Southampton FC vs Ipswich Town FC, English Premier League 2024-25, Today Match Prediction

Southampton FC vs Ipswich Town FC Match Prediction & Analysis

Russell Martin’s Southampton and Kieran McKenna’s Ipswich Town are preparing to meet head-to-head at St. Mary’s Stadium, this Saturday at 7:30 pm IST.  Southampton lost their previous match 3-0 to Manchester United. On the other hand, Ipswich Town’ drew their last match against Brighton Hove Albion. 

Current Standings: Southampton are currently in the second worst position, at 19th, with no wins, four losses and a goal differential of -7. Meanwhile, the Tractor Boys are at the 17th position with two losses and two draws and a goal differential of -5. 

Head to Head Record: Both Southampton and Ipswich Town have played 10 matches together in the Premier League. Ipswich Town have a dominant record by winning 5 of these games (3 home and 2 away) with Southampton winning a total of 3 (2 home and 1 away). Apart from this, 2 matches resulted in a draw.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Southampton FC Preview

Among the three newly promoted teams, Southampton has had the most difficult time in the Premier League thus far. The Saints showed promise in the first few rounds, fighting hard against Newcastle and Nottingham Forest. However, things went poorly from there, as it suffered defeats by conceding six totals across two games. 

Last season's EFL Championship saw the Saints score 87 goals and concede 63. Their strategy was simple: score more than the opposition at the expense of conceding. 

However, that hasn't worked in the Premier League thus far, as they've scored one goal in four games and conceded eight, for an xGA of 10.19. Russell Martin should reassess his attack-at-the-cost-of-defence plan. Furthermore, they will be missing captain Jack Stephens, who was sent off in their previous game.

Gavin Bazunu, Kamaldeen Sulemana, and William Smallbone are expected to miss the Ipswich game due to injury, while centre-back Jack Stephens is suspended. With Stephens out, Harwood-Bellis might come into the starting 11.

Stats that matter 

Southampton are ranked 3rd in ball possession with 62.5% averaging 12 shots per game. The Saints score an average of 0.25 goals per match with a shooting accuracy of 31%. Yukinari Sugawara is the top scorer with one goal. The team averages 4.5 saves per game, the third best in the season. They have conceded an average of 2 goals per match.  

Southampton Starting Lineup: A.Ramsdale (GK); K.Walker-Peters, Harwood-Bellis, Y.Sugawara, J.Bednarek (Defenders); F.Downes, B.Brereton, M.Fernandes, L.Ugochukwu, T.Dibling (Midfielders); C.Archer (Forward)

Ipswich Town FC Preview

In contrast to the Saints, Ipswich Town has enjoyed a good start to the season, despite losing their first two games. In their last two games, the Tractor Boys have managed to draw with Fulham and Brighton. Unlike the Saints, the Tractor Boys have shown indications of improvement and are looking good ahead of their match on Saturday. 

After the first four rounds, Ipswich has managed to score the fewest number of shots in the first half (9) across four games and has managed only one shot in two away games, the goal from Sammie Szmodics in the Fulham game. 

Tactics 

Kireran McKenna plays conservatively away from home. It's defence first, then offence. In contrast, Southampton's attack comes at the expense of conceding. In a way, Southampton's strategy will benefit Ipswich, and all they have to do is wait until the proper moment. In that situation, Leif Davis, Hutchinson, and Liam Delap will be critical players. 

Harry Clarke, Nathan Broadhead, and Janoi Donacien are all slated to miss the trip to St. Mary's this weekend owing to injuries.

Stats that matter 

Ipswich Town are ranked last in ball possession with 35% averaging 6.2 shots per game. The Tractor Boys score an average of 0.50 goals per match with a shooting accuracy of 32%. Both Liam Delap and Sammie Szmodics have scored one goal a piece with an average of 3.2 saves per game, the ninth best in the season. They have conceded an average of 1.75 goals per match.  

Ipswich Town Starting Lineup: A.Muric (GK); L.Davis, J.Greaves, D.O’Shea, A. Tuanzebe (Defenders); S.Morsy, W.Burns, K. Philips, O.Hutchinson, S. Szmodics (Midfielders); L.Delap (Forward)

SOUTHAMPTON FC vs IPSWICH TOWN FC
Winning Prediction

Both teams competed in the EFL Championship last season, with Ipswich Town winning both close games 3-2 and 1-0. One of these games, at St. Mary's Stadium, had a final score of 1-0. However, Southampton has not lost two consecutive home games against Ipswich Town since April 1980.

We are going against the odds this time as we expect Ipswich Town to win or draw, given their performance this season.

Ipswich Town to win (0-1)

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