Ipswich vs Brighton Prediction: 16/1/2025

Ipswich Town, newly promoted to the Premier League this season, currently sits in 18th place, level on points with the first team outside the relegation zone. The Tractor Boys face a challenging battle to avoid relegation but have shown improved consistency in recent weeks. They have secured two wins, one draw, and two losses in their last five league games. Notable results include a surprise 2-0 victory over Chelsea and a 2-2 draw against Fulham. Last weekend, Ipswich hosted Bristol Rovers in the FA Cup.

Brighton, sitting in 10th place, is six points away from the last European qualification spot. Although they were performing well earlier in the season, their recent form has dipped, with no wins in their last eight matches. During this period, they recorded six draws and two losses, including a surprising 3-1 home defeat to Crystal Palace. Other results include draws against West Ham (1-1), Brentford (0-0), Aston Villa (2-2), and Arsenal (1-1). Brighton traveled to Norwich for their FA Cup fixture last weekend.

Ipswich is dealing with several key absences, including starting defender Tuanzebe, forwards Chaplin, Hirst, and Ogbene, as well as long-term absentee Donacien. However, Szmodics, with four league goals, and Delap, who has scored eight goals and provided two assists, are expected to start. To strengthen their squad, Ipswich has been active in the winter transfer window, securing a loan deal for international defender Godfrey and working to finalize the signing of winger Philogene from Aston Villa.

Brighton is also missing key players, including striker Welbeck, backup forward Ferguson, midfielder Wieffer, potential starter Kadioglu, and veteran Milner, all sidelined with injuries. Additionally, the availability of new signing Diego Gomez from Inter Miami, as well as full-backs Estupinan and Hinshelwood, remains uncertain. On a positive note, former Lille midfielder Baleba has emerged as one of the standout players this season. In attack, Brighton is expected to rely on Mitoma, who has three goals and two assists, Rutter with two goals and two assists, and Joao Pedro, who has contributed five goals and five assists.

Prediction

Both Ipswich and Brighton have shown a trend of low-scoring matches recently. Nine of Ipswich’s last ten home league games have featured three goals or fewer, while eight of Brighton’s last nine away matches have followed a similar pattern.

Prediction: Ipswich 1-1 Brighton