Thursday, December 5, 2024

Prediction: Ipswich vs Manchester United

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

Getting a new era underway on Sunday afternoon, Manchester United will travel to Portman Road when they meet Ipswich.

Ipswich

Starting with the hosts, managing to put a maiden Premier League victory on the board prior to November’s international break, Ipswich will be desperate to collect another heavyweight scalp here. Eventually claiming a shock 2-1 win away at Tottenham, Kieran McKenna’s camp have found a route out of the drop zone and breathed life back into their charge for top-flight safety. However, signing off October with an infamous 4-3 loss at the hands of Brentford, the one-time Manchester United coach will have a headache over his side’s extended defensive struggles. Mustering just a single victory from any of their first 11 Premier League appearances, the Blues have also put just a sole clean sheet on the board. However, with the mood around Portman Road still at a real high, Ipswich will certainly be relishing their return on Sunday afternoon.

Team News

Dealing with a thigh injury over the past month, Ipswich are once again sweating over the fitness of summer recruit Jacob Greaves this weekend. After serving a one-match suspension against Tottenham prior to the fortnight interval, Manchester City loanee Kalvin Phillips will return to McKenna’s squad.

Already notching six Premier League goals so far this season, England U21 international Liam Delap will spearhead Ipswich’s charge. Likewise, making a real impact since arriving from Blackburn over the summer, Sammie Szmodics will parter Delap in the final third.

Manchester United

As for the visitors, with Ruben Amorim’s tenure at Old Trafford officially getting underway, Manchester United will be desperate to make an early statement here. However, although the Reds might have claimed a much-welcomed boost during Ruud van Nistelrooy’s interim time in charge, they are still scrapping it out in the bottom-half of the Premier League table. Likewise, last seen on their travels falling to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of West Ham, the former Sporting Lisbon boss will know the importance of finding some crucial stability on the road. In fact, continuing on from last season, Man United have recorded just a pair of Premier League victories away from Old Trafford since the end of February. Despite having a resurgent mood in their camp, Amorim’s new squad could face a potential banana skin when they travel to Portman Road on Sunday afternoon.

Team News

Suffering an injury blow while away with Sweden last weekend, Manchester United will be without defender Victor Lindelof here. However, despite dealing with a recent back issue, Manchester United are hopeful that Lautaro Martinez will be able to feature on Sunday afternoon.

Despite inching towards a Premier League debut, summer recruit Leny Yoro remains on the sidelines. Once again finding the net while away with Portugal over the past week and now notching five goals in as many appearances for club and country, Bruno Fernandes will play a leading role here.

Key Factors to Consider

    • When Ipswich and Manchester United last met back in September 2015, the Reds collected a 3-0 victory at Old Trafford.
    • Man United have recorded just a pair of Premier League victories on the road since the end of February.
    • Ipswich’s 2-1 win against Tottenham earlier in the month was their first Premier League victory from their opening 11 attempts.
    • The Blues have recorded just a sole clean sheet across any competition since opening up the new campaign.
    • Portugal international Bruno Fernandes has recorded five goals in as many appearances for club and country.

    Conclusion

    Getting a new era underway on Sunday night, Manchester United will be desperate to get Amorim’s tenure off with an early statement. However, continuing to show some extended issues away from Old Trafford, Sunday’s guests will meet an Ipswich squad that will be desperate to claim another heavyweight scalp this weekend. Heading into November’s international break with a shock 2-1 victory away at Tottenham, McKenna’s side will be confident of testing a leaky United defence.

    Verdict: Both teams to score

    Best Odds: 7/10

    Bookmaker: Olympusbet

    ABOUT THE AUTHOR

    Tom Dunstan


    Formerly of The Independent, Tom has spent the past six years as one of our senior writers and betting experts. Alongside working with numerous publications from across the globe, Tom also graduated from the University of Falmouth in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Digital Media.
    Spending almost the past decade working in countries such as Australia, New Zealand and Canada, he has also spent time featuring in sports radio. Tom can be followed on Instagram - @iamtomdunstan

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