Ipswich vs Brighton: Premier League Clash Preview & Prediction
The Premier League is set for an intriguing encounter as Ipswich vs Brighton takes center stage at Portman Road. With both teams eager to secure crucial points, this match promises to be a tactical battle. Kieran McKenna’s Ipswich Town, fighting for survival, face a formidable Brighton and Hove Albion side known for their possession-based style under Fabian Hurzeler.
Ipswich Team News: Injury Woes Continue
Kieran McKenna has confirmed that Sammie Szmodics, a key attacker for Ipswich, is sidelined due to injury. He joins a growing list of absentees, including Conor Chaplin, Omari Hutchinson, and Chiedozie Ogbene. Despite these setbacks, Ipswich showed resilience in their recent FA Cup win against Bristol Rovers, with Massimo Luongo and George Hirst making a welcome return to the squad.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Walton; O’Shea, Woolfenden, Greaves, Davis; Morsy, Cajuste; Johnson, Clarke, Burns; Delap
Unavailable: Tuanzebe, Ogbene, Hutchinson, Chaplin, Szmodics (all injured)
Brighton Team News: Key Players Under Assessment
Brighton’s Joao Pedro returned to training this week, but his availability remains uncertain. Fabian Hurzeler will also assess the fitness of Georginio Rutter and Yankuba Minteh. On the positive side, Lewis Dunk and Danny Welbeck are fully fit, providing stability to the Seagulls’ lineup.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Verbruggen; Veltman, Van Hecke, Dunk, Estupinan; Ayari, Baleba; Gruda, O’Riley, Adingra; Pedro
Unavailable: Igor, Kadioglu, Milner, Gomez (all injured)
Questionable: Lamptey, Wieffer, Hinshelwood, Rutter, Minteh, Pedro, Ferguson
Ipswich vs Brighton: Recent Form
Ipswich enter this match with renewed confidence after a 3-0 FA Cup victory over Bristol Rovers. Prior to that, they secured a win against Chelsea and a draw with Fulham, showcasing their ability to compete with top-tier teams. However, Brighton presents a different challenge. The Seagulls dominated Norwich City 4-0 in the FA Cup and held Arsenal to a 1-1 draw in their last league outing. Their controlled, possession-heavy style could make it difficult for Ipswich to break them down.
Ipswich vs Brighton Prediction
This clash is likely to be defined by fine margins. Brighton’s ability to dominate possession and dictate the tempo could frustrate Ipswich, who will rely on counter-attacks and set-pieces. Given both teams’ recent performances, a low-scoring affair seems probable.
Prediction: Under 2.5 goals
Tip: Brighton to win 1-0
How to Watch Ipswich vs Brighton
- Kick-off Date/Time: Thursday, 16th January 2025 – UK: 7:30 PM / US ET: 2:30 PM / US PT: 11:30 AM
- TV: UK – TNT Sports
- Online Streaming: UK – TNT Sports app / US – Peacock
The Ipswich vs Brighton matchup is set to be a fascinating contest between a resilient Ipswich side and a tactically astute Brighton team. While Ipswich will fight tooth and nail for survival, Brighton’s quality and style of play might prove decisive. Tune in to see how this Premier League clash unfolds!
