Ipswich Town look to boost survival hopes against Brighton Hove Albion

Match Preview

Ipswich Town host Brighton Hove Albion at Portman Road in a match that could have significant implications for both teams. Ipswich, currently in the relegation zone at 18th place with 16 points from 20 games, are desperate to secure points to improve their league standing.
Brighton, sitting 10th with 28 points, aim to end a winless run and climb into the top half of the table. Both sides will view this fixture as an opportunity to achieve their respective objectives.

Recent performances suggest that Ipswich have struggled to find form, with only one win in their last ten matches. Their recent 2-2 draw against Fulham and a 2-0 victory over Chelsea show signs of potential improvement.
Brighton have drawn their last four Premier League matches and are winless in their last six league games, which may give Ipswich confidence heading into this encounter.

Team Analysis

Ipswich Town have found it challenging to adapt to Premier League demands this season. With just three wins from 20 matches, they have struggled to assert themselves. At home, they have only one victory, alongside four draws and five losses, scoring eight goals and conceding sixteen.
Their average possession stands at 40.1%, and they average one goal per game while conceding 1.8 goals per game.

Brighton Hove Albion have shown resilience in matches against stronger opponents. They have amassed 28 points from 20 games, with six wins, ten draws, and four losses.
Their away form includes three wins, four draws, and three losses, scoring 1.6 goals per match and conceding 1.6 goals. They have a higher average possession at 52.9%, reflecting a more possession-based style of play.
Brighton's away matches have often been high-scoring, with 70% featuring more than 2.5 goals, and both teams scoring in 80% of their away fixtures.

Head-to-head history shows that the last three meetings between these teams have ended in draws, including a 0-0 stalemate earlier this season. This suggests a closely contested match may be on the cards.

Player Analysis

Ipswich will be without key attackers Omari Hutchinson and Sammie Szmodics due to injuries, limiting their options upfront. Liam Delap is expected to lead the line and will be crucial to their attacking efforts. He was instrumental in the win over Chelsea, scoring from the penalty spot and providing an assist.
Leif Davis could play a significant role from left-back. Averaging 3.5 key passes per game, his ability to create chances from wide areas may be vital.

In midfield, Samy Morsy and Jens Cajuste will need to assert control and protect the defence. Jack Clarke and Nathan Broadhead offer pace on the wings, and their contributions could be decisive.

Brighton's Carlos Baleba has been a standout performer, forming an effective partnership with Yasin Ayari in midfield. Their control of the centre could be key to Brighton's performance.
Kaoru Mitoma is another player to watch. His pace and dribbling ability on the flank can cause problems for defences. The attacking support from full-backs Tariq Lamptey and Pervis Estupiñán adds to Brighton's offensive threat.

Brighton will be missing Evan Ferguson and Ferdi Kadioglu due to injuries, which may impact their attacking options. Doubts remain over the fitness of Joao Pedro and Yankuba Minteh.

Expected Lineup

Ipswich Town are expected to adopt a 4-5-1 formation, focusing on midfield solidity. Christian Walton is likely to start in goal. The defence may consist of Ben Godfrey at right-back, Dara O'Shea and Jacob Greaves at centre-back, and Leif Davis at left-back.
In midfield, Samy Morsy and Jens Cajuste are expected to operate as holding midfielders. Jack Clarke and Nathan Broadhead may play on the wings, providing width and support. Jack Taylor could take up an advanced role behind striker Liam Delap.

Brighton Hove Albion are anticipated to line up in a 4-3-3 formation to leverage their attacking strengths. Bart Verbruggen is expected in goal. The back four may include Joel Veltman, Adam Webster, Jan Paul van Hecke, and Pervis Estupiñán.
The midfield trio of Carlos Baleba, Yasin Ayari, and O'Riley will aim to control the central areas. Gruda and Kaoru Mitoma are likely to flank Georginio in attack, providing pace and creativity from the wings.

Both teams will be eager to secure a positive result, and the match promises to be a competitive affair. Ipswich will hope to capitalise on home advantage, while Brighton aim to end their winless streak and climb the league table.

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Both Teams to Score at 2.28 Odds

Ipswich Town and Brighton Hove Albion meet in a clash where both sides are likely to find the net. Ipswich have shown improved attacking intent recently, scoring in three of their last four matches. Their confidence was boosted by a 2-0 victory over Chelsea, where they capitalised on defensive errors. At home, they have scored eight goals in ten matches, demonstrating they can trouble defences. Brighton's away games have been action-packed, with both teams scoring in 80% of their away fixtures. They average 1.6 goals per away match, reflecting their ability to create chances on the road. Players like Kaoru Mitoma add flair to their attack, contributing to their goal tally. Defensively, both teams have vulnerabilities. Ipswich concede an average of 1.8 goals per game, while Brighton concede 1.45 goals per match. Brighton's last four league matches have seen both teams score, highlighting a pattern. With Ipswich fighting to escape the relegation zone and Brighton aiming to end their winless streak, both teams will be eager to attack. The combination of offensive strengths and defensive weaknesses suggests that backing both teams to score is a prudent choice.

Match to End in a Draw at 3.45 Odds

Brighton have become adept at sharing the points this season, drawing ten of their twenty league matches. Notably, their last four Premier League games have ended level, underlining their tendency for tight contests. Away from home, they have drawn four out of ten matches, often matching opponents without pulling ahead. Ipswich have also experienced their fair share of stalemates, with seven draws this season. At Portman Road, they have drawn four of ten games, showing resilience even when not victorious. Historically, this fixture has been evenly matched. The last three encounters between Ipswich and Brighton have all ended in draws, including a 0-0 result earlier in the campaign. Head-to-head, they have an equal record over 27 matches, each winning ten and drawing seven. Both teams are dealing with injuries to key players, which may disrupt their ability to secure a win. Ipswich are missing attackers like Omari Hutchinson and Sammie Szmodics, while Brighton have doubts over Joao Pedro and will be without Evan Ferguson. Considering the current form and historical data, a draw appears to be a likely outcome. Neither side will want to risk defeat, and the balance of play may result in the spoils being shared.

Liam Delap to Score First at 7.5 Odds

Liam Delap has become a key figure in Ipswich's attack, especially with other forwards sidelined. In the recent triumph over Chelsea, Delap opened the scoring with a composed penalty and set up the second goal. His performance showcased his ability to influence important matches. With injuries to Omari Hutchinson and Sammie Szmodics, Delap is expected to continue leading the line. His presence offers Ipswich a focal point in attack. He possesses a keen sense for goal and has shown he can seize opportunities when they arise. Brighton have occasionally started slowly, conceding first in several away games. Their defence has allowed 16 goals in ten away matches, indicating potential vulnerabilities. Delap's knack for making early impacts, demonstrated against Chelsea, could see him finding the net first. Attractive odds of 7.5 make this a wager worth considering. Delap's form and increased responsibility in the team enhance his chances of opening the scoring in this crucial match.

Bet Builder @ 58.99 Odds

Combining these selections offers a compelling bet builder: - Both Teams to Score (2.28) - Match to End in a Draw (3.45) - Liam Delap to Score First (7.5) A £10 stake could return £589.90 if successful. This combination leverages the likelihood of both teams scoring, the propensity for draws in both recent and historical contexts, and Delap's potential to score first given his form and role.