Ipswich Town vs Crystal Palace – As the Premier League season continues to unfold, Ipswich Town will host Crystal Palace in what promises to be a crucial clash for both teams. With both sides facing significant challenges, this match is vital as they aim to break their winless streaks and move up the table. Ipswich, yet to secure a home victory this season, will look to leverage their resilient Portman Road support. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace, struggling with away form, will be keen to find consistency and claim an elusive three points. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of this midweek encounter.
Ipswich Town vs Crystal Palace Kick-off Time
- Date: Wednesday, 4 December 2024
- Kick-off Time: 21:30 CAT
- Broadcast: SuperSport PL Channel, Showmax
Team News
Ipswich Town are grappling with injury concerns as defender Axel Tuanzebe faces a “long-term” hamstring setback. Manager Kieran McKenna noted that other unnamed players also need assessment ahead of the match. Midfielders Kalvin Phillips and Ben Johnson may miss this fixture due to ankle and muscle issues but could return for the upcoming clash against Bournemouth.
For Crystal Palace, boss Oliver Glasner has reported no new injuries, though midfielder Adam Wharton remains sidelined. Daichi Kamada is suspended after serving a three-match ban.
Head-to-Head
Crystal Palace have a dominant record against Ipswich in the Premier League, winning three of their four encounters and drawing one. The last top-flight meeting ended in a 2-0 win for Palace at Portman Road on 4 February 1995, with goals from Iain Dowie and Dean Gordon.
Ipswich Town Form
Ipswich Town have proven resilient at Portman Road, losing just three of their last 45 league games (W28, D14). However, they are the only team in the Premier League yet to secure a home victory this season, drawing four and losing two. Manager Kieran McKenna is at risk of joining a list of managers who failed to win their first seven home matches in the Premier League, a fate previously shared by Vincent Kompany with Burnley.
The team’s midweek fixtures under McKenna have been more successful, maintaining an unbeaten streak in 28 matches since December 2021. Nevertheless, Ipswich could be on the verge of conceding in their first seven home games, a record last seen during the 1961-62 season.
Crystal Palace Form
Palace have struggled to find consistency, with their record of one win, six draws, and six losses mirroring Ipswich’s performance this season. Neither team has managed to secure an away victory so far, with Palace drawing three and losing three of their six away games. The Eagles’ last win on the road was in January, and they have won just two of their last 19 away matches (D8, L9).
Crystal Palace’s matches have typically been low-scoring, with only one game this season seeing over two goals. The London side has also suffered from a poor record in midweek away matches, losing their last six.
Players to Watch
For Ipswich, playmaker Conor Chaplin has been central to their attacking efforts. His creativity and knack for finding space could prove crucial in breaking down Palace’s defence.
Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze remains a key threat, capable of turning the game with moments of brilliance. His vision and precise passing are vital for unlocking Ipswich’s compact midfield.
Injury Updates
Ipswich will be without Tuanzebe and possibly Phillips and Johnson, while Palace’s concerns focus on Wharton’s fitness and Kamada’s suspension.
Ipswich Town vs Crystal Palace Prediction
Given both teams’ struggles for consistency and a shared record of no away wins, this clash could be closely contested. Ipswich’s home form and Palace’s away troubles make it difficult to pick a clear favourite. A low-scoring draw seems likely, but Palace’s slight edge in attacking depth could tip the scales in their favour.
Predicted Starting Line-ups
Ipswich Town (4-2-3-1): Murić; Tuanzebe, O’Shea, Burgess, Davis; Morsy, Cajuste; Hutchinson, Chaplin, Szmodics; Delap.
Crystal Palace (3-4-2-1): Henderson; Chalobah, Lacroix, Guéhi; Muñoz, Hughes, Lerma, Mitchell; Sarr, Eze; Mateta.
Betting Tips & Odds
| Market | Selection | Odds | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Match Winner | Draw | 3.00 | Both teams are inconsistent; a draw is likely. |
| Both Teams to Score | Yes | 1.70 | Both teams have shown defensive lapses this season. |
| Over/Under 2.5 Goals | Under 2.5 | 1.91 | Palace’s matches have often been low-scoring. |
| Correct Score | 1-1 | 6.50 | A tight, evenly matched contest. |
Conclusion
Ipswich Town will need to find form at home if they are to secure their first victory of the season in front of their supporters, while Crystal Palace aim to snap their winless streak away from home. Both teams face challenges, making this encounter a pivotal match in their bids to climb the Premier League table.
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