The Daily Star Ireland
Newly promoted this season, Ipswich Town lies in 18th place with the same points as the first team outside the relegation zone. For sure, the team is in for a stern fight to avoid going back to the lower division. Of late, Ipswich has shown some signs of revival, garnering two wins, one draw, and two losses in their last five league matches. Notably, they pulled off a shocking 2-0 win over Chelsea and managed a 2-2 draw against Fulham in their last game. Last week, Ipswich hosted Bristol Rovers in the FA Cup.
Brighton, now 10th in the Premier League table, are six points behind the final European qualification spot. Though they were doing well during the early days of the season, that form has slipped away and they have not tasted victory in eight league outings, comprised of six draws and two defeats. Recently, they were beaten 3-1 at home by Crystal Palace and had draws against West Ham 1-1, Brentford 0-0, Aston Villa 2-2, and Arsenal 1-1. Last weekend Brighton played Norwich in the FA Cup.
Ipswich has a host of squad challenges, with starting defender Tuanzebe, forwards Chaplin, Hirst, and Ogbene, plus long-term absentee Donacien, all out. Even so, Szmodics-who has four league goals this season-and Delap, with eight goals and two assists, should spearhead the attack. Ipswich has added to its squad in the January transfer window with the loan signing of defender Ben Godfrey, while the signature of winger Philogene from Aston Villa is imminent.
Brighton will also be without key forward Welbeck, back-up striker Ferguson, midfielder Wieffer, would-be starter Kadioglu and veteran James Milner. Uncertain: new signing Diego Gomez from Inter Miami, full-backs Estupinan and Hinshelwood. The one shining light this season has been midfielder Baleba. These could be joined in Brighton’s attack on match day by the probable trio of Mitoma – three goals, two assists, Rutter – two goals, two assists, and Joao Pedro – five goals, five assists.
Prediction
Noting Brighton’s run of 28 successive away games in which less than 3.5 goals were scored, a similar trend also seen from Ipswich in 17 of their last 20, expect this game to be hard-fought with a scarcity of clear-cut opportunities at either end of the pitch.
Prediction: Ipswich 1-1 Brighton
