Ipswich Town vs Southampton: Prediction for the Match on August 17, 2025

Ipswich Town vs Southampton Prediction, Betting Tips & Preview | Championship Round 2 (17 Aug 2025)

In what is already making an interesting prospect, two big-name sides with a point to prove face off at Portman Road with Ipswich Town as hosts for Southampton in the Championship (kick-off midday BST). Ipswich took a point in the opening fixture through a contentious penalty in stoppage time against Birmingham (1–1), but then they exited the Carabao Cup at the hands of League Two side Bromley on penalties — this might be a perception McKenna will want to imprint away from. Southampton hammered in a last-gasp comeback from Wrexham 2–1 and head up to Suffolk riding high on momentum. Past records reflect that this fixture can be a tight one; thus, with the organization focus from the managers themselves, one can anticipate a tactical, high-intensity affair with some late-game moments deciding the outcome.

Ipswich Town: form and statistics

Kieran McKenna's Ipswich arrive at Portman Road on the back of a dramatic opening week. Town was able to snatch a dramatic 1–1 away draw from Birmingham when George Hirst converted a stoppage-time penalty; that game was also the first appearance for summer signing Azor Matusiwa and keeper Alex Palmer. Ipswich then suffered the shock Carabao Cup exit at Bromley (loss on penalties), which somewhat puts rotation and concentration into question. Defensively, the squad is unsettled by longer-term absences: Conor Townsend has ACL injury (very long-term out) and Harry Clarke remains out — the club have confirmed those blows. McKenna mostly lineups 4-2-3-1 / 4-4-1-1 with a double pivot, designed for slow buildup and concerted pressing exercises; his teams always intend to dominate possession and exploit the wide channels. Key players to watch will be striker George Hirst (penalty taker, focal point), creativity from wide/No.10, and the energy up from Matusiwa. Home advantage at Portman Road and the Ipswich summer recruitment keep them favourites for what should be an open, yet controlled performance.

Ipswich Lineup

🔁 Predicted Lineup: Alex Palmer; Ben Johnson; Dara O’Shea; Jacob Greaves; Leif Davis; Azor Matusiwa; Jack Taylor; Chiedozie Ogbene; Sammie Szmodics; Jack Clarke; George Hirst. 

🚑 Injuries/Suspension: Conor Townsend (ACL), Harry Clarke, Jaden Philogene (ankle knock)

👨‍✈️ Head Coach: Kieran McKenna

Southampton: form and statistics

Southampton travel to Portman Road after an eye-catching late comeback at St. Mary's: Ryan Manning's free-kick in the 90th minute, coupled with a stoppage-time goal from Jack Stephens, eroded a 0–1 deficit to register a 2–1 win on opening day against Wrexham. Will Still fielded a back three (Edwards–Stephens–Quarshie) and opted for Gavin Bazunu in goal; the side patiently built up from possession and were effective with the set pieces and late substitutions. The squad news is mostly positive; Still gave a positive squad update and reiterated that Smallbone and Bree remain sidelined, while Tyler Dibling is back in training and Harwood-Bellis and Charlie Taylor are pushing for places. Southampton look compact with dangerous set plays and are dangerous on the counterattack — resilience after going behind is a huge plus. Expect Will Still to focus on structure, utilise his wing-backs for width and lean on late substitutions if the game is tight.

Southampton Lineup

🔁 Predicted Lineup: Gavin Bazunu; Yuki Sugawara; Ronnie Edwards; Jack Stephens; Joshua Quarshie; Welington; Flynn Downes; Shea Charles; Ryan Fraser; Jay Robinson; Adam Armstrong. 

🚑 Injuries/Suspension: Will Smallbone (out), James Bree (out), Tyler Dibling (Doubt)

👨‍✈️ Head Coach: Will Still

📊 Ipswich Town vs Southampton Head-to-Head Record

Overall (all competitions): Played 72 — Ipswich 27 wins, Draws 21, Southampton 24 wins. 

Last five meetings: Feb 2025 Ipswich 1–2 Saints; Sep 2024 Saints 1–1 Ipswich; Apr 2024 Ipswich 3–2 Saints.

📈 Ipswich Town vs Southampton Betting Tips and Odds

• Both Teams To Score — YES: Both teams found the net in their opening fixtures (Ipswich 1–1 Birmingham; Saints 2–1 Wrexham).
• Over 1.5 Goals: Both opening games produced 2 goals; H2H also often averages around ~2 goals per match.
• Ipswich or Draw: Ipswich at home + Southampton’s early window absences make the home double-chance attractive.
• George Hirst anytime goal/assist: Hirst was the penalty taker and scored the opener in Ipswich’s opener — he’s their focal striker.

🧩 Ipswich Town vs Southampton Match Prediction

This looks like a tight, tactical lunchtime clash that will likely be decided in the final 20 minutes — back the draw or a narrow Ipswich edge, with goals from both sides.

Top 3 bet picks:-

Both Teams To Score — YES: Both scored on opening day + H2H goal trend (1.68 odds). (Rating: ⭐⭐⭐)

Draw FT: balanced H2H and both managers won’t likely open up early (3.52 odds). (Rating: ⭐⭐)

Goal after 75' minutes: Both teams have shown late decisive moments in the opening fixtures (1.88 odds). (Rating: ⭐⭐⭐)