Ipswich vs Bournemouth Preview
- Draw or Bournemouth win
- Over 1.5 goals
This weekend, Ipswich Town welcomes Bournemouth to Portman Road for their first-ever top-flight meeting. Both teams have contrasting fortunes heading into the game.
Ipswich will look to climb out of the relegation zone, while Bournemouth aims to maintain their momentum in the top half of the table. Here’s a detailed preview of the clash.
Ipswich Town: Searching for Home Comfort
Ipswich Town’s struggles continued midweek with a 1-0 loss to Crystal Palace, leaving them rooted in the bottom three after two straight defeats. Manager Kieran McKenna acknowledged the need for improvement as his side extended their winless league run to three matches (D1, L2).
Home form has been a significant issue for Ipswich this season, as they remain the only Premier League team yet to secure a home victory (D4, L3).
This poor start at Portman Road is reminiscent of their 2018/19 Championship campaign when they went ten home games without a win. Despite being competitive, the Tractor Boys have struggled to convert performances into points, adding pressure to this crucial fixture.
Bournemouth: Riding High with Confidence
Bournemouth arrives at Portman Road in high spirits following impressive back-to-back league victories.
After a thrilling 4-2 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers, the Cherries secured a narrow 1-0 victory against Tottenham Hotspur midweek, with teenage sensation Dean Huijsen scoring the winner.
Andoni Iraola’s side now aims to string together consecutive away wins in the league for the first time this calendar year. However, the Cherries will need to overcome a mixed record at Portman Road, where their last three league visits have ended in score draws.
Although, Iraola’s men can draw some confidence in the fact that they have beaten a host of big sides this season, inclusive of the reigning champions Manchester City, Arsenal and most recently Tottenham.
On the flip side though, Bournemouth have struggled with Sunday fixtures, winning just one of their last six Premier League matches played on this day (L5).
Key Players to Watch
Leif Davis (Ipswich Town)
Left-back Leif Davis has been one of Ipswich’s few bright spots in front of their home crowd. He is one of only three Ipswich players to score at Portman Road this season, and all of his last five goals for the club have come at home.
Davis’s offensive contribution from the back could be pivotal in breaking Ipswich’s winless home streak.
Justin Kluivert (Bournemouth)
For Bournemouth, Justin Kluivert has been in sparkling form, especially on the road. The Dutch forward has netted four goals in his last two league away matches, including a penalty hat-trick against Wolves.
Remarkably, four of Kluivert’s five goals this season have come from the penalty spot, making him a reliable option in high-pressure moments.
Tactical Insights
Ipswich Town’s Strategy
Kieran McKenna will likely focus on tightening the defense while seeking to capitalise on set-pieces and counterattacks.
Given their poor home record, Ipswich needs a strong start to gain confidence and put pressure on Bournemouth’s backline.
Bournemouth’s Game Plan
Andoni Iraola will look to leverage his team’s attacking depth, with Kluivert leading the charge.
Bournemouth’s recent success from the penalty spot and Huijsen’s rise in defense give them a balanced setup. Expect the Cherries to press high and exploit Ipswich’s defensive vulnerabilities.
Match Prediction
Ipswich’s struggles at home and Bournemouth’s newfound momentum make this a challenging fixture for the Tractor Boys. While Ipswich will be desperate for a win, Bournemouth’s clinical form on the road could see them edge this contest.
Ipswich Town 1-2 Bournemouth
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Ipswich v Bournemouth, 2024/25 | Premier League