannot wait and again, do think we might get something. Will that be three points? I'm not sure. But I could see us getting one and introducing Arne Slot and the remaining 18 managers in this league that you're not going to have it easy against a Kieran McKenna side this season.

There's been a lot of external noise around us recently, with people such as Paul Scholes predicting a 12th-placed finish! I'm not sure about that but as I've said before, you never quite know with this group.

I think we'll stay up and could see us starting well, before having the customary, usual blip in the winter and then finishing the season strong to get us over the line.

In order to do that though, it's clear we need more reinforcements. I'm surprised we haven't signed anybody else by now. The Sammie Szmodics drama has gone on far too long and I do think we may have to get through Liverpool and Manchester City first before we're exactly where we want to be.

Town need four or five more for me. The obvious areas, like central midfield and left wing, need addressing and I do think we need another striker. I also wouldn't be surprised if another centre half is bought in, as I get the feeling McKenna could revert to a back three this season.

Kalvin Phillips and Jens Cajuste are apparently next to come through the door. Two midfielders. But two midfielders with real quality and pedigree. I can't say I know too much about Jens, but I've seen Kalvin play enough times to know there's some real talent there.

There's no doubt 'KP' has lost his way in recent times. But if there's one manager who can get him firing again, also backed by a medical team who have a pretty decent track record of sorting 'injury-prone players out' - it's this one.

You can't believe it can you - Kalvin Phillips! I really do hope that one comes off.

However, even then, we're not exactly where we want to be. But is anyone? It's been a slow market all round and as I said last week, I do think our business could still be being completed right until the very last hour.

Will we get there? I hope so. As if we don't, then the already tall order of staying in this division, will be even harder.

But, this group is magical. The manager is out of this world, so you can't help but trust the group to make us proud, whatever happens.

Saturday awaits. Dreams are being made. But let's show the world that Ipswich Town Football Club, deserve to be here.