Ipswich vs Southampton Preview

• Ipswich to win
• Under 0.5 goals for Southampton

The bottom two sides in the Premier League go head-to-head this weekend as Ipswich Town host Southampton in a relegation six-pointer.

While Ipswich still have a fighting chance of survival, Southampton look increasingly doomed to an immediate return to the Championship. With both sides desperate for points, this fixture could prove decisive in shaping the relegation battle.

Ipswich Town: Fighting to Stay Afloat

For Ipswich, their return to the Premier League has been a challenging one, and they come into this fixture still stuck in the bottom three.

A run of three consecutive defeats has seen them struggle defensively, conceding a worrying 12 goals in that time, including a heavy 4-1 defeat to Liverpool last time out.

Despite their recent struggles, Kieran McKenna’s side still has hope, sitting ten points ahead of their opponents and well within reach of safety.

Encouragingly, Ipswich have a solid recent record against Southampton, remaining unbeaten in their last four league head-to-heads (W2, D2).

This includes a 3-2 victory in this exact fixture last season in the Championship, something McKenna will be eager to replicate.

Southampton: Rooted to the Bottom

Southampton’s season has been historically bad. Their tally of just six points from 23 matches (W1, D3, L19) is the worst in Premier League history at this stage of a campaign, even surpassing the infamous Derby County team of 2007/08, who had managed seven points at this stage.

A managerial change hasn’t changed their fortunes, with Ivan Jurić losing all six of his matches since replacing Russell Martin in December.

That run has seen him become only the second manager in Premier League history to lose their first six games in charge. If Southampton lose again, it will mark the first time in their league history that they have suffered seven consecutive defeats.

With relegation now looking all but certain, the Saints are playing for pride, but with confidence at an all-time low, turning things around at Portman Road will be a huge challenge.

Key Battles

Leif Davis vs Southampton’s Defence

Ipswich’s Leif Davis was a standout performer in this fixture last season, scoring and assisting in their 3-2 win. The full-back’s ability to get forward and deliver dangerous balls into the box could be key in breaking down Southampton’s leaky defence.

Adam Armstrong vs Ipswich’s Backline

Adam Armstrong was also on the scoresheet in this fixture last season, but he is yet to score an away goal this season. With Southampton desperate for attacking inspiration, Armstrong will need to step up and find a way to trouble Ipswich’s defence.

Tactical Insights

Ipswich’s Approach

Ipswich are likely to take the initiative in this match, dominating possession and looking to exploit Southampton’s fragile defence.

Kieran McKenna will want his side to press high and create chances through wide play, using Leif Davis and Wes Burns to deliver crosses into the box.

Southampton’s Strategy

Southampton must find a way to tighten up defensively while still carrying an attacking threat. Jurić will likely set up his side to counter-attack, relying on Armstrong and Kamaldeen Sulemana’s pace to exploit Ipswich’s defensive vulnerabilities.

Head-to-Head Record

• Recent Meetings: Ipswich are unbeaten in the last four league meetings (W2, D2).
• Last Season: Ipswich won this fixture 3-2 in the Championship.

Predictions and Final Thoughts

Ipswich’s superior form and home advantage make them favourites for this clash. Southampton’s dreadful record and lack of confidence suggest another tough outing for Jurić’s side.

Predicted Scoreline: Ipswich Town 2-0 Southampton

With Southampton looking increasingly doomed, Ipswich have a golden opportunity to claim a crucial three points in their fight for survival. Expect the hosts to take full advantage against a struggling Saints side.

Conclusion

This relegation battle at Portman Road carries huge significance. Ipswich will be desperate to capitalise on Southampton’s woeful form, while the Saints must find a way to stop their losing streak.

With both teams struggling defensively, this could be a nervy encounter, but Ipswich should have the edge in front of their home crowd.

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Ipswich v Southampton, 2024/25 | Premier League