Ipswich vs West Brom
EFL Championship
Saturday
10th February 2024
Portman Road
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the EFL Championship fixture between Ipswich and West Brom.
Ipswich vs West Brom: Preview
Ipswich form analysis
The Blues began 2024 slowly, drawing back-to-back goalless draws against QPR and Stoke City, failing to find the back of the net. However, their form improved as they came from behind to beat Sunderland 2-1 at home. Second half goals from Jackson and Chaplin completing the turnaround after Clarke had put Sunderland ahead. Ipswich then secured a gritty 1-1 away draw against Leicester City. Despite a Davis own goal putting Leicester ahead, Sarmiento struck late on to earn Ipswich a point.
However, Ipswich’s resurgence came to a halt recently as they lost 2-3 away to Preston, despite a late Moore double setting up a tense finish after Keane’s hat trick had put Preston in total command. Overall, while January saw improved attacking form, with 6 goals scored in their last 4 Championship games, defensive frailties remain a worry as highlighted in the Preston defeat. If the manager can make Ipswich harder to beat, they have enough attacking threat from the likes of Chaplin and Moore to challenge. Turning draws into wins is key for Town’s promotion push in the near future.
West Brom form analysis
West Bromwich Albion had a mixed start to 2024. Beating Leeds 1-0 at home courtesy of a Diangana goal before losing by the same scoreline away to Swansea after Cullen’s second half strike. However, they responded excellently by thrashing Blackburn 4-1 in their next match. Fellows opened the scoring before a Thomas-Asante brace put West Brom in control. Despite Garrett pulling one back for Blackburn, Thomas-Asante completed his hat trick to seal an emphatic win.
However, inconsistent form returned as West Brom suffered a disappointing 2-0 defeat away to Norwich City, with goals from Sargent and Rowe giving the hosts victory. Most recently though, West Brom returned to winning ways by beating Birmingham 1-0 at home, thanks to Weimann’s late winner. Overall, while West Brom have shown they can dispatch teams comfortably at their best, as highlighted in the Blackburn match, greater consistency is required if they are to sustain a promotion push this season. Turning single goal defeats into positive results will be key for the manager in the coming weeks.
Ipswich vs West Brom: Prediction
Only two of the last thirteen Championship fixtures in Portman Road have failed to produce three or more goals. While this already suggests a high scoring game, to add to it, the visitors have just one clean sheet in their last five away league matches.
The hosts have lost just once at home since their return to the Championship. They are by far the favourites to take all three points against a club that has lost four of their last five league games away from home.
