Ipswich vs. Southampton Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 1 February 2025 - bettingexpert
The clash between Ipswich and Southampton at Portman Road on 1 February 2025 is set to be a vital bottom-of-the-table encounter in the Premier League. Both teams are entrenched in the relegation zone, with Ipswich sitting 19th on 16 points and Southampton currently 20th with a mere 6 points. With both sides desperate for a win, this match holds considerable significance in their battle for survival.
Ipswich, managed by Kieran McKenna, has shown glimpses of potential, notably during their 3-0 win against Bristol Rovers. Southampton, under Ivan Jurić, has struggled, failing to win in their last 13 league matches. Recent form suggests Ipswich has an edge, making them the bookmakers’ favourites.
Referee Michael Oliver will oversee this match; noteworthy for his relatively lenient carding record, which might influence the gameplay.
With Southampton conceding the most goals between 76-90 minutes this season, it’s critical for them to maintain focus until the end. Following our match tips, a recommended bet would be an Ipswich win, reflecting their more stable recent form and home advantage.
Ipswich vs Southampton Prediction & Betting Tip
Our recommended betting tip for this crucial Premier League fixture is to back Ipswich for the win. Ipswich has demonstrated more stable form recently and benefits from home advantage at Portman Road.
| Ipswich vs Southampton Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting Tip | Odds |
| Ipswich to Win | 1.95 |
- Ipswich has shown solid home performances and attacking intensity, highlighted by their 3-0 win against Bristol Rovers.
- Southampton has been struggling significantly, sitting at the bottom of the league table with 13 consecutive matches without a win.
- Home advantage and a cohesive game plan favor Ipswich, making them the bookmakers’ favorites for this encounter.
Ipswich vs Southampton Odds
The odds for this Premier League clash position Ipswich as the favourites to clinch a victory at Portman Road. Considering both teams’ current form, the betting odds reflect the home advantage and the recent performance of each team.
| Ipswich vs Southampton Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Ipswich | 1.94 |
| Draw | 3.60 |
| Southampton | 3.81 |
Ipswich has shown solid home performances, injecting confidence into their squad despite recent struggles. The bookmakers’ odds favour Ipswich due to their more stable form and attacking intensity.
Southampton, on the other hand, faces an uphill battle, having not won in their last 13 matches, which is reflected in their higher odds.
Ipswich Team Analysis
Ipswich Recent Performance
Ipswich has had a challenging recent run, as reflected in their form of LLLWD:
| Ipswich | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Liverpool | Ipswich | 4-1 (Loss) |
| Ipswich | Manchester City | 0-6 (Loss) |
| Ipswich | Brighton | 0-2 (Loss) |
| Ipswich | Bristol Rovers | 3-0 (Win) |
| Fulham | Ipswich | 2-2 (Draw) |
Ipswich has struggled recently, with only one win out of their last five matches. However, they have shown promise at home, particularly with a convincing 3-0 victory against Bristol Rovers. Their average goals scored over this period is 1.20, demonstrating occasional attacking prowess despite recent difficulties.
The team managed to keep one clean sheet in their last five outings, suggesting room for defensive improvement. This inconsistent performance needs to stabilize if they aim to climb out of the relegation zone.
Ipswich Key Players
Ipswich will be banking on their top performers to secure a crucial win. Leading the charge up front is Liam Delap, their top scorer with 8 goals and 2 assists this season. His prowess in front of goal makes him indispensable to Ipswich’s attack and one to watch.
The midfield will be anchored by Sam Morsy and likely Kalvin Phillips, who add tenacity and creativity. Expect to see Wes Burns playing at right-back, contributing both defensively and offensively.
Expected lineup for Ipswich:
- Goalkeeper: Christian Walton
- Defenders: Wes Burns, Axel Tuanzebe, Dara O’Shea, Jacob Greaves, Leif Davis
- Midfielders: Omari Hutchinson, Sam Morsy, Jens Cajuste, Jaden Philogene
- Forward: Liam Delap
Keep an eye on the duel between Delap and Southampton’s defensive stalwart, Jan Bednarek.
Ipswich Suspensions & Injuries
Ipswich Town have several injury concerns that could impact their performance against Southampton. Notably, Janoi Donacien and Chiedozie Ogbene are sidelined, reducing depth in the defensive and midfield areas. Conor Chaplin and Samuel Szmodics are close to returning, which could provide a boost if they get fit in time.
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Janoi Donacien | Groin injury | Unknown |
| Chiedozie Ogbene | Achilles tendon injury | Early May 2025 |
| Conor Chaplin | Knee injury | Early February 2025 |
| Samuel Szmodics | Strain injury | Early February 2025 |
These absences can affect Kieran McKenna’s ability to rotate players and maintain a balanced squad, particularly in high-pressure situations.
