Ipswich vs Huddersfield: Preview, Prediction & Betting Tips

As the EFL Championship draws to its conclusion, Ipswich Town and Huddersfield Town prepare for a pivotal clash this Saturday that has significant implications for both ends of the league table. With just a couple of matches remaining, Ipswich Town find themselves within touching distance of a historic promotion to the Premier League, while Huddersfield Town face the grim reality of relegation.

• Date: 04/05/2024
• Kick-off time: 12:30
• Location: Portman Road

Ipswich Town, currently third in the Championship with an impressive tally of 90 points from 44 games, have exceeded all expectations this season. The team, under the stewardship of Kieran McKenna, has been a revelation, showcasing an exhilarating brand of attacking football that has captivated fans and neutrals alike. Their success is particularly notable given their significantly lower budget compared to many of their league rivals.

The managerial prowess of McKenna has been evident, as he has crafted a side that is not only effective but also entertaining. The team's style has been a breath of fresh air in a league that can often be characterised by more pragmatic approaches. As it stands, Ipswich are equal on points with Leeds United but hold a crucial game in hand. Their inferior goal difference places them just behind their promotion rivals, but the quest for a Premier League spot is firmly in their control.

Promotion would mark an incredible achievement of back-to-back promotions, a feat only achieved twice in the Premier League era. It's a testament to the club’s management and the squad's determination, as they edge closer to joining the elite of English football.

Key players have been instrumental in this campaign. Omari Hutchinson, the young winger on loan from Arsenal, has been a standout performer of late, providing pace and creativity on the flanks. Meanwhile, left-back Leif Davis has turned heads across the Championship with his record-equalling 21 assists, a testament to his attacking prowess and consistency.

In stark contrast, Huddersfield Town find themselves languishing at the other end of the table. Positioned 23rd with only 45 points from 45 games, their Championship fate looks all but sealed. The Terriers' struggle has been palpable, marred by a goal difference of -27, reflecting a season fraught with defensive frailties and missed opportunities.

Under the guidance of André Breitenreiter, Huddersfield have battled hard but ultimately failed to gather the momentum needed to climb out of the relegation zone. The scenario facing them is daunting; they must win against Ipswich while hoping for a favourable outcome in the match between Hull City and Plymouth Argyle, accompanied by a highly improbable 15-goal swing.

This season has been one of disappointment for Huddersfield, who have failed to replicate the fighting spirit needed to extend their survival battle to the season’s final day. Their prior record against Ipswich, having won two of their recent head-to-head meetings, offers a glimmer of historical hope, but the task ahead remains Herculean.

This upcoming match is likely to be a tactical battle, with Ipswich likely to dominate possession and take the game to their opponents. McKenna’s strategy will involve exploiting the wings, making full use of Hutchinson’s speed and Davis’s crossing ability. Huddersfield, on the other hand, will need to be compact and counter-attack effectively. Breitenreiter's approach might be more conservative, focusing on defensive solidity and looking to capitalise on any set-piece opportunities.

As the teams prepare for Saturday’s game, the stakes could not be higher. Ipswich Town are on the brink of a return to the Premier League, ready to cap off a fairy-tale season with promotion. Huddersfield, conversely, are staring down the barrel of relegation, hoping for a miracle to extend their stay in the Championship.

This match is not just a game of football; it's a culmination of a season's efforts, aspirations, and heartbreaks that encapsulate the unpredictable and thrilling nature of the Championship.

Ipswich Team News

Ipswich are doing very well on the injury front as they come into this game with a completely clean bill of health.Kieran McKenna could prefer George Hirst to Kieffer Moore up top following the striker's recent return from injury, while Omari Hutchinson will almost certainly start on the right wing.

Huddersfield Team News

Kian Harratt will miss out through suspension while Jonathan Hogg, Tom Lees, Yuta Nakayama, Radinio Balker and Josh Ruffels are all out injured.Winger Sorba Thomas could come back into the starting lineup for this one.

Ipswich's form has tailed off notably in recent weeks as they come into this game winless in their last four games. Their latest outing did at least see them deliver a good performance, however, where a goal from George Hirst and a sensational brace from Omari Hutchinson saw them claim a point in a 3-3 draw away at Hull City. The game was a back-and-forth encounter, and Ipswich will likely be disappointed it wasn't more as they really could have sealed the three points right at the death when they had a 1v1 cleared off the line.

Prior to that, Ipswich were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Middlesbrough, where Kieran McKenna's side were unable to build on Massimo Luongo's equaliser. That result followed a drab 0-0 draw with Watford, which came after a hugely disappointing 1-0 defeat away at rivals Norwich City. Before that, goals from Leid Davis, Nathan Broadhead and Jeremy Sarmiento sealed a dramatic win over Southampton.

At Portman Road, Ipswich have lost only once in the league all season, winning three of their last five.

Huddersfield are currently amidst a four-match winless run. The Terriers faced a do-or-die relegation six-pointer with Birmingham City at the weekend and despite their efforts, a goal from Rhys Healey was only enough for a point in a 1-1 draw, a result that has all but relegated the Yorkshire club.

Before that game, Huddersfield were hammered 0-4 by Swansea City, a result that came after a 1-1 draw away at Bristol City, which now looks even more devastating than it did at the time when Josh Koroma's goal was cancelled out by a Bristol City penalty in the 11th minute of injury time.

That draw followed a 4-1 hammering at Preston North End and a 1-0 win over Millwall, Healey bagged the winner at the death.

Away from home, Huddersfield are winless in their last five games, drawing three and losing two of those.

On paper, the Tractor Boys should win this one fairly comfortably, but so seldomly do crucial last-day-of-the-season encounters go smoothly it feels inevitable Ipswich will encounter some adversity, especially considering they've shown signs of letting the pressure affect them in recent weeks. We think they'll get the job done, but not with much ease. Ipswich 2-1 Huddersfield.

Ipswich vs Huddersfield will be available to watch on the Peacock Network (An NBC live-streaming Platform)