Back in the Premier League this season, Ipswich currently lies in 18th position, level on points with the first team outside the relegation zone. As a newly promoted side, they face an uphill task to prevent themselves from going back down.
However, recent performances have been on the improve with the Tractor Boys winning two of their last five league games, drawing one and losing two. The highlight of this run was, of course, the 2-0 thrashing of Chelsea; in their last match, however, they managed a 2-2 draw against Fulham. At the weekend, Ipswich welcomed Bristol Rovers in the FA Cup.
Brighton lies 10th in the Premier League, six points adrift of the last European qualification place. Although they were good earlier in the campaign, they are not in particularly great form currently.
They have not won any of their last eight league games, drawing six and losing two. Having been shocked 3-1 at home by Crystal Palace, Brighton drew against West Ham 1-1, Brentford 0-0, Aston Villa 2-2, and Arsenal 1-1. At the weekend they faced Norwich in the FA Cup.
Ipswich has lots of problems with a number of key players absentees. Starting defender Tuanzebe, forwards Chaplin, Hirst and Ogbene, along with long-term absentee Donacien, will all be absent.
But Szmodics, with four Premier League goals, and Delap, with eight goals and two assists, are likely to play key roles. Ipswich has signed international defender Ben Godfrey on loan and is near to completing the signing of winger Philogene from Aston Villa as it seeks to bolster its squad in the January transfer window.
Injuries, however, will affect Brighton, too, as Welbeck, his cover in Ferguson, midfielder Wieffer, probable starter Kadioglu, and veteran Milner will be out of the lineup. Uncertain is new signing Diego Gomez, who has joined from Inter Miami, and full-backs Estupinan and Hinshelwood. The positives include midfielder Baleba, who has been one of the emerging youngsters of this season. Brighton are looking ahead to the influence of Mitoma with three goals and two assists, Rutter, two goals and two assists, and Joao Pedro, five goals and five assists apiece.
Prediction
Ipswich have been part of many low-scoring home games, with nine of their last ten Premier League matches featuring three goals or fewer. Brighton’s away games have also been similar, with eight of their last nine matches producing fewer than three goals.
Prediction: Ipswich 1-1 Brighton