Ipswich Tactics and Formation
Ipswich Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Key Forward: Liam Delap, fast becoming Chelsea’s potential transfer target
- Midfield Trio: Omari Hutchinson (right), Sam Morsy (central), Jens Cajuste (left)
- Defensive Strength: The inclusion of Axel Tuanzebe adds a needed layer of experience.
- Notable Strategy: Transitioning swiftly from defense to attack through the wings.
Ipswich under Kieran McKenna has embraced a balanced yet dynamic approach. The 4-2-3-1 formation should be stable with Sam Morsy anchoring the midfield.
Liam Delap remains pivotal up front, offering a goal-scoring threat as highlighted by his 8 goals this season.
The defense, with Tuanzebe and O’Shea, will aim to stay compact, providing a solid base to launch quick counters, primarily down the flanks through Hutchinson and Philogene.
Southampton Team Analysis
Southampton Recent Performance
Let’s dive into Southampton’s recent performances. Ivan Jurić’s side is struggling at the bottom of the Premier League, with recent results not painting a rosy picture:
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Southampton | Newcastle | 1-3 (Loss) |
| Nottingham Forest | Southampton | 3-2 (Loss) |
| Manchester United | Southampton | 3-1 (Loss) |
| Southampton | Swansea | 3-0 (Win) |
| Southampton | Brentford | 0-5 (Loss) |
They’ve managed to score an average of 1.40 goals per game in the last five matches, but keeping only one clean sheet during this period highlights their defensive issues.
The lone bright spot was a solid 3-0 win against Swansea. However, conceding regularly, particularly late in games, remains a problem for Southampton.
Southampton Key Players
Southampton’s key players will be instrumental in their efforts to climb off the bottom of the table. Cameron Archer, with 2 goals as their top scorer, is expected to lead the attack alongside Paul Onuachu and Adam Armstrong. Their combined speed and physical presence could trouble Ipswich’s defenders.
Expected lineup for Southampton:
- Goalkeeper: Alex McCarthy
- Defenders: James Bree, Jan Bednarek, Taylor Harwood-Bellis
- Midfielders: Kyle Walker-Peters, Lesley Ugochukwu, Joe Aribo, Ryan Manning, Mateus Fernandes
- Attackers: Paul Onuachu, Adam Armstrong
Key individual battles to watch:
- Paul Onuachu vs Axel Tuanzebe
- Joe Aribo vs Sam Morsy
Southampton Suspensions & Injuries
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Gavin Bazunu | Achilles tendon injury | Mid February 2025 |
| Ross Stewart | Calf Injury | Doubtful |
| Jack Stephens | Muscle injury | Early February 2025 |
| Tyler Dibling | Ankle injury | Late February 2025 |
Southampton is dealing with several key injuries, which could severely impact their performance against Ipswich. Gavin Bazunu’s long-term Achilles tendon injury means they will miss his reliability in goal. Ross Stewart is doubtful with his calf injury, while Jack Stephens’ muscle injury and Tyler Dibling’s ankle issue are expected to keep them sidelined until mid to late February.
Given these absences, Southampton will need to rely on backup players to step up. With a shaky defence due to these injuries and their tendency to concede goals late in matches, their task of securing points will be even more challenging.
Southampton Tactics and Formation
Southampton Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 3-4-1-2
- Key Forwards: Paul Onuachu, Adam Armstrong
- Midfield Unit: Lesley Ugochukwu, Joe Aribo, Mateus Fernandes
- Defensive Setup: James Bree, Jan Bednarek, Taylor Harwood-Bellis
Southampton’s recent strategy revolves around a 3-4-1-2 formation, aimed at leveraging their wide players and emphasizing a central attacking presence with Paul Onuachu and Adam Armstrong up front. The midfield quartet provides both defensive cover and links to the forwards, with Mateus Fernandes often tasked with creative playmaking duties just behind the strikers. Despite having a relatively stable formation, Southampton’s defense has been shaky, conceding heavily in recent matches. To secure points, they will need to tighten up at the back and look to strike on the counter-attack.
Ipswich vs Southampton Head-to-Head Statistics
Here’s a quick look at the outcomes of the last five encounters between Ipswich and Southampton:
| Home | Away | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Southampton | Ipswich | 1-1 |
| Ipswich Town | Southampton | 3-2 |
| Southampton | Ipswich | 0-1 |
| Ipswich Town | Southampton | 0-1 |
| Southampton | Ipswich | 1-1 |
Ipswich has the upper hand in recent matches against Southampton. The last five games show Ipswich winning two, with two draws, and Southampton securing just one victory. This history suggests a competitive fixture, with Ipswich looking to continue their favorable form against the Saints.
Odds accurate as of 30/01/2025 18:33, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.
