Ipswich vs Norwich predictions for Saturday’s early Championship kick-off. The first Old Farm Derby of the season is set for Saturday lunchtime, marking the first encounter since 2019. Ipswich, in strong form, hosts bitter rivals Norwich at Portman Road for an anticipated and intense match. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.
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Match Live Saturday, 16th December at 12:30 pm In:
Ipswich vs Norwich Predictions
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East Anglian Derby: A Tactical Battle at Portman Road
Key Stats
– Norwich have struggled away, losing six of their last nine away matches.
– Ipswich have seen both teams score in nine of their last ten home games.
The upcoming East Anglian Derby, featuring Ipswich Town against Norwich City, promises to be an intriguing Championship clash at Portman Road. This eagerly anticipated encounter sees high-flying Ipswich, who have excelled on their return to the Championship, face a Norwich team with a formidable record at this venue but struggling for consistency this season.
Our Suggested Best Value Bet For This Match
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Best Value Bet Rationale
Sara’s influence in Norwich’s midfield cannot be overstated. He has been a key player in the team, starting in all 21 matches and averaging 89 minutes per game. His attacking contributions are particularly noteworthy, with five goals and eight assists to his name. This indicates not only his ability to find the back of the net but also his vision and knack for setting up scoring opportunities for his teammates.
His expected goals (xG) of 2.87 and expected assists (xA) of 6.27 further underline his effectiveness in offensive play. Additionally, his role in creating big chances, with a total of 10 this season, and his high rate of key passes per game (3.1) demonstrate his capacity to influence the game significantly in the final third.
Given Ipswich’s defensive vulnerabilities – conceding in eight of their ten home games – there’s a good chance for Sara to exploit these gaps, either by scoring himself or by providing assists. His excellent form, combined with Ipswich’s tendency to allow goals at home, makes betting on Sara to score or assist a value bet with a good chance of success.
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Ipswich’s Ascendancy
Ipswich Town’s resurgence has been one of the season’s standout stories. Their statistical overview reveals a team that is offensively potent and tactically astute. They boast the Championship’s highest goal tally, with 45 goals in 21 matches, reflecting their attacking fluidity and clinical finishing. However, defensively, there are concerns. Despite their impressive run of home wins, they have conceded in most of these games, suggesting a vulnerability that Norwich might exploit.
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Norwich’s Inconsistency
Norwich, meanwhile, are enduring a mixed campaign. Their away form is particularly worrying, having lost six of their last nine on the road. The Canaries’ tendency to score at Portman Road, coupled with their overall scoring record this season, indicates that they possess the attacking threat to trouble Ipswich’s defence.
Key Tactical Battles
The midfield duel will be crucial, with Ipswich’s creative force meeting Norwich’s resilience. The flanks will also be areas of intense battle, with both teams looking to exploit width to create scoring opportunities. Expect a high-pressing game from Ipswich, trying to unsettle Norwich’s build-up play.
Managerial Matchup
Kieran McKenna’s impact at Ipswich is undeniable, instilling an attacking philosophy that thrives on high intensity and fluid movements. Contrastingly, David Wagner’s Norwich have shown tactical flexibility but lack consistency. Wagner faces criticism for not harnessing the team’s potential, especially in away fixtures.
Match Analysis
- Expected Goals (xG): Ipswich’s prolific attack contrasts with a less secure defence, suggesting a game with multiple scoring chances. Norwich’s xG away from home also hints at their ability to find the net.
- Key Duels: Watch for the Chaplin vs Norwich’s central defenders’ battle, crucial in deciding the game’s outcome.
- Gameplay Prediction: Expect Ipswich to dominate possession, with Norwich looking to exploit on the counter. Ipswich’s high press could be key in unsettling Norwich’s rhythm.
Team Lineups and Commentary
- Ipswich’s Expected Lineup: The inclusion of Conor Chaplin and Nathan Broadhead in the attack is pivotal. Their movement and finishing skills will be essential in breaking down Norwich’s defence.
- Norwich’s Expected Lineup: The absence of key defenders could be a concern for Wagner. Norwich will rely on Gabriel Sara’s creativity in midfield to create chances.
Improvement Suggestions
- Ipswich: Need to tighten up defensively, particularly in dealing with set-pieces and counter-attacks.
- Norwich: Must find a way to translate their scoring ability into consistent results, especially in away games.
Predictions
1. Win-Draw-Win Market: Ipswich to Win
Given Ipswich Town’s impressive form at Portman Road, where they have not just won but done so in a convincing manner, it’s rational to back them for a victory. Their attacking prowess, underlined by scoring 45 goals in 21 matches, makes them a formidable force, especially at home. Norwich City, on the other hand, has shown vulnerability in away fixtures, losing a significant number of their recent road games. This pattern suggests that while Norwich might put up a fight, Ipswich’s offensive strength and home advantage are likely to prevail, breaking their long-standing winless streak against the Canaries.
2. Correct Score Prediction: Ipswich 3-2 Norwich
This prediction leans on the trend of high-scoring games for Ipswich at home and Norwich’s ability to find the net in away games. Ipswich’s attack, spearheaded by Conor Chaplin and Nathan Broadhead, has been prolific, but their defensive record shows they are prone to conceding. Norwich’s scoring streak at Portman Road, coupled with their own defensive woes, points towards a match where both teams are likely to score. A 3-2 outcome reflects Ipswich’s higher scoring rate, balanced against their tendency to concede goals.
3. Goalscorer Prediction: Conor Chaplin to Score
Conor Chaplin, as Ipswich’s leading scorer, is a prime candidate to find the back of the net in such a crucial match. His ability to find space and his clinical finishing have been key to Ipswich’s attacking success this season. Against a Norwich defence that has been less than solid, particularly in away games, Chaplin’s chances of scoring are significantly high. His form, combined with the high stakes of the derby, positions him as a likely scorer.
4. Corner Prediction: Total Corners Over 9.5
This prediction is based on both teams’ playing styles. Ipswich, with their attacking flair and propensity to use wide areas, are likely to win several corners. Norwich, not one to sit back, will also seek to create opportunities, adding to the corner tally. Considering the attacking nature of the match and both teams’ strategies, it is reasonable to expect a high number of corners, exceeding the 9.5 threshold.
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