As Premier League football resumes this weekend, Portman Road will host one of the most crucial encounters of Gameweek 10 as Ipswich Town face off against Leicester City. With both sides eager to secure points and avoid the relegation zone, this match promises to be a fiercely contested battle. Ipswich are in desperate need of their first win of the season, while Leicester are looking to widen the gap between themselves and the relegation battle—a win here could be pivotal for both teams.
For Ipswich Town, it’s been a challenging season thus far in the Premier League. Although the Tractor Boys have shown moments of promise and resilience, they have yet to secure a victory. Kieran McKenna’s men currently sit near the foot of the table, just two points adrift of 18th-placed Crystal Palace, and are one of three teams still searching for a win. Ipswich’s early season optimism is fading, and this match is becoming increasingly important if they want to avoid an immediate return to the EFL Championship. Injuries, however, are a mounting concern, with McKenna set to be without ten first-team players for Saturday’s showdown. Key players like Chiedozie Ogbene, Janoi Donacien, and Axel Tuanzebe are sidelined, and others like captain Samy Morsy are doubtful, leaving Ipswich with limited options and a depleted squad.
Despite these setbacks, Ipswich will be determined to make a stand at home. Their expected lineup features Arijanet Muric in goal, supported by a backline of Dara O’Shea, Luke Woolfenden, Cameron Burgess, and Leif Davis. In midfield, Jens Cajuste and Kalvin Phillips will take on the double-pivot role, aiming to disrupt Leicester’s play and provide some stability in the center of the pitch. Conor Chaplin is expected to feature in the No. 10 role, hoping to create chances for his wide partners Wes Burns and Sammie Szmodics, with Liam Delap leading the line as the central striker. Ipswich will need to be both resilient and clinical if they’re to find their first win, as any slip-up could push them deeper into the relegation fight.
Leicester City, meanwhile, have made some strides in recent weeks, gaining ground and moving into 15th place after a shaky start to the season. The Foxes have lost only one of their last four games, with the recent positive results allowing them to create a slight buffer from the relegation zone. Manager Steve Cooper will view this fixture as an opportunity to keep building momentum. Unlike Ipswich, Leicester are dealing with fewer injuries, with only three confirmed absences—Jakub Stolarczyk, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, and Patson Daka. There’s hope for returns from Victor Kristiansen and Hamza Choudhury, who are nearing full fitness and should be available for the clash.
The Foxes are likely to set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Mads Hermansen between the posts and a backline of James Justin, Caleb Okoli, Wout Faes, and the returning Kristiansen. In midfield, Cooper will rely on the experience and composure of Wilfred Ndidi and Harry Winks to control the game and win possession, while Facundo Buonanotte will assume the creative duties in the No. 10 role. Leicester’s attack will see Stephy Mavididi and Bobby De-Cordova Reid on the wings, with the evergreen Jamie Vardy leading the line. Vardy’s experience and knack for scoring in big games will be crucial if Leicester are to secure all three points.
Key Battles and Strategies
For Ipswich, limiting Leicester’s attacking options and keeping Vardy under wraps will be crucial. Ipswich’s defense will need to be sharp and organized, particularly given their squad shortages. The midfield pairing of Cajuste and Phillips will play a crucial role in controlling the tempo and providing cover for the backline, while Chaplin will need to be Ipswich’s creative spark, aiming to find gaps in Leicester’s defense and set up chances for Delap. Given Ipswich’s lack of depth due to injuries, McKenna may opt for a cautious approach, looking to contain Leicester and hit them on the counter.
Leicester, however, will likely be on the front foot, seeking to exploit Ipswich’s weakened squad and press their advantage. With Ndidi and Winks anchoring the midfield, Leicester will look to dominate possession and control the game’s rhythm. Buonanotte’s creativity and Vardy’s ability to finish chances will be Leicester’s main threats, especially if they can draw Ipswich out of shape. Leicester will also be looking for opportunities to press high, especially given Ipswich’s struggles to maintain leads this season.
Prediction
Historically, matches between Ipswich and Leicester have been tight, with their two encounters in the EFL Championship last season ending in 1-1 draws. Saturday’s game might follow a similar pattern, as both teams are in need of points and will be cautious in their approach. However, Ipswich’s lack of defensive depth and their tendency to falter in the second half could play into Leicester’s hands. Expect Ipswich to start strong, potentially taking an early lead, only for Leicester to strike back in the latter stages.
Jamie Vardy, known for his ability to perform in crucial moments, could prove to be the difference-maker for the Foxes, and a brace from him might be enough to seal a comeback victory for Leicester. Ipswich will likely show grit but could struggle to maintain their intensity, especially with their stretched lineup. The prediction for Saturday’s match is a 2-1 victory for Leicester City, as Steve Cooper’s side edges closer to safety while Ipswich faces another challenging week in their quest to stay in the Premier League.
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