Newcastle vs Ipswich Preview

• Newcastle to win
• Over 2.5 goals

As the Premier League season draws towards its conclusion, all eyes turn to the top-five tussle that will decide UEFA Champions League qualification. With both title and relegation battles looking settled, the spotlight is firmly on clubs like Newcastle United, who are battling for a return to Europe’s top table.

After a heavy 4-1 defeat to Aston Villa last time out, the Magpies will be desperate to bounce back against a struggling Ipswich side staring down the barrel of relegation.

St James’ Park Fortress a Key Weapon

Despite last weekend’s setback at Villa Park, Newcastle had won six successive games across all competitions prior to that defeat, and they’ll now look to re-establish that momentum in front of their home fans. Eddie Howe’s men boast an imperious recent record at St James’ Park, having won their last four Premier League games at the venue.

Even more impressive is their attacking output—Newcastle have scored four or more goals in their last two home league games, and another high-scoring display here would see them achieve that feat in three straight top-flight home matches for the first time since 1994. Given they won the reverse fixture 4-0, confidence will be high in the Magpies’ camp that they can produce a similar performance against one of the division’s weakest sides.

Ipswich Staring into the Abyss

The stakes couldn’t be higher for Ipswich Town, who could see their relegation to the Championship officially confirmed depending on other results. Even a rare victory might not be enough to delay the inevitable if West Ham avoid defeat against Brighton. Kieran McKenna’s side have won just once in the league since the turn of the year and were comprehensively outclassed by Arsenal in a 4-0 defeat last week, in a game where they managed just four shots—the fifth time this season they’ve failed to muster five efforts on goal.

It has become increasingly clear that Ipswich are simply out of their depth at this level. Their poor shot numbers and record of dropping points from winning positions—27 in total, a Premier League-high—have contributed significantly to their downfall. A visit to one of the league’s most prolific home teams is hardly the ideal fixture for a side trying to summon a miracle escape.

Head-to-Head History Favouring the Hosts

Newcastle have enjoyed the upper hand in this fixture historically and are unbeaten in their last 11 league home games against Ipswich (W6, D5). The last time the Tractor Boys secured a league win at St James’ Park was back in 1963, and they haven’t done the double over Newcastle in a single league season since 1973/74.

Considering the gulf in form, league standing, and quality, it’s no surprise that the Toon Army are heavily fancied to extend Ipswich’s misery. Newcastle will also be motivated to ensure they stay inside the top five, with competition intensifying and Champions League football still very much within reach.

Players to Watch

Alexander Isak (Newcastle)

The Swedish striker has been a thorn in the side of newly-promoted teams, scoring 15 goals in just 14 matches against them.

He netted a hat-trick in the reverse fixture against Ipswich and could be pivotal again, especially at home where he thrives under pressure.

Liam Delap (Ipswich)

With Ipswich in desperate need of a spark, Kieran McKenna could recall Delap to the starting XI.

The young forward has found the net six times in his last nine away appearances, and if anyone can trouble Newcastle’s defence, it may be him.

Hot Stat

Newcastle have conceded from the first shot on target they’ve faced in ten Premier League matches this season. That could offer a glimmer of hope for Ipswich—if they can start strongly and take their first chance, they might give themselves a platform, however fragile, to build on.

Prediction: All Signs Point to Another Home Rout

The contrasting fortunes of these two sides could not be starker. Newcastle, despite their blip at Villa, remain one of the most dangerous attacking outfits in the league at home. Ipswich, on the other hand, have been porous at the back, toothless up front, and are likely to succumb to the inevitable drop with another defeat here.

Prediction: Newcastle 4-0 Ipswich

A repeat of the reverse fixture feels highly plausible, especially if the hosts score early and Ipswich’s fragile confidence crumbles under the pressure.

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Newcastle v Ipswich, 2024/25 | Premier League