Southampton will be looking to bounce back from a 4-1 thrashing at the hands of Leicester City when Ipswich Town travel to St. Mary’s on Tuesday.
Key Takeaways
- Southampton have conceded nine goals in their last two matches
- As a result, the Saints possess the worst defensive record in the Championship
- Ipswich Town have won five of their six league games this season
While Southampton have struggled for consistency following Premier League relegation, Ipswich have enjoyed plenty of success since gaining promotion from League One. In fact, the Tractor Boys find themselves five points clear of the Saints after six matches.
Southampton Form
The Saints made an impressive start to life in the Championship, taking 10 points from a possible 12 in August. Since then, however, Russell Martin’s men have suffered two heavy defeats, casting doubt on the club’s promotion credentials.
Following a 5-0 mauling against Sunderland, Southampton endured a 4-1 loss against Leicester on Saturday. Despite racking up 19 shots while enjoying the lion’s share of the ball, the Saints were humiliated by the Foxes on their own turf.
Ipswich Town Form
Meanwhile, Ipswich Town claimed a 1-0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday last time out, courtesy of a third goal in four league games for Conor Chaplin. Consequently, the Tractor Boys sit just one point behind table-topping Preston North End.
Kieran McKenna’s men have now won five of their six Championship matches in 2023-24, keeping three clean sheets in the process. If they carry on the way they’re going, the prospect of back-to-back promotions could become a reality.
Head-to-Head
Southampton have avoided defeat in each of their last eight meetings with Ipswich Town, picking up four wins and four draws since 2008.
Team News
The hosts will be without injured trio Juan Larios, Jack Stephens and Ross Stewart on Tuesday, while the visitors will be without Janoi Donacien and Christian Walton.
Key Players
Southampton striker Adam Armstrong has netted four goals in six league games this season, while Che Adams has contributed three goals. Russell Martin can also call upon 20-year-old winger Samuel Edozie, who has scored twice this term.
No goalkeeper has kept more Championship clean sheets than Ipswich’s Vaclav Hladky in 2023-24. At the opposite end of the pitch, Conor Chaplin, Freddie Ladapo and Nathan Broadhead have all scored three goals this season.
Final Thoughts
Having conceded nine goals in their last two matches, Southampton will aim to stem the flow on Tuesday. That said, in-form Ipswich will be confident of heaping more misery on the Saints, having taken 15 points from a possible 18 this term.