Ipswich vs Southampton Predictions

Ipswich vs Southampton predictions for Saturday’s Championship clash at Portman Road. Ipswich Town host Southampton at Portman Road on Sunday, with both recently relegated sides meeting again in the Championship. Read on for our free match preview, betting tips and predictions.

Championship | Aug 17 2025 at 12:00 pm UK at Portman Road

Ipswich vs Southampton Predictions

Can Ipswich’s struggles be eased or will Southampton’s fast start continue?

• Ipswich’s home issues: The Tractor Boys have conceded at least two goals in eight of their last nine home league fixtures, a trend that refuses to go away.
• Saints’ attacking control: Southampton recorded 74.4% possession and 4.1 xG on opening weekend, both the highest in the Championship, showing how dominant their system can be.
• Portman Road factor: Southampton have scored two or more in each of their last four visits to Ipswich, underlining their attacking confidence at this ground.

Best Bet for Ipswich vs Southampton

Portman Road is preparing for a clash that already feels weighty despite being so early in the season. Ipswich Town, recently relegated and desperate to stabilise, meet Southampton, who also tumbled out of the Premier League but have started the new Championship campaign with momentum. The Tractor Boys are still searching for their first win in any competition this season, while the Saints arrive buoyed by two victories, one in the league and one in the cup.

Kieran McKenna’s side have had a frustrating beginning. A fiery draw with Birmingham and a painful EFL Cup exit to Bromley on penalties have left supporters restless. It feels like their promotion push is already under question before it has truly started. Injuries to key players and the departure of Nathan Broadhead haven’t helped, while Omari Hutchinson looks set to follow him out.

Southampton, though, already look lively under Will Still. They needed a dramatic late show to beat Wrexham on the opening day, with Ryan Manning and Jack Stephens rescuing them at the death, but the underlying numbers showed control. Against Northampton in the cup, they again found a way to win, and their dominance in possession and xG last weekend suggests they have the tools to go far.

This is not just an early-season meeting. It is two former Premier League sides jostling to prove they can climb back quickly. And you sense neither will want to blink first.

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Best Bet for Ipswich vs Southampton

At BettingTips4You we always cut through the noise. No scattergun approach, no endless lists of bets – just one carefully selected best bet for each match. For this clash, our strongest recommendation is Southampton to score at least two goals.

It may sound bold to back the away side in such a tricky stadium, but the reasoning is solid. Ipswich’s defence has been porous for months. They conceded at least two in eight of their last nine home league games, and already this season they have looked shaky. With Conor Townsend and Wes Burns both sidelined long term, and Hutchinson about to depart, their balance has taken another knock.

In contrast, Southampton’s attack looks dangerous and varied. Manning’s set-piece quality adds a layer of threat that can punish any lapse, while Stephens has already shown an appetite for goals from the back. Will Still’s system encourages possession and overloads, and their 74.4% possession and 4.1 xG against Wrexham underline how dominant they can be even when the scoreline looks close. Youngster Tyler Dibling’s return to training further boosts their options, and with the likes of Sekou Mara, Ryan Fraser and Che Adams no longer in the picture, there is space for new faces to shine.

Even without James Bree or Will Smallbone, the Saints have the depth to attack Ipswich from multiple angles. The Tractor Boys may have strikers like George Hirst, Sammie Szmodics and new loanee Chuba Akpom, but their attack hasn’t clicked yet – and with defensive frailties glaring, it is hard to see them holding firm for 90 minutes.

BettingTips4You.com expert quote – Steve Harrington:

“When you dig into Ipswich’s numbers, it’s impossible to ignore their defensive leaks. Southampton’s attack looks well-drilled already, and two goals or more feels very achievable.”

Given Southampton’s recent history of scoring freely at Portman Road, and Ipswich’s vulnerability, the value is clear.

A 2-1 win for Southampton looks the most probable outcome. Ipswich have enough in Hirst or Akpom to get on the scoresheet, but the Saints’ firepower should edge it.

Likely Correct Score

Southampton to win 2-1 feels right. Ipswich’s attack is capable of nicking one, especially with Akpom eager to impress, but the Saints’ structure and creativity should deliver the decisive extra goal.

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