Ipswich vs West Ham Preview
- West Ham to win
- Over 1.5 goals
The curtain comes down on Ipswich Town and their short-lived Premier League return as they welcome West Ham United to Portman Road on the final day of the 2024/25 campaign. While there’s no chance of survival for the already-relegated hosts, and little left to play for in terms of league position for either side, this fixture still carries significance in pride, planning, and the pursuit of a positive send-off.
After more than two decades out of the top flight, Ipswich’s long-awaited return has unfortunately ended in disappointment. Having officially confirmed their relegation last month, Kieran McKenna’s side has had ample time to begin preparing for next season’s Championship campaign. However, on-pitch fortunes haven’t improved since the drop was sealed, with the Tractor Boys winless in their last three outings (D1, L2), most recently falling 2-0 at Leicester in a battle of the bottom two.
The early relegation could provide some minor advantage heading into the off-season, allowing the club to regroup, assess its squad, and begin laying the foundations for an immediate promotion push in 2025/26. However, that won’t soften the disappointment of their dreadful home form, which has been one of the key factors in their demise. Ipswich have lost every Premier League home game in 2025 and have managed just one win at Portman Road all season (W1, D4, L13). Their supporters have witnessed a club-record 13 home league defeats this term, while the team has averaged over two goals conceded per home match.
Their record against West Ham doesn’t make for much better reading. Ipswich were convincingly beaten 4-1 in the reverse fixture back in October – a result that hinted at the struggles to come. And although they’ll be determined to end a bleak season on a positive note, recent form and historical head-to-heads suggest that may be a tall order.
Final Day Blues for the Hammers?
West Ham, meanwhile, have endured a thoroughly disappointing campaign of their own. A win at Old Trafford a few weeks ago briefly raised spirits, but it’s been an underwhelming season overall, and one that manager Graham Potter will hope to use as a learning experience. The Hammers arrive on the final day sitting only just above the relegated trio and knowing that defeat would see them register their worst final league position since the 2010/11 campaign when they were relegated.
The London club has shown worrying frailties throughout the campaign, particularly defensively. West Ham have conceded 90 goals in the calendar year of 2024 — the club’s worst defensive return in 57 years — while managing just three Premier League clean sheets since Potter took charge in January. Notably, all three of those shutouts have led to victories, underlining just how crucial defensive organisation remains for the Hammers to have any chance of success.
There is also the matter of recent end-of-season form. West Ham have lost their final league game in each of the last three campaigns and could make it four in a row for just the second time in club history. A win here would at least prevent that unwanted record, while also giving their fanbase something to cheer after a deeply forgettable season.
A Fixture with History
Though both sides find themselves at the wrong end of the table, the head-to-head history tilts firmly in West Ham’s favour. The Hammers have lost just once in the last 17 top-flight meetings with Ipswich (W10, D6), and they’ll take confidence from that strong record as they aim to end the campaign with some positivity.
Ipswich, on the other hand, haven’t beaten West Ham in the top flight since 2001, and their overall form in the fixture suggests an upset is unlikely, even with the home crowd backing them for one last time this season.
Key Players to Watch
Liam Delap remains Ipswich’s standout performer in what’s been a challenging campaign. The young striker has notched 12 goals this season and has drawn attention from clubs set to remain in the Premier League.
His pace, physicality, and finishing ability have shone through, even in a side that has struggled to create chances consistently. Delap also scored in the reverse fixture and will be eager to sign off with another goal before what may be a busy summer for his future.
For West Ham, Tomáš Souček has been one of the more consistent contributors, particularly in away fixtures.
The Czech international has scored in each of the Hammers’ last two away league games and has netted nine times overall this season, with six of those coming on the road. His ability to arrive late in the box and dominate aerial battles makes him a constant threat, especially against a vulnerable Ipswich backline.
Hot Stat
Neither Ipswich (D3, L18) nor West Ham (D6, L15) have managed a Premier League victory this season after conceding the opening goal — underlining the importance of a strong start for both sides.
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Ipswich v West Ham, 2024/25 | Premier League