Leicester vs Ipswich Preview
- Draw or Leicester win
- Over 2.5 goals
Although both Leicester City and Ipswich Town have already had their fate sealed with relegation from the Premier League, there remains one last subplot to follow before the curtain falls on their respective 2024/25 campaigns. With just one round of fixtures remaining after this encounter, Saturday’s meeting at the King Power Stadium is no dead rubber – not when Premier League merit payments are involved.
There is an estimated £2.8 million difference in prize money between finishing 18th and 19th in the Premier League standings, and both clubs will be keen to claim the marginally more respectable spot, if not just for the financial boost, then to leave the top flight with a small consolation.
Leicester enter this fixture with the edge, holding 18th place courtesy of a slightly improved run of form that has seen them earn five points from their last five matches. That includes a 2-0 home win over Southampton in their most recent outing at the King Power Stadium, followed by a spirited 2-2 draw away to Nottingham Forest, which had significant implications for the hosts’ UEFA Champions League qualification hopes.
A Revival of Spirit for the Foxes
Manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, who has yet to confirm whether he will remain at the helm next season, has earned credit for rallying his players in recent weeks. Following confirmation of their relegation, he called for his side to shift their mentality and aim to finish strong. In his own words after the Forest match, he “couldn’t thank the players enough” for embracing that narrative shift.
That rejuvenated mindset could serve Leicester well in what will be their final Premier League home game for at least a season, and possibly also the last home appearance for several familiar faces in blue, including veteran striker Jamie Vardy. The 38-year-old is poised to make his 500th appearance for the club and has scored six of his nine goals this season at the King Power, making him one to watch in what could be an emotional farewell.
Leicester’s recent performances at home have been one of the few bright spots in a dismal campaign. They’ve netted twice in each of their last two matches on home turf, and though defensive issues remain – having managed just two clean sheets in the league all season – the hosts have looked much sharper going forward in recent weeks.
Ipswich Still Seeking a Silver Lining
On the other hand, Ipswich Town arrive at the King Power with little momentum. Their 1-0 loss to Brentford last time out marked their 12th league defeat of 2025, with just one win coming from 17 Premier League outings in the calendar year (D4, L12). That form underscores why their long-awaited return to the top flight lasted just a single season, yet boss Kieran McKenna has been assured of his position beyond the summer, and he remains focused on ending the season with some pride.
McKenna has spoken repeatedly about the importance of playing with professionalism and intensity until the final whistle of the campaign, and there have been small signs of progress in performances, even if the results haven’t followed. Their away record offers some encouragement, with all three of their Premier League wins this term coming on the road, including two 2-1 victories in the second half of the season.
Ipswich will take heart from the reverse fixture against Leicester back in November, when they fought to a 1-1 draw. While they haven’t scored in any of their last two matches, the team’s ability to rise to the occasion in select away games – particularly against fellow strugglers – suggests they might still have one last surprise in them.
Players to Watch
Jamie Vardy will command the spotlight as he prepares to mark his 500th appearance in a Leicester shirt. The club legend has scored twice in his last four outings and could be motivated to sign off at the King Power with a goal in front of the home fans.
Ipswich will be pinning their attacking hopes on Julio Enciso, who has shown flashes of quality in a difficult campaign.
The 20-year-old forward scored the opening goal in two of Ipswich’s last three away matches and could again be the difference-maker if the visitors are to break down Leicester’s backline.
Hot Stat
Leicester and Ipswich share an unenviable record this season – both sides have kept just two clean sheets in the Premier League, the joint-worst tally in the division.
Prediction: Leicester 2-1 Ipswich
With their form trending slightly upwards and the added emotional weight of a final home appearance for club legends like Vardy, Leicester may have the edge here. Ipswich could offer resistance, but their inability to convert promising phases into points may cost them again. Expect a competitive but open encounter as both teams look to end a dismal campaign with something to show for it.
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Leicester v Ipswich, 2024/25 | Premier League