Get ready for Ipswich Town vs Crystal Palace in Premier League Gameweek 14! Preview the teams, key players, injuries, predictions, and betting tips. Don’t miss!
Match Information
Fixture: Ipswich Town vs Crystal Palace
Date: Tuesday, December 3, 2024
Time: 7:30 PM (UK Time)
Venue: Portman Road Stadium, Ipswich
TV Coverage: Peacock (USA), Fox Sports Premium (Mexico), Disney Plus (South America).
Match Preview: Ipswich Town vs Crystal Palace
Ipswich Town and Crystal Palace face off at Portman Road in a vital Premier League Gameweek 14 clash. Both teams, separated only by goal difference, are desperate for points to ease their relegation worries. Ipswich, currently 19th, are yet to secure a home win this season, while Palace, in 17th, enter the game with improved away form and momentum from a late equalizer against Newcastle.
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Team News and Analysis
Ipswich Town: Struggles on Home Turf
Kieran McKenna’s Ipswich Town have found life in the Premier League tough. Despite impressive draws against Manchester United and Tottenham earlier this season, the Tractor Boys have struggled to maintain consistency. They enter this match after a narrow 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest, highlighting their ongoing defensive fragility.
Key Strengths:
Strong performances against high-profile teams.
Liam Delap’s scoring prowess with six goals this season.
Key Weaknesses:
Defensive frailties with no clean sheets in nine games.
Inability to convert home matches into victories.
Injury Concerns:
Out: Axel Tuanzebe (hamstring), Janoi Donacien (ankle), George Hirst (knee), Chiedozie Ogbene (Achilles).
Doubtful: Kalvin Phillips (ankle), Ben Johnson (muscle).
Predicted XI:
Muric; H. Clarke, O’Shea, Burgess, Davis; Morsy, Cajuste; Burns, Hutchinson, J. Clarke; Delap.
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Crystal Palace: Resurgence on the Road
Crystal Palace, managed by Oliver Glasner, have shown glimpses of improvement. A late goal against Newcastle United earned them a valuable point last weekend. Palace’s ability to score on the road is a positive sign, having netted twice in each of their last three away games.
Key Strengths:
Effective attacking play led by Eberechi Eze and Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Defensive organization with Marc Guehi commanding the backline.
Key Weaknesses:
- Tendencies to lose focus, particularly in the final minutes.
- Inconsistent midfield contributions.
Injury Concerns:
Out: Daichi Kamada (suspension), Matheus Franca (groin), Chadi Riad (knee), Adam Wharton (groin).
Fit Again: Eberechi Eze, returning from a hamstring injury.
Predicted XI:
Henderson; Lacroix, Chalobah, Guehi; Munoz, Doucoure, Lerma, Mitchell; Eze; Nketiah, Mateta.
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Key Players to Watch
Ipswich Town: Liam Delap
The standout performer for Ipswich, Delap’s six goals in 13 games make him a critical threat. His sharp movements and positioning could trouble Palace’s defense.
Crystal Palace: Eberechi Eze
Eze’s creativity and control in midfield are vital for Palace. Fully fit again, his ability to unlock defenses will be crucial against Ipswich’s vulnerable backline.
Head-to-Head Record
This is the first league meeting between Ipswich Town and Crystal Palace since the 2012/13 Championship season, where both sides claimed home wins. Palace also secured a 2-1 win in their last cup meeting in 2017.
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Strengths and Weaknesses
Ipswich Town:
Strength: Determination in close matches.
Weakness: Defensive gaps, exacerbated by injuries.
Crystal Palace:
Strength: Strong attacking performances on the road.
Weakness: Inconsistent play and late-game lapses.
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Match Prediction: Ipswich Town vs Crystal Palace
This encounter is expected to be tightly contested, with both teams prioritizing defense to avoid defeat. Ipswich’s home struggles could tilt the balance in Palace’s favor, given their recent attacking form.
Prediction: Ipswich Town 1-2 Crystal Palace
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Best Bets
1. Half-Time Draw: Both sides tend to play cautiously in the first half.
2. Eberechi Eze Over 2.5 Shots: Eze’s offensive role ensures he’ll test the defense.
3. Both Teams to Score & Over 2.5 Goals: Neither defense is likely to keep a clean sheet.
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Conclusion
Ipswich Town vs Crystal Palace promises a gripping battle with significant implications for both teams’ survival hopes. Stay tuned for what could be a thrilling Premier League encounter.
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Disclaimer:
Betting odds and predictions may vary. Always gamble responsibly.
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