Ipswich vs Crystal Palace Preview

• Draw
• Over 1.5 goals

Ipswich Town host Crystal Palace at Portman Road in a crucial Premier League clash, with both teams locked in a battle to escape the relegation zone.

This matchup has a “six-pointer” feel, as both sides sit level on points, making the result pivotal for their respective campaigns.

Ipswich Town: Struggling at Home

Ipswich’s season hit another low with a 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest, halting a three-match unbeaten run (W1, D2). The Tractor Boys remain rooted in the relegation zone, desperately needing to rediscover the form that briefly lifted their spirits.

Home form has been a major issue for Ipswich, as they are yet to win at Portman Road this season (D4, L2).

Scoring just five goals in six home games underscores their attacking struggles. However, there is a glimmer of hope, as Ipswich are unbeaten in their last four top-flight home matches against London clubs (W2, D2).

Omari Hutchinson could be key for Ipswich, as the young forward has shown a knack for scoring at pivotal moments. With four of his last five goals coming between the 40th and 50th minutes, his ability to strike around halftime could be crucial in unsettling Palace.

Crystal Palace: Searching for Consistency

Crystal Palace’s season has been marked by frustrating draws, including a late 1-1 stalemate against Newcastle in their last outing.

Despite securing points from three of their last four games, Palace have managed just one league win all season (D6, L6), leaving them in a precarious position.

Their away form mirrors Ipswich’s home woes, as Palace are yet to win on the road this term (D3, L3).

However, their success against newly-promoted sides last season, including two away wins, offers some optimism. Breaking their December curse—having failed to win their first game of the month for three consecutive years—will also be on their agenda.

Marc Guéhi could be an unexpected goal threat for Palace. The defender has scored three Premier League goals on the road, including two this season, and could capitalize on Ipswich’s defensive frailties.

Key Battles

Omari Hutchinson vs Palace’s Defense

Hutchinson’s pace and timing could trouble Palace’s backline, especially during transition moments around halftime. Palace’s defensive organization will need to be sharp to nullify his influence.

Marc Guéhi vs Ipswich’s Set-Piece Defense

Guéhi’s aerial threat and ability to score from set pieces make him a danger for Ipswich. The home side must be disciplined in their marking to avoid conceding from dead-ball situations.

Tactical Analysis

Ipswich will likely aim to stay compact defensively and look for opportunities to strike on the counterattack. Hutchinson’s pace and creative spark will be central to their attacking efforts.

Palace, under Roy Hodgson’s pragmatic approach, will look to control possession and create chances through wide play, with Wilfried Zaha and Eberechi Eze providing attacking thrust. Set pieces could also play a significant role, especially with Guéhi’s scoring record on the road.

Prediction: Ipswich Town 1-1 Crystal Palace

Given the struggles of both sides, a closely contested draw seems likely. Ipswich’s inability to convert home games into wins and Palace’s road struggles may cancel each other out in a tense affair.

Expect Hutchinson to play a key role for Ipswich, while Guéhi might once again deliver for Palace from a set piece. Both teams will likely see this as a missed opportunity to pull clear of the relegation zone.

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Ipswich v Crystal Palace, 2024/25 | Premier League