Ipswich Town’s return to the Premier League has been a rollercoaster ride, but recent results are threatening to derail their survival bid.
After a morale-boosting 2-0 victory over Chelsea to close out 2024, hopes were high for back-to-back home wins in the top flight, something they last achieved in January 2002. However, Thursday’s 2-0 defeat to Brighton brought those dreams crashing down and added to the growing pressure on the Tractor Boys to turn things around quickly.
To inject life into their attack, Ipswich made a big move midweek, signing winger Jaden Philogene from Aston Villa. Manager Kieran McKenna will be counting on the newcomer to spark some creativity in a side that has struggled in front of goal, failing to score in three of their last five league matches. With only 20 goals this season, Ipswich remains among the league’s lowest-scoring teams, a statistic that highlights their need for offensive reinforcements.
Meanwhile, Manchester City are also feeling the weight of unfulfilled expectations. Despite being in a strong position during their midweek clash with Brentford, leading 2-0 well into the second half, two late goals from the Bees snatched victory away and left City settling for a 2-2 draw. Their poor away form continues to plague them, with just one win in their last seven Premier League road games, a run that has dampened their title aspirations.
City will be eager to shake off their recent frustrations and draw inspiration from their stellar record against newly-promoted teams. Since April 2021, they’ve won 20 of their last 21 league matches against such opposition, a statistic that highlights their ability to capitalize on these encounters. A win here would not only boost their chances of climbing closer to the top four but also mark a third-ever league double over Ipswich.
Ipswich fans will be hoping Liam Delap can deliver in this crucial match. The former City academy player has been a standout for the Tractor Boys, scoring eight league goals this season. Notably, three of his four home goals have come within the first 15 minutes, making him a player City’s defense will need to monitor from the opening whistle.
On the other side, Phil Foden remains a pivotal figure for City. His midweek brace against Brentford reinforced his knack for stepping up in key moments. Interestingly, City have lost just one of the last 19 Premier League games in which Foden has scored, showcasing the influence he has on their fortunes.
While Ipswich will rely on the Portman Road faithful to fuel their survival push, City’s away games have often been unpredictable this season. Eight of their 11 Premier League road fixtures have seen both teams find the net, tying them for the highest tally in that category. This tendency for high-scoring affairs could make for an entertaining spectacle.
For Ipswich, this match represents a daunting challenge, but also an opportunity to defy the odds. A positive result against a club of City’s stature would not only lift spirits but also serve as a significant statement in their fight against relegation.
City, however, will approach this match knowing that anything less than three points could deepen their frustrations and further derail their campaign. With their track record against promoted sides and the firepower at their disposal, they remain favorites, but Ipswich’s resilience and determination should not be underestimated.
As both teams take the field, the stakes are high for contrasting reasons. Ipswich are battling to secure their Premier League status, while City are desperate to keep their top-four hopes alive. The result could hinge on key moments, individual brilliance, or defensive lapses, setting the stage for an intriguing contest at Portman Road.
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