Football Prediction | Ipswich Town vs Newcastle United | English Premier League | Dec 21 – Will Newcastle Bounce Back to Stay in European Contention?

Premier League action continues as Ipswich Town hosts Newcastle United at Portman Road on Saturday, December 21st, 2024, at 9:00 PM (GMT). Ipswich, led by their manager, will aim to defy the odds and earn valuable points in front of their home crowd. Meanwhile, Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United will look to strengthen their position in the league with another solid performance.

Ipswich vs Newcastle Form Guide

Ipswich 

Ipswich has showcased resilience in their return to the Premier League but has struggled with consistency. Their strengths lie in aerial duels and long balls, which they’ll need to exploit against Newcastle. However, their defensive frailties and inability to finish scoring chances remain significant concerns.

Newcastle 

Newcastle United has been one of the strongest teams in the league this season, with their wing play and ability to protect a lead setting them apart. Boasting attacking depth and tactical flexibility, they are clear favorites for this clash. Their only challenge might come from Ipswich’s aggression and long-ball tactics.

Ipswich vs Newcastle Key Battles

Sammie Szmodics vs Alexander Isak

Ipswich’s top scorer, Sammie Szmodics, with 3 goals, takes on Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, who has found the net 7 times this season. Szmodics will be looking to capitalize on his goal-scoring instincts to make an impact, but he faces tough competition from Isak, whose clinical finishing and ability to create opportunities out of nothing have made him a standout performer for Newcastle.

Jack Clarke vs Jacob Murphy

In the creative department, Ipswich’s Jack Clarke, with 2 assists, goes up against Newcastle’s Jacob Murphy, who leads with 4 assists. Clarke’s ability to deliver key passes and crosses will be crucial for Ipswich, while Murphy’s vision and consistent supply of goal-scoring opportunities make him a vital part of Newcastle’s attack. This matchup could influence which side gains the upper hand in creativity.

Ipswich vs Newcastle Tactical Outlook

Ipswich’s approach relies on aerial duels and long balls to create opportunities, often attacking through the middle and down the right wing. Their aggressive style and frequent rotation of the starting eleven aim to keep the opposition unsettled. However, Ipswich faces challenges in finishing scoring chances, retaining possession, and avoiding costly errors or fouls in dangerous areas. Defensively, they are highly vulnerable to through-ball attacks and skillful players, which could expose them to Newcastle’s strengths. Ipswich will need to leverage their aerial ability and long-shot potential to counter Newcastle’s dominance.

Newcastle’s wide play and ability to protect leads make them a well-rounded side, with no significant weaknesses to exploit. Their focus on attacking down the wings aligns well with Ipswich’s defensive frailties, particularly against through balls and skillful players. Newcastle’s consistent and structured style allows them to capitalize on Ipswich’s errors and maintain control, even against aggressive opponents. By exploiting spaces on the flanks and maintaining defensive solidity, Newcastle will aim to impose their strategy and dominate the match.

Head-to-Head Encounters

Head-to-Head Encounters Ipswich and Newcastle have faced each other twice recently, with both teams securing one win each. Despite the level head-to-head record, Newcastle enters this match as favorites, with bookmakers offering odds of 1.73 for a Newcastle victory.

Also Check: Football Prediction | Brentford vs Nottingham Forest | EPL 2024-25 – Dec 21

Injury News and Suspensions

Ipswich Town 

Ipswich Town is dealing with multiple setbacks, including Liam Delap’s suspension and Axel Tuanzebe’s hamstring injury, both set to disrupt the squad until late December 2024. George Hirst shares the same timeline with a knee injury, while Chiedozie Ogbene remains out indefinitely due to an Achilles tendon issue. Adding to the concerns, Cieran Slicker is doubtful with a muscle injury, further stretching the squad’s resources.

Newcastle United 

Newcastle United is navigating a tough period with significant injuries, including Callum Wilson’s hamstring issue ruling him out until early February 2025. Emil Krafth (broken collarbone) and Sven Botman (cruciate ligament injury) are targeting returns by mid and early January 2025, respectively, alongside Jamaal Lascelles, who is also sidelined with a similar ligament issue. Meanwhile, Nick Pope’s knock is expected to be resolved within a few days, offering a silver lining for Eddie Howe’s team.

Ipswich vs Newcastle Possible Playing Squads

Ipswich Town

Muric(GK), Davis, Burgess, O’Shea, Clarke, Cajuste, Morsy, Hutchinson, Chaplin, Clarke, Szmodics

Newcastle United

Dúbravka(GK), Hall, Burn, Schär, Livramento, Willock, Guimarães, Tonali, Gordon, Isak, Murphy

Match Details at a Glance

Match Prediction

Ipswich may put up a spirited fight at home, but Newcastle’s superior quality and tactical discipline make them the likely winners. Expect an engaging match with moments of brilliance from both sides.

Score Prediction

Newcastle United are poised for a hard-fought away win against Ipswich Town. A 2-1 scoreline favors the Magpies in this closely contested encounter.

Disclaimer: This Football prediction is based on the author’s insights and analysis. Readers should consider the points discussed and draw their own conclusions.