Matchday 21 of the Premier League features Ipswich taking on Brighton on January 16 at Portman Road. Ipswich vs. Brighton: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Referee: Tony Harrington (England)
Matches – 11 (Premier League, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 42;
Average yellow cards per match – 3.8;
Red cards shown – 3;
Average fouls per match – 23;
Penalties – 27%.
Predicted lineups for Ipswich vs. Brighton
Ipswich (3-4-2-1): Christian Walton – Dara O'Shea, Luke Woolfenden, Jacob Greaves – Leif Davis, Sam Morsy, Ben Johnson, Jens Cajuste – Nathan Broadhead, Sammie Szmodics – Liam Delap.
Brighton (4-2-3-1): Bart Verbruggen – Pervis Estupiñán, Jan Paul van Hecke, Igor Julio, Joël Veltman – Carlos Baleba, Yasin Ayari – Simon Adingra, Brian Gruda, Matt O'Riley – João Pedro Jesus.
Each team’s starting lineup from their previous match in this tournament is indicated.
Ipswich
Kieran McKenna's side delighted their fans in the last two rounds. First, they unexpectedly defeated Chelsea 2-0 at home, then drew 2-2 away against Fulham. Ipswich could have won at Craven Cottage, but the Londoners equalized in stoppage time. Notably, Ipswich scored more than one goal in consecutive league matches for the first time this season. The team remains in the relegation zone, trailing Wolverhampton, who are 17th, only due to an inferior goal difference.
Forward Chiedozie Ogbene and Conor Chaplin, as well as midfielder Omari Hutchinson, will miss the match due to injuries.
- The number "1" has appeared in the final score in 8 of the club's last 11 Premier League games.
- No more than three goals have been scored in 9 of Ipswich's last 11 Premier League matches.
- The team has won only one second half in their last 14 league matches (5 draws and 8 losses).
Brighton
In early January, the club hosted Arsenal and managed to take points from one of the Premier League leaders (1-1). This draw was their fourth consecutive in the league. Additionally, Fabian Hurzeler's side has not tasted victory in the Premier League for eight matches (6 draws and 2 losses). The team sits mid-table, 6 points behind the European competition spots. Brighton has suffered only 4 defeats in the current Premier League season, with fewer losses than only Liverpool and Arsenal.
Forwards Danny Welbeck and Evan Ferguson will not play due to injuries.
- Both teams have scored in 11 of the club's last 12 Premier League matches.
- The number "1" has appeared in the final score in 8 of Brighton's last 11 league matches.
- No more than one goal has been scored in the first half in 6 of the club's last 7 away Premier League games.
Ipswich vs. Brighton: Match Prediction
Despite the points difference between the clubs, I believe bookmakers overestimate the visitors by offering low odds for their victory. Brighton has not won any of their last eight Premier League matches. Furthermore, the club does not impress away, having won only 4 of their last 23 league matches. Only one of these wins can be considered impressive – against Newcastle.
Ipswich has adapted to the Premier League and gained confidence as the season approaches its midpoint. Additionally, the team recently secured their first home Premier League victory and their first win against a top-half opponent, notably from the Champions League zone. Such victories boost confidence, as evident in their recent match against Fulham. I suggest that the hosts are capable of extending their nascent unbeaten run in the league.
My prediction – Ipswich to win or draw
