Ipswich Town welcome Crystal Palace to Portman Road for a crucial Premier League clash between two relegation-threatened sides. Both teams are desperate for points, making this mid-week encounter a must-watch fixture.
Ipswich Town Recent Form
Ipswich Town find themselves in the relegation zone, though only on goal difference. Kieran McKenna’s side recently suffered a narrow 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest, despite showing promise in earlier fixtures with a draw against Manchester United and an away victory at Spurs.
Securing their first Premier League home win since 2002 will be the priority tonight as they enter back-to-back games at Portman Road.
Injury and Team News: Ipswich Town
McKenna faces a selection headache with Axel Tuanzebe and Ben Johnson sidelined, while Chiedozie Ogbene is also unavailable.
Kalvin Phillips remains out, leaving Jens Cajuste to anchor the midfield. Captain Sam Morsy and star player Omari Hutchinson, both pivotal to the team's setup, must avoid bookings to remain eligible for the upcoming clash with Bournemouth at the weekend.
Last Ipswich Town Lineup
Here is how Ipswich lined up in their last match:
Crystal Palace Recent Form
Crystal Palace approach the match off the back of a 1-1 draw with Newcastle United, with Daniel Muñoz netting a very late equaliser.
Oliver Glasner’s men have lost only once in their last five outings, but a string of draws has left them hovering perilously close to the drop zone. With a tough schedule ahead, this fixture may prove pivotal to their season.
Injury and Team News: Crystal Palace
The Eagles remain without Chadi Riad, Adam Wharton, and Matheus França. However, Eberechi Eze’s return at the weekend was a massive boost, as he played 65 minutes against Newcastle.
Eddie Nketiah also made a late cameo, but Daichi Kamada is still suspended. Daniel Muñoz and Jefferson Lerma are walking a disciplinary tightrope ahead of a clash with Manchester City at the weekend.
Last Crystal Palace Lineup
Here is how Crystal Palace lined up in their last match:
Ipswich vs Crystal Palace - Who is the Referee and VAR?
The confirmed officials for the game are:
Referee: Craig Pawson.
Assistants: James Mainwaring, Nat Aspinall.
Fourth official: Gavin Ward.
VAR: Chris Kavanagh.
Assistant VAR: Gary Beswick.
Ipswich Town Player to Watch
Liam Delap has been Ipswich’s standout performer this season, with six goals to his name.
His three goals scored at Portman Road underline his importance as Ipswich seek their first home win.
Crystal Palace Player to Watch
Eberechi Eze’s creativity and attacking flair make him a crucial figure for Palace. His ability to dictate play and create chances will be vital for the Eagles.
Prediction
Both teams are in dire need of a victory, but their recent form suggests a tightly contested affair. Expect a low-scoring draw, leaving both sides frustrated.
Our Prediction: Ipswich Town 1-1 Crystal Palace
Betting Tips
Tip 1 - Under 2.5 Goals
With both sides struggling in front of goal, a low-scoring game seems likely.
Tip 2 - First Team to Score: Crystal Palace
The Eagles’ slightly better form might see them strike first.
Tip 3 - Anytime Goalscorer: Liam Delap
Delap’s form at Portman Road makes him a good bet to find the net.
