Portman Road sets the stage for a Championship clash this Saturday as Ipswich Town host Brentford. Ipswich, struggling in 18th place with just 22 points, are desperate to escape the relegation zone. Meanwhile, Brentford, comfortably positioned in 9th with 52 points, aim to strengthen their mid-table standing. With Ipswich fighting for survival and Brentford keen to extend their unbeaten run, this encounter promises plenty of drama.
Ipswich’s season has been riddled with challenges, including a four-match winless streak and a meagre average of 0.9 goals scored per home game. Defensive frailties have been a recurring issue, with the Tractor Boys conceding in each of their last 17 matches. However, they can take some solace from their recent home record against Brentford, having avoided defeat in their last three meetings at Portman Road. Backed by their supporters, Ipswich will need to rediscover their scoring touch to end a two-match goal drought.
Brentford arrive in Suffolk full of confidence, unbeaten in their last four outings and boasting an impressive average of 1.52 goals per away game. Bryan Mbeumo, their talisman with 18 goals this season, will be key to exploiting Ipswich’s defensive vulnerabilities. Adding to their advantage, Brentford have lost just once in their last five encounters with Ipswich, highlighting their recent dominance in this fixture.
As relegation fears collide with mid-table ambitions, the spotlight will be on Ipswich’s Liam Delap, who has netted 12 goals this term, and Brentford’s Mbeumo. With Ipswich’s dismal -41 goal difference contrasting sharply with Brentford’s +9, the stakes couldn’t be higher. A win for Ipswich could ignite a late-season resurgence, while Brentford will look to maintain their momentum and keep their top-half hopes alive.
Ipswich - Brentford Key Facts
Ipswich have not won in their last seven home matches, which highlights their current poor form and makes them a risky bet for punters considering their home advantage is diminished.
Brentford have lost just one of their last five encounters against Ipswich across all competitions, indicating a strong psychological edge and recent dominance in this fixture.
Ipswich have conceded a goal in each of their last 17 matches, suggesting a significant defensive vulnerability that could lead to Brentford capitalising on scoring opportunities.
Betting Predictions
Primary bet:Away Win (Brentford)@ 13/20
Brentford's impressive recent form, combined with Ipswich's ongoing struggles, makes an away win the standout choice. Brentford are unbeaten in their last four matches and have consistently outperformed Ipswich in the Premier League this season. In stark contrast, Ipswich have lost their last seven home fixtures and hold a woeful home record of 1-4-12. While Ipswich have historically posed a challenge to Brentford on home turf, their current defensive frailties and poor form leave little hope of reversing their fortunes in this encounter.
Secondary bet:Over 2.5 Goals@ 8/15
The secondary bet of over 2.5 goals is well-supported by both teams' scoring patterns. Matches between Ipswich and Brentford average 2.8 goals, and Ipswich have conceded in each of their last 17 matches. Brentford's attacking strength, with an average of 1.52 goals per away fixture, coupled with Ipswich's defensive vulnerabilities, points towards a high-scoring affair. With an 82.23% probability for over 2.5 goals, this market offers excellent value alongside the primary recommendation.