Ipswich Town and Everton go head-to-head this Saturday at Portman Road in what promises to be a pivotal Premier League fixture.
Both teams are desperate for points, with Ipswich struggling to secure their first win since returning to England’s top flight, while Everton is aiming to climb further away from the relegation zone.
This clash will be a test of resilience and determination for both sides as they look to shift their fortunes in a challenging season.
For football fans looking to place their bets on this exciting match, Jambobet, the best betting site in Kenya, offers fantastic odds and a variety of markets for bettors.
Ipswich Town’s return to the Premier League has been anything but smooth. While they have shown resilience, drawing four games in a row, their most recent 4-1 loss to West Ham United exposed some weaknesses that manager Kieran McKenna will be keen to address.
Despite their struggles, Ipswich has had moments of brilliance, particularly from their in-form striker Liam Delap.
Delap has been a shining light for Ipswich, scoring four goals in his last five Premier League matches. His ability to hold up play and his clinical finishing in front of goal make him a key player for Ipswich.
As the Hatters look to register their first win of the season, Delap will be eager to capitalize on Everton’s defensive vulnerabilities, especially considering the Toffees have conceded eight goals in their last three away matches.
However, Ipswich’s squad has been hampered by injuries, with as many as six players potentially missing out on Saturday’s clash.
Janoi Donacien, Axel Tuanzebe, Ali Al-Hamadi, and Massimo Luongo are confirmed absentees, while doubts linger over the fitness of Nathan Broadhead and Jens Cajuste. Despite these setbacks, Ipswich will look to build on their home advantage and turn their draws into a much-needed victory.
Ipswich Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):
GK: Arijanet Muric
DEF: Wes Burns, Conor Greaves, Jake O’Shea, Leif Davis
MID: Sam Morsy, Louie Watson; Emile Smith Rowe, Alex Hutchinson, Sammie Szmodics
FWD: Liam Delap
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Everton’s Quest for Stability
On the other side, Everton comes into this match with some positive momentum. After a disastrous start to the season, losing their first four games, Sean Dyche has overseen a mini-revival, with Everton going unbeaten in their last three matches.
However, the Toffees are still only a point ahead of Ipswich in 16th place, making this fixture crucial for their aspirations to stay clear of the relegation zone.
Everton’s defense has been a major concern, especially on the road. They’ve conceded eight goals in three away games, and Dyche will be hoping the possible return of Jarrad Branthwaite and Vitaliy Mykolenko can shore up their backline. Both defenders participated in full training earlier this week, and their inclusion could make a significant difference.
Everton will also rely heavily on their attacking options, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin leading the line. The forward has had a stop-start season due to injury, but his ability to score crucial goals remains vital for Everton. Supporting him will be wingers Dwight McNeil and Jack Harrison, both of whom are capable of providing the service Calvert-Lewin needs to trouble the Ipswich defense.
Everton Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):
GK: Jordan Pickford
DEF: Ashley Young, James Tarkowski, Jarrad Branthwaite, Vitaliy Mykolenko
MID: Idrissa Gueye, Abdoulaye Doucoure; Jack Harrison, Dwight McNeil, Boubacar Ndiaye
FWD: Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Tactical Outlook and Key Battles
This match will likely be decided by which team can better manage their defensive frailties. Ipswich’s Liam Delap will relish the opportunity to test Everton’s defense, particularly if Branthwaite and Mykolenko are not at full match fitness.
Delap’s movement and physicality in the box could cause problems for Everton’s center-backs, while Ipswich’s wingers, Emile Smith Rowe and Alex Hutchinson, will look to stretch the Toffees’ full-backs and create space for Delap to exploit.
On the other hand, Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin will be a handful for Ipswich’s defense, particularly in aerial duels.
With wingers like Dwight McNeil and Jack Harrison capable of delivering quality crosses, Calvert-Lewin will have opportunities to find the back of the net.
The battle in midfield between Sam Morsy and Idrissa Gueye will be key, as both players look to control possession and dictate the pace of the game.
Ipswich vs Everton: Score Prediction
Both teams are in dire need of points, making this a high-stakes affair. Ipswich will be desperate to turn their recent draws into a win, while Everton is aiming to continue their unbeaten streak.
Ipswich’s home advantage and Delap’s form give them a slight edge, but Everton’s experience and the potential return of key defenders could make this a closely contested battle.
However, with Everton’s defensive struggles on the road, Ipswich could finally secure their first league victory of the season. Jambobet, Kenya’s best betting site, predicts a 2-1 victory for Ipswich, and with Jambobet’s competitive odds, it’s a great opportunity for bettors to back the Hatters for a memorable win.
Jambobet Prediction: Ipswich 2-1 Everton
