Ipswich vs Brighton Predictions

• Ipswich have earned at least a point against Fulham, Aston Villa, Manchester United and Chelsea at Portman Road this term
• Brighton have gone eight Premier League matches without a win, drawing six times in that run
• Both teams have scored in 11 of the Seagulls’ last 12 Premier League games

McKenna’s men may claim another scalp

Having exceeded expectations and perhaps achieved promotion quicker than anticipated, it was always going to be a tough task to keep Ipswich in the Premier League for Kieran McKenna. 

However, the Northern Irish manager has made a decent start towards that goal, with the Tractor Boys only in the drop zone due Wolves’ superior goal difference ahead of this midweek round of fixtures, and his side only seem to be improving. 

A stunning 2-0 win over big-spending Chelsea in Ipswich’s last home league match was followed by an impressive 2-2 draw at top-six chasing Fulham and a comfortable 3-0 victory against League One Bristol Rovers in the FA Cup. 

The Tractor Boys are in good nick and they may have enough to earn another crucial point or three against a win-shy Brighton. 

Seagulls set for another tough evening

The Seagulls saw off Ipswich’s bitter rivals, Norwich, in the FA Cup third round with little resistance, cruising to a 4-0 victory at Carrow Road, but they may not fare so well on their second trip to East Anglia in a matter of days. 

Fabian Hurzeler, like McKenna, has exceeded expectations with his club – many feared Brighton would regress massively following the departure of Roberto De Zerbi, yet they remain a contender for the European spots – but a strong start has fizzled out somewhat as the Seagulls have hit a slight rough path of late. 

As impressive as a 1-1 draw with Arsenal at the Emirates was, it does mean Albion are now without a win in eight Premier League matches, hinting that a trip to Portman Road may not be as straightforward as the odds would suggest. 

Dangerous Delap could net again

Ipswich will be high on confidence after beating Chelsea in their last Premier League home match and they will be feeling they can best anyone on their own patch, especially under the Portman Road lights – evening games in Suffolk tend to generate a cauldron-like atmosphere. 

Brighton’s last four away league games have seen them beaten by Fulham and held to draws by Aston Villa as well as struggling pair West Ham and Leicester, with that winless road run unlikely to come to an end in Suffolk. 

They should have enough to play their part in a thriller, given both teams have scored in 11 of their last 12 league games, but a win looks unlikely. 

Ipswich are strong enough to win and Liam Delap, who has eight goals this season, could lead the charge for the hosts. However, it could be worth keeping the draw onside as the Seagulls have drawn their last four league matches.