The last three meetings between these two sides have all resulted in draws, including a goalless stalemate in Sussex in September, while Brighton have won only five of their 25 visits to Suffolk since 1954.
Ipswich Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion Preview
Can Ipswich Town climb out of the relegation zone? Last time out in the league 11 days ago, the Tractor Boys were very unfortunate not to beat Fulham, leading twice at Craven Cottage thanks to goals from Sammie Szmodics and then Liam Delap, only to be denied victory by a stoppage time penalty. Six days earlier, the Blues had collected their first Premier League home win since 2002, defeating Chelsea 2-0 on a famous night at Portman Road, meaning Kieran McKenna's team have picked up seven points from their last five outings.
Thus, currently only goal difference is keeping Ipswich in the bottom three. At the weekend, the Tractor Boys hammered Bristol Rovers 3-0 in the FA Cup; Kalvin Phillips, Jack Clarke and Jack Taylor all on target, before Ali Al-Hamadi, and we don't mean to be rude, took one of the worst penalties you'll ever see, thankfully for him it mattered not. Now though, with games against Man City and Liverpool up next, it feels vital that they continue the momentum in this one.
Brighton & Hove Albion meanwhile finally ended their eight-match winless streak on Saturday, swatting aside Norwich City 4-0 in the FA Cup, with Georginio Rutter bagging a quick-fire brace at Carrow Road, Julio Enciso also getting on the act before Solly March marked his return from a long-term injury with a trademark curler. In the league meanwhile, as mentioned, Fabian Hürzeler's team are without a win in eight, albeit six of these fixtures, including each of the last four, have produced draws, leaving the Seagulls tenth, a mere two points adrift the potential European positions. So now, having won in Norfolk on Saturday, will the Seagulls leave Suffolk victorious come Thursday?
Ipswich Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion Head-to-Head Record
- Matches Played: 71.
- Ipswich Town Wins: 31. Draws: 16. Brighton & Hove Albion Wins: 24.
Ipswich Town Team News
Kieran McKenna has some injury headaches to deal with, considering attackers Omari Hutchinson, Sam Szmodics and Conor Chaplin, who would all start otherwise, are doubts. With Chiedozie Ogbene also out long-term, if none of that trio are good to go, it leaves him very limited options. At the back, there's still no Axel Tuanzebe due to injury, but new loan signing Ben Godfrey made his debut on Sunday, deployed at right-back, so will he once again get the nod over Ben Johnson? Lastly, in goal, Christian Walton is set to start a third successive Premier League match, after the now former-number one Arijanet Muriç came back in for the FA Cup tie, before being replaced nine minutes from time to allow youngster Cieran Slicker a rare opportunity.
Ipswich Town predicted lineup vs Brighton & Hove Albion: (4-5-1): Walton; Godfrey, O'Shea, Greaves, Davis; Morsy, Cajuste, J Clarke, Taylor, Broadhead; Delap.
Ipswich Town Player to Watch vs Brighton & Hove Albion
Without the usual attacking trio behind him, Liam Delap's importance only increases, so can he add to his eight goals so far this season?
Brighton & Hove Albion Team News
Fabian Hürzeler made six changes at Carrow Road on Saturday, but he does have the options to do that, even though Igor, Lewis Dunk, Ferdi Kadıoğlu, Mats Wieffer, Jack Hinshelwood, James Milner, Yankuba Minteh, Evan Ferguson and João Pedro are all sidelined. In a much-needed boost, Danny Welbeck came off the bench against Norwich, his first outing since 8 December due to injury, so will he lead the line, or will Georginio Rutter continue to spearhead the attack? Lastly, as already referenced, Solly March came off the bench to score at the weekend, having not featured for 433 days before returning for a two minute cameo against Brentford just after Christmas due to a serious knee injury.
Brighton & Hove Albion predicted lineup vs Ipswich Town: (4-3-3): Verbruggen; Veltman, Webster, van Hecke, Estupiñán; Baleba, Ayari, Gruda, O'Riley, Mitoma; Georginio.
Brighton & Hove Albion Player to Watch vs Ipswich Town
Carlos Baleba's performances continue to earn rave reviews, and he'll once again be key, as the Seagulls seek to win the midfield battle.
Ipswich Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion Prediction
This game is hard to call, but we are backing Brighton for victory at Portman Road, partially due to Ipswich's injuries, but primarily because the Albion posses significantly greater individual quality, and the Seagulls are going to have to end their winless run soon: Ipswich Town 1-2 Brighton & Hove Albion.
Ipswich Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion FAQs - Premier League
How to watch Ipswich Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion Premier League game on TV channel?
Ipswich Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion Premier League game will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: TNT Sports 2
- USA: Peacock
- Canada: Fubo Sports Network 2 Canada
How to watch Ipswich Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion Premier League game on live streaming?
Ipswich Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion Premier League game will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: Discovery+
- USA: Peacock
- Canada: fuboTV Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Ipswich Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League?
Ipswich Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion takes place on Thursday 16 January 2025, with kick off at 19:30 (GMT), 14:30 (EDT) & 11:30 (PST).