Selhurst Park will host a crucial Premier League game this Saturday as Crystal Palace square up against Ipswich Town in a game of varying stakes. Crystal Palace, comfortably 12th on 36 points, seek to consolidate their mid-table position and extend their recent run of form. Ipswich, in 18th place with a mere 17 points, are under immense pressure to get out of the drop zone. Both sides being spurred by diametrically opposite imperatives, this promises to be a nail-biting encounter.
The home team's form book overwhelmingly favors them. Crystal Palace have been good in three of their last five games, displaying solidity and attacking prowess, finding the back of the net in each of their last 12 matches. Ipswich have endured a torrid time of it lately, having managed a single win from their last five. Their rearguard has been incredibly sloppy, conceding in eight consecutive games. This disparity of shape and defensive solidity can still prove telling as Ipswich are finding it hard to hold onto their survival ambitions.
Historically, Crystal Palace is also in the ascendant. Eagles have beaten Ipswich four times in their last five meetings and boast a strong home record, with Ipswich not winning at Selhurst Park since 2010. With an average goal score for this game of 2.6 goals per match, supporters can anticipate an exciting game. Palace top scorer with 12 goals for the season, Jean Philippe Mateta, will be at the hub of Palace's attacking presence, while Ipswich's 10-goal forward Liam Delap has the hopes of an upset rested on the shoulders of the visitor.
For Ipswich, victory would put fresh life into their relegation battle, while Crystal Palace will aim to bring themselves closer to a top-half place. With a goal difference of +2 compared to Ipswich's -31, the hosts hold a dramatic statistical superiority. But football rarely goes according to form book, and Ipswich's desperation could make this an epic contest.
Crystal Palace - Ipswich Town Key Facts
Crystal Palace enjoy a brilliant home record against Ipswich Town, remaining unbeaten in their previous three matches at Selhurst Park, which speaks volumes of their superiority and places them as top favourites for this game.
Ipswich Town have failed to win any of their previous three Premier League matches against Crystal Palace, which is a worrying trend that may sway betting in the direction of the home team.
Crystal Palace have scored in each of their last 12 consecutive games, and this indicates a very high rate of chances that they will score in this game.
Betting Predictions
Primary Bet: Home Win @ 12/25
Crystal Palace's consistent home form and current run make them clear favourites for this match. They have lost six of their last 16 home matches to Ipswich and are on a three-game winning streak. Ipswich have also been in difficulty in this matchup, having failed to lose any of their previous three against Palace but losing seven of their previous eight matches. Crystal Palace has averaged 1.89 goals per match at home, and their attack should be capable of taking advantage of Ipswich's defense vulnerabilities with ease, thus a home win is the best bet.
Secondary Bet: Over 2.5 Goals @ 8/11
A goal extravaganza also appears likely, taking the over 2.5 goals bet as a great alternative selection. Previous meetings between these two clubs average 2.6 goals per match, with both sides consistently showing scoring tendencies. Crystal Palace thrive on the front foot at Selhurst Park, and Ipswich have scored in six consecutive games even as they have struggled at the back. This combination of Palace's attacking consistency and Ipswich's vulnerability at the back makes the 73/100 over 2.5 goals a value pick. Expect an open game with plenty of action in the box.
Editorial Pick: Eddie Nketiah - Over 2.5 shots @ 8/13
The former Arsenal man will likely lead the line for Oliver Glasner's men in the absence of Jean-Philippe Mateta, following his horror injury in the FA Cup last time out. Nketiah scored in that game against Millwall and will surely be amongst the action for The Eagles. Whether he scores or not, he will surely get the chance to shoot on goal multiple times.
