Southampton vs Ipswich: Prediction, Preview & Betting Tips

This is a crucial game for both sides at the bottom of the table. However, we are backing the visitors to pile more misery on Southampton. Ipswich have improved defensively in recent weeks and have taken two points from their last two games. They kept a clean sheet in their last game against Brighton and have conceded once in two games. Southampton have conceded six in their last two.

The two meetings between the teams in the Championship last season ended in Ipswich’s favour with a 3-2 win at home and 1-0 win at St Mary’s. This is not a typically high-scoring fixture, with less than 2.5 goals scored in five of the previous seven meetings, and we expect this trend to continue – Southampton 0-1 Ipswich

Southampton host Ipswich Town in a clash between two promoted sides, with both looking for a crucial win to kick-start their seasons.

Date: 21/09/24

Kick-off time: 15:00

Venue: St Mary’s Stadium

Survival is the main aim for Southampton after earning promotion back to the Premier League via the playoffs after one season away. However, it has been a disastrous start to the campaign with four losses from four. This leaves them in the bottom three and with an uphill battle so early into the season. It already makes this game against Ipswich a must-win.

A fixture at home to another relegation candidate gives them a huge opportunity to get some points on the board. Should they suffer another defeat, it is difficult to see where their first win could come from.

Ipswich have made a better start with two draws in their opening four games. Their two points leave them just outside the bottom three in 17th place. They have lost twice, but those defeats came against Man City and Liverpool. Their latest result was a goalless draw at in-form Brighton.

The hosts have struggled at both ends of the pitch, with one goal scored and eight conceded. Their defensive issues were evident last season, as their 63 goals conceded was the worst in the top five of the Championship. After conceding once in each of their first two games, the Saints have let in three in both of their last two. This should give Ipswich some optimism going forward.

Kieran McKenna’s side have made several signings to bolster the squad, particularly in attack. Sammie Szmodics was signed from Blackburn which was perhaps their biggest acquisition. Szmodics led the Championship with 27 goals last season and has already got off the mark for his new club.

Defensively, Ipswich have kept one clean sheet, but come up against a stuttering forward line. The Saints have scored just once this season, and that was a stoppage-time consolation in a 3-1 defeat. The loss of Che Adams has been felt, with his 16 goals a huge hole to fill. New signings Cameron Archer and Ben Brereton Diaz have yet to make a significant impact, although the former missed a massive opportunity to give his side the lead from the spot against Man United.

These two sides have met just seven times in all competitions since 2010. Three of these were FA Cup ties with the remaining four in the Championship. During this stretch, Southampton have been the superior side with three wins to two, however, both of Ipswich’s wins came last season. The visitors did the double over their opponents on their way to a second-place finish and automatic promotion. The first game was at St Mary’s in which Ipswich secured a narrow 1-0 win. The most recent meeting was an Ipswich home game, where they won 3-2. Both sides squandered leads in this game, but the winner came dramatically in the 97th minute after Southampton were reduced to 10 men. Jeremy Sarmiento was the goalscorer.

Southampton vs Ipswich will not be available to watch on TV in the UK.

Southampton

Jack Stephens picked up a late red card against Man United for a dangerous and high tackle, meaning he will miss out through suspension. Kamaldeen Sulemana has been out with an ankle injury but he could be set for a return this weekend, as could Will Smallbone. Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu is out long-term.

Ipswich

Nathan Broadhead is nearing a return this month, but this game may come too soon. Janoi Donacien and Harry Clarke are the only other two players ruled out.

Southampton:

In their last five games, Southampton have won one and lost four. It has been a difficult start to life back in the Premier League for the Saints, losing their opening four. They fell to a 1-0 defeat at Newcastle, despite playing against 10 men for the majority of the game. Fabian Schar was sent off midway through the first half for violent conduct, but the hosts still took the lead on the stroke of half-time thanks to Joelinton. Southampton were unable to take advantage of their extra man in the second half.

Next up, they took on Nottingham Forest and again fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat. They enjoyed the majority of the possession but managed just one shot on target. Forest took one of their opportunities with Morgan Gibbs-White netting the winner with 20 minutes to go.

Attention shifted to the Carabao Cup, in which they were involved in a thrilling 5-3 second-round win over Cardiff. This preceded a trip to Brentford where they lost 3-1. Bryan Mbeumo (x2) and Yoanne Wissa scored before Yukinari Sugawara netted a late consolation. Last time out, they hosted Man United. It ended 3-0 to the visitors with goals from Matthijs de Ligt, Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho. Cameron Archer missed an opportunity to put Southampton ahead from the spot.

Ipswich:

In their last five games, Ipswich have drawn three and lost two. It had been a tough start to the Premier League season as they faced both Liverpool and Manchester City in their first two. They lost both, falling 2-0 at home to Liverpool, before losing 4-1 at City. They took a shock lead at the Etihad through Sammie Szmodics, but a quick-fire Erling Haaland double and Kevin De Bruyne strike soon turned it around. Haaland added his third late on to complete the scoring.

They were knocked out of the EFL Cup at the first hurdle as they were upset by AFC Wimbledon on penalties. The game ended 2-2 with both sides surrendering a lead. Ipswich picked up their first point of the league campaign at home to Fulham. It was a 1-1 draw, in which Liam Delap gave them the lead. It would not last long, though, as Adama Traore scored the equaliser.

Following the international break, they travelled to take on Brighton. The game finished 0-0, as they earned a huge point against an in-form side.

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