Southampton vs Ipswich Predictions

• Southampton have lost all four Premier League matches this season
• Ipswich are winless in all competitions although they are unbeaten in two games
• The Tractor Boys came out on top in this fixture last season in the Championship, winning 1-0

Tractor Boys to claim crucial three points against struggling Saints

Both Southampton and Ipswich – two of the three sides promoted from the second tier – have struggled for points in the early exchanges of this season but, after winning both home and away in this fixture last season, the Tractor Boys could have the confidence to secure what could be a pivotal victory come the end of the campaign.

Kieran McKenna’s side had a difficult early fixture list with defeats to Liverpool and Manchester City in their opening two fixtures but have bounced back admirably with two consecutive draws – against Fulham (1-1) and high-flying Brighton (0-0).

The Saints meanwhile have shown their qualities in the Carabao Cup – with victory over Cardiff and a penalty shootout win at Everton – but have failed to show the same clinical nature in the top flight, losing all four of their opening league encounters and netting just one goal in the process.

Russell Martin’s men are still yet to score at St. Mary’s this season and, while that may change against a fellow newly-promoted side, they may come up short for victory once again. At least three goals have been scored in two of Ipswich’s three away matches this season in all competitions and this theme could continue on Saturday, with our prediction being a 2-1 away victory.

Delap can delight the travelling fans

Ipswich have the ability to trouble any defence on their day – as they showed by taking the lead at the Etihad Stadium earlier this season – and striker Liam Delap could be the man to lead by example on the south coast for the Tractor Boys.

The 21-year-old is one of just two players to find the back of the net in the Premier League for Ipswich this season – scoring the opener in the 1-1 home draw with Fulham – and he was inches away from doubling his tally at Brighton last time out, smashing a solo effort off of the post after taking up possession deep in his own half.

The former Manchester City man has registered five shots so far this season, a tally only bettered by Omari Hutchinson in the Ipswich squad. Should he find space in and around the penalty area, the striker may well try his luck.