Match Preview Ipswich Town vs Southampton Championship Game Week 2

Explore Coral’s game week 2 detailed match preview for Ipswich Town vs Southampton in the Championship on Sunday, 17 August 2025. Stats, odds, predictions, and line-ups for the 12:00 BST kick off at Portman Road Stadium.

Fixture: Ipswich Town vs Southampton

Date: Sunday, 17 August 2025

Kick-off: 12:00 BST

Venue: Portman Road Stadium

Ipswich Town's recent draw against Birmingham City suggests they are in a solid, if unspectacular, run of form. They'll be looking to capitalise on their home advantage and the creativity of players like Szmodics and Clarke to break down Southampton's defence. However, Southampton's victory over Wrexham indicates they are finding their rhythm, with Armstrong likely to be a key threat up front. This match could be a tight affair, with both teams showcasing their attacking flair but also being wary of each other's capabilities.

The game might hinge on which team can better exploit the spaces in midfield. Ipswich will need to be disciplined to counter Southampton's dynamic play, while Southampton must be cautious of Ipswich's quick transitions. Given the recent performances and the quality on both sides, this could be a closely contested match with a slight edge to the home team due to their solid defensive record.

Match Prediction: Ipswich Town 2-1 Southampton

Ipswich Town's recent 1-1 draw against Birmingham City on the road shows they are capable of holding their own against tough opposition. This result, while not a win, indicates a level of consistency and resilience that could serve them well against Southampton. With players like Szmodics and Clarke in form, they have the firepower to challenge any defence. However, they'll need to be more clinical in front of goal to secure a victory at home.

Recent Championship Results:

• Draw: 1-1 vs Birmingham City (A)

Southampton's recent 2-1 victory over Wrexham at home suggests they are regaining their confidence and form. This win, coupled with the attacking prowess of Adam Armstrong, indicates they could pose a significant threat to Ipswich's defense. However, their away form will be tested, and they'll need to maintain the same level of intensity and focus to come away with a positive result. Southampton's ability to adapt and exploit spaces will be crucial in this match.

Recent Championship Results:

• Win: 2-1 vs Wrexham (H)

Historically, the head-to-head record between Ipswich Town and Southampton is closely contested, with each team having recent victories and draws.

Recent Results

• Ipswich Town 1-2 Southampton (01 Feb 2025)

• Southampton 1-1 Ipswich Town (21 Sep 2024)

• Ipswich Town 3-2 Southampton (01 Apr 2024)

• Southampton 0-1 Ipswich Town (19 Sep 2023)

• Ipswich Town 0-1 Southampton (14 Jan 2015)

• Conor Townsend (Cruciate Ligament Tear)

• Will Smallbone (Unknown Injury)

• Taylor Harwood-Bellis (Ankle Injury)

• Palmer, Johnson, O’Shea, Greaves, Davis, Ogbene, Matusiwa, Taylor, Clarke, Szmodics, Hirst

Ipswich Town’s predicted lineup suggests a focus on maintaining a solid defensive structure with Jacob Greaves and Dara O’Shea, while relying on the creativity of Sammie Szmodics and Jack Clarke to unlock Southampton’s defence. Their recent draw indicates resilience, but they’ll need to be more effective in the final third to secure a win.

• Bazunu, Edwards, Stephens, Quarshie, Sugawara, Downes, Charles, Welington, Fraser, Robinson, Armstrong

Southampton’s predicted line-up highlights their intent to control the midfield with Flynn Downes and Shea Charles, while relying on Adam Armstrong’s goal-scoring ability up front. Their recent comeback victory suggests they are finding their rhythm, but they’ll need to be disciplined to counter Ipswich’s home advantage.

• Leif Davis vs Adam Armstrong: Davis will need to be at his best to contain Armstrong's goal-scoring threat.

• Jack Taylor vs Flynn Downes: Taylor's energy and work rate will be crucial in disrupting Downes' control in midfield.

• Chiedozie Ogbene (Ipswich Town): Ogbene's pace and directness could be key in breaking down Southampton's defence.

• Shea Charles (Southampton): Charles' ability to dictate play from midfield will be vital for Southampton's chances of winning.

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Odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.