Ipswich vs Aston Villa Preview
- Villa to win
- McGinn to score or assist
Newly-promoted Ipswich Town will be looking to claim their first Premier League win of the season when they host a high-flying Aston Villa side on Sunday.
With both teams having different forms and objectives, this matchup is pivotal for each side as they aim to achieve their respective season goals.
Ipswich: Chasing a Long-Awaited Win
As one of six teams yet to win in the Premier League this season, Ipswich is under pressure to claim three points against Villa.
The Tractor Boys have managed to steady the ship following defeats in their opening fixtures against Liverpool and Manchester City, with a string of draws against Fulham, Brighton, and Southampton showing signs of improvement.
However, a failure to win on Sunday would extend their winless run in all competitions to seven matches, their worst streak since September 2021.
While their recent defensive form has been solid, conceding no more than one goal in their last three draws, Ipswich’s record against Aston Villa is far from encouraging.
They have managed just one win in their last 14 head-to-heads (H2Hs), with the rest resulting in three draws and ten losses. They will need to overcome this poor record if they wish to claim their first victory of the season.
Aston Villa: Seeking to Build on a Strong Start
Aston Villa continues to impress this season, building on their positive momentum from the last campaign. With 12 points from a possible 15, Unai Emery’s side is enjoying its best start to a Premier League season since 1998/99, a campaign in which they finished sixth.
However, Emery will be keen to see defensive improvements, as Villa have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last ten league matches since their stunning victory over Arsenal in April.
Villa’s matches have often been entertaining affairs, with eight of their last nine league games featuring at least three goals.
However, their recent meetings with Ipswich have not always followed this trend, as only two of their last six H2Hs have produced over two goals. Villa will be aiming to continue their attacking prowess while tightening up defensively to maintain their position among the league’s elite.
Key Players to Watch
Leif Davis (Ipswich)
The full-back was a standout performer for Ipswich last season, providing a remarkable 21 assists. He recorded his first assist in the Premier League against Fulham, and his creativity is vital for Ipswich as they aim to break through Villa’s defence.
Notably, Davis has not been on the losing side in his last eight matches when he’s provided an assist (W5, D3).
John McGinn (Aston Villa)
The Aston Villa captain is the only player from either squad to have featured in their last meeting in 2019. McGinn is currently on a six-match unbeaten streak for club and country when registering a goal involvement (W5, D1).
His ability to influence the game from midfield, both defensively and offensively, will be key for Villa as they look to maintain their strong start to the season.
Ipswich’s Challenge: Overcoming Their H2H Record
Ipswich will need to improve upon their poor historical record against Aston Villa if they hope to end their winless start to the Premier League season.
Their ability to keep games tight defensively will be crucial, and the creative contributions of Leif Davis will be essential to break down Villa’s defence and secure much-needed points.
Villa’s Objective: Balance Attack and Defence
Aston Villa’s thrilling attacking play has produced results, but Unai Emery will be keen to balance this by improving their defensive solidity.
With players like John McGinn offering consistency and leadership, Villa will aim to dominate the midfield and apply pressure on Ipswich’s defence.
Final Thoughts
Ipswich are desperate for a win to break their current run, while Aston Villa will look to continue their strong form and maintain pressure on the league’s top sides.
With both teams having key players capable of turning the game in their favour, this match could offer a mix of tactical battles and attacking flair.
Will Ipswich finally claim their first Premier League win of the season, or can Villa continue their impressive run and pile more pressure on the newly-promoted side?
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