Match Overview
- Date: Saturday, December 21, 2024
- Kick-off: 11:00 PM (GMT)
- Location: Portman Road, Ipswich
- Competition: English Premier League (Matchday 17)
- Current Standings: Ipswich Town (18th) vs Newcastle United (12th)
- Win Probability: Ipswich 21% | Draw 23% | Newcastle 56%
Match Preview
Ipswich Town host Newcastle United at Portman Road as Matchday 17 of the Premier League unfolds. This clash sees two sides with contrasting ambitions — Ipswich fighting to escape the relegation zone, while Newcastle aim to climb the league table and challenge for a top-half finish.
Ipswich Towns Form & Struggles
Ipswich Towns form has been nothing short of concerning. Currently sitting 18th in the league, they have failed to win in 14 of their last 16 Premier League matches. Recent performances highlight their defensive frailties, having conceded multiple goals in 5 of their last 9 games.
Recent Ipswich Town Results:
- Ipswich 1-2 Bournemouth
- Ipswich Town 0-1 Crystal Palace
- Nottm Forest 1-0 lpswich Town
- West Ham 4-1 lpswich Town
- Brentford 4-3 lpswich Town
- Tottenham 1-2 lpswich Town
- lpswich Town 1-1 Leicester City!
- lpswich Town 1-1 Man United
- Wolves 1-2 Ipswich Town
Their home form has not offered much respite either. Despite hard-fought draws against Leicester City (1-1) and Manchester United (1-1), Ipswichs defensive lapses have cost them crucial points. While they managed to stun Wolves with a 2-1 away victory, its clear that consistency has been their biggest issue this season.
Ipswich Town Last round video:
Key Player to Watch for Ipswich:
- Nathan Broadhead (Forward) — Ipswichs top attacking threat, but he will need more support from the midfield if they are to pose a serious threat to Newcastles defense.
Newcastle Uniteds Form & Objectives Newcastle Uniteds position in 12th place does not fully reflect their potential. Despite some inconsistent results, Newcastles attack has been potent in recent fixtures. With wins against Chelsea (2-0), Nottingham Forest (3-1), and a dominant 4-0 victory over Leicester City, Eddie Howe’s men have shown glimpses of their attacking prowess.
Recent Newcastle United Results:
- Brentford 4-2 Newcastle
- Newcastle 3-3 Liverpool
- Crystal Palace 1-1 Newcastle
- Newcastle 0-1 Brighton
- Newcastle 2-0 Chelsea
- Nottm Forest 1-3 Newcastle
- Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal
- Newcastle 0-2 West Ham
- Newcastle 4-0 Leicester City
Newcastle have shown they can perform well against top sides, evidenced by their 1-0 win over Arsenal. However, defensive inconsistency has crept in, with the team failing to keep a clean sheet in 6 of their last 9 matches. On the road, Newcastles form has been unpredictable, but against an Ipswich team struggling for goals, they will fancy their chances of securing all three points.
Newcastle United Last round video:
Key Player to Watch for Newcastle:
- Callum Wilson (Striker) — Newcastle’s main goal-scoring outlet. If given space, he has the ability to punish Ipswich’s vulnerable defense.
Tactical Analysis
Ipswich Towns Tactics:
Ipswich Town will likely adopt a compact, defensive shape, looking to frustrate Newcastle. With a vulnerable backline, manager Kieran McKenna may opt for a 5-4-1 formation to plug the gaps in defense. Ipswichs biggest problem has been maintaining concentration, as seen in their frequent late-game collapses. Their limited goal threat means set-pieces and counter-attacks are likely to be their main avenues to scoring.
Newcastle Uniteds Tactics:
Newcastle will aim to dominate possession and force Ipswich into their own half. Eddie Howes side will look to exploit Ipswichs weak defensive flanks, with wide players like Anthony Gordon and Miguel Almirón being key to their attacking build-up. Their midfield trio will be tasked with breaking down Ipswichs defensive block, while Callum Wilson movement in the box will be crucial to converting chances into goals.
Key Stats to Consider
- Ipswich have failed to win 16 of their last 20 matches.
- Ipswich have failed to win 14 of their last 16 Premier League matches.
- Newcastle have scored at least 2 goals in 4 of their last 6 league matches.
- Newcastle have beaten top sides like Arsenal and Chelsea this season.
- Ipswichs defense has conceded 2+ goals in 5 of their last 9 matches.
Prediction
Based on form, team quality, and current momentum, Newcastle United head into this match as clear favorites. Ipswichs defensive record and inability to convert chances are major concerns, while Newcastle have the attacking firepower to expose these flaws.
Predicted Score: Ipswich Town 0-2 Newcastle United
Newcastles solid attack, combined with Ipswichs defensive struggles, makes this result highly plausible. Callum Wilson is tipped to be a key figure, and a goal from him or Miguel Almirón could seal the win for Newcastle.
Other Predicted & Odds
| Predictions | INDIBET | 91 Club |
| Draw 1-1 12% | 7/1 | 6/1 |
| Newcastle 1-0 10% | 9/1 | 7/1 |
| Newcastle 2-1 9% | 8/1 | 13/2 |
| Ipswich 1-0 7% | 18/1 | 12/1 |
Betting Tips & Insights
- Newcastle to Win — Given Ipswichs poor form and Newcastles attacking prowess, backing Newcastle to win is a logical choice.
- Under 2.5 Goals — Ipswichs defensive tactics could limit the total goals, especially if Newcastle struggle to break them down early.
- Callum Wilson to Score Anytime — Wilson is Newcastles main goal threat, and with Ipswich’s defensive issues, he is a prime candidate to get on the scoresheet.
Conclusion
Ipswich Town will be desperate to secure points as they continue their relegation battle, but the visit of Newcastle United presents a formidable challenge. Newcastles recent form and attacking quality suggest they have enough to claim a comfortable win. Ipswichs defensive lapses make it difficult to predict anything other than a Newcastle victory.
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