Ipswich vs Manchester United: Ipswich Town faces a tough test as they host Manchester United in a Premier League clash at Portman Road. Both teams are looking to climb the table, with Ipswich desperate to escape the relegation zone and Manchester United aiming to regain their form after an inconsistent season.
Head-to-Head
- Ipswich Town wins: 19
- Manchester United wins: 29
- Draws: 9
Current Standings
- Manchester United: 13th, 15 points (4W, 3D, 4L), GD: 12-12.
- Ipswich Town: 17th, 8 points (1W, 5D, 5L), GD: 12-22.
Ipswich vs Manchester United Lineups
Ipswich Town (5-4-1)
- Goalkeeper: Arijanet Muric
- Defenders: Ben Johnson, Axel Tuanzebe, Cameron Burgess, Dara O’Shea, Leif Davis
- Midfielders: Omari Hutchinson, Sam Morsy, Jens-Lys Cajuste, Sammie Szmodics
- Forward: Liam Delap
Manchester United (4-2-3-1)
- Goalkeeper: Andre Onana
- Defenders: Diogo Dalot, Matthijs de Ligt, Lisandro Martinez, Noussair Mazraoui
- Midfielders: Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte; Amad Diallo, Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford
- Forward: Rasmus Hojlund
Key Players
Ipswich Town:
- Liam Delap: Top scorer with 6 goals this season.
- Leif Davis: Leading assist provider with 2 assists.
Manchester United:
- Bruno Fernandes: A creative force with 3 assists.
- Marcus Rashford: A constant threat on the wing.
- Casemiro: Dominates the midfield with defensive prowess.
10 Key Stats
- Ipswich has failed to win their last 5 home matches.
- Manchester United is unbeaten in their last 4 games but has not won in their last 5 away matches.
- Ipswich concedes an average of 2 goals per game at home this season.
- Manchester United has scored in their last 7 matches.
- Ipswich scores 33% of their goals in the first 15 minutes of games.
- Manchester United scores 33% of their goals in the final 15 minutes.
- Ipswich’s home record this season is 0-3-2.
- Manchester United has won 4 of their last 5 meetings with Ipswich.
- Ipswich hasn’t scored in 2 of their last 5 home matches.
- Liam Delap is responsible for 50% of Ipswich’s goals this season.
Injuries and Absences
Ipswich Town:
- Janoi Donacien, Jacob Greaves, Chiedozie Ogbene (injured).
- Jack Taylor (other).
Manchester United:
- Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, Leny Yoro, Kobbie Mainoo (injured).
SWOT Analysis: Ipswich vs Manchester United
SWOT Analysis: Ipswich Town
Strengths:
- Early Game Impact: Scores 33% of their goals in the opening 15 minutes, the highest percentage in the league.
- Key Player in Form: Liam Delap leads the team with 6 goals, offering a reliable scoring option.
- Home Ground Advantage: Although the team has struggled, playing at Portman Road may provide morale support.
Weaknesses:
- Poor Home Record: No wins in 5 home matches this season (0-3-2).
- Defensive Issues: Have conceded a goal in each of their last 7 matches, showcasing vulnerabilities at the back.
- Struggles Against Manchester United: Winless in their last 5 encounters with the Red Devils.
Opportunities:
- Exploit Manchester United’s Away Struggles: United hasn’t won any of their last 5 away games, creating an opening for Ipswich to capitalize.
- Set-Pieces or Early Pressure: With United’s shaky defense at times, an aggressive start could disrupt their rhythm.
Threats:
- Opponent’s Head-to-Head Dominance: Manchester United’s record of 6 wins in the last 9 meetings makes Ipswich clear underdogs.
- Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford’s Form: United’s creative and attacking players pose significant risks to Ipswich’s fragile defense.
SWOT Analysis: Manchester United
Strengths:
- Dominant Record Against Ipswich: Unbeaten in their last 5 meetings, with 4 wins and 1 draw.
- Late Game Clutch: Scores 33% of their goals between 76-90 minutes, showing resilience in critical moments.
- In-Form Scorers: Players like Bruno Fernandes (3 assists) and Marcus Rashford are impactful in creating and finishing chances.
Weaknesses:
- Poor Away Form: No wins in their last 5 away matches, reflecting struggles to perform outside Old Trafford.
- Inconsistent Season Performance: The current 13th position with only 15 points is a step down from last year’s performance at the same stage.
Opportunities:
- Exploit Ipswich’s Defensive Fragility: Ipswich has conceded in each of their last 7 games, making their defense vulnerable to United’s attacking prowess.
- Set-Piece Threats: United’s quality on set-pieces can challenge Ipswich’s weak backline.
Threats:
- Ipswich’s Early Scoring Ability: United must be wary of Ipswich’s tendency to start strong and score early goals.
- Away Pressure: The continued lack of away wins could psychologically impact the team’s performance in a must-win situation.
Ipswich vs Manchester United Prediction
Despite their struggles, Manchester United’s superior quality and depth make them the favorites. Ipswich will rely on Liam Delap for a potential upset, but United’s attacking firepower and Bruno Fernandes’ creativity should edge the contest.
Predicted Score: Ipswich Town 1-2 Manchester United
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