Ipswich vs Everton Preview

• Draw or Ipswich win
• Delap to score

Ipswich’s Search for a First Win in the Top-Flight

Ipswich Town return to Portman Road still searching for their first win since their return to the Premier League.

Currently sitting just one place above the relegation zone (D4, L3), Ipswich have managed to draw four of their last five matches, hinting at a side gradually adjusting to the demands of top-flight football.

However, Kieran McKenna’s men will be desperate to break their winless streak and avoid setting an unwanted club record of going eight games without a victory at the start of a top-flight campaign.

Ipswich have some positive historical markers to lean on as they head into this match. They have beaten Everton in three of the last four Premier League meetings (D1), though it’s worth noting that their last win came way back in 2002.

If they can build on their improved performances, they may find a way to clinch a vital three points that could prove crucial later in the season.

Everton’s Improving Form and Away Struggles

Everton are beginning to show signs of improvement after a slow start to the season, with an opportunity to go four Premier League games unbeaten (W1, D2) for the first time since May.

A goalless draw against Newcastle in their last outing provided a much-needed clean sheet for Sean Dyche’s side, which will have been a confidence boost given their defensive struggles earlier in the campaign.

Despite those encouraging signs, Everton have conceded 15 goals, the joint second-most in the division ahead of this round, underlining the need for further defensive solidity.

Away form remains a significant concern for Everton, who have failed to win any of their last 14 league games on the road (D5, L9). It’s a worrying trend for Dyche, especially with the club’s new owners watching closely.

Only twice before in their Premier League history have the Toffees endured longer winless runs away from home (19 games in December 1997 and 16 games in December 2017), and they’ll be determined to avoid extending that unwanted streak.

Key Players to Watch

Liam Delap (Ipswich)

Delap has been Ipswich’s standout attacking player of late, scoring three goals in his last two appearances. Known for his quick starts, two of those goals came inside the opening ten minutes, making him a key threat early in the match as Ipswich looked to establish control.

Iliman Ndiaye (Everton)

Ndiaye gave Everton fans a scare over the international break when he left the pitch injured after setting up a goal for Senegal against Malawi. However, he’s been declared fit and is expected to feature against Ipswich.

Ndiaye found the net in Everton’s last away game at Leicester, and his ability to create and score will be essential if the Toffees are to end their winless run on the road.

Conclusion

Ipswich will view this match as a prime opportunity to finally secure their first win of the campaign, drawing on their recent resilience and a favourable H2H record against Everton.

Meanwhile, the Toffees will be determined to build on their recent positive performances and address their lingering away struggles. With both teams in search of vital points, this could be a tightly contested match with much at stake.

Prediction: A hard-fought draw seems likely, with Ipswich edging closer to a breakthrough win but Everton’s resilience on the road allowing them to take a point.

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Ipswich v Everton, 2024/25 | Premier League