Southampton vs Ipswich Prediction 28 April 2026
🔊 In a rescheduled match from the 40th round of the Championship, Southampton and Ipswich Town clash at St Mary's. This encounter could be pivotal in determining who secures direct promotion to the Premier League. The Saints, buoyed by their heroic performance in the FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City, are eager to continue their pursuit of second place. Meanwhile, the Tractor Boys know that a single victory in their remaining two matches will guarantee their return to the top flight. Can they clinch that crucial win against a direct rival?
Head-to-Head
The last official encounter between the teams took place on 17 August 2025 and ended with a scoreline of 1:1. Here's a comparative breakdown of that match (home team - Ipswich Town):
- ball possession percentage: 52% vs 48%;
- corner kicks: 4 vs 5;
- fouls: 7 vs 20;
- yellow cards: 2 vs 2;
- shots on target: 1 vs 3.
📊 Statistical preview of official encounters between Southampton and Ipswich Town:
- 8 matches played;
- home wins - 3, away wins - 2, draws - 3;
- goals scored - 10 for Southampton, 9 for Ipswich;
- average total goals in the 1st half - 1.63, in the 2nd half - 0.75;
- average total goals per match - 2.38.
Head-to-head statistics Southampton - Ipswich
Southampton Team Overview
The Saints are entering the crucial stretch of the season as arguably the hottest team in the Championship. Tonda Eckert's side sits in 5th place with 76 points, having secured 21 wins, 13 draws, and 10 losses, boasting a goal difference of +24. A playoff spot is already guaranteed, but the club's ambitions reach much further - aiming for the second spot that grants direct promotion to the Premier League. Southampton are unbeaten in their last 17 Championship matches, marking the best run in the league.
Their most recent match, an FA Cup semifinal against Manchester City (1-2) at Wembley, left mixed feelings. On one hand, the Saints were on the brink of a historic final appearance - Finn Azaz opened the scoring with his trademark long-range strike. On the other hand, City's comeback with late goals from Jeremy Doku and Nico Gonzalez dealt a heavy psychological blow. However, this game confirmed Southampton's ability to compete on equal footing with the giants, and Tonda Eckert called the upcoming match against Ipswich "a significant maturity test" for his team.
Match Results: Southampton
Ipswich Town Team Overview
The "Tractor Boys" are on the brink of achieving their primary goal for the season-returning to the Premier League. Kieran McKenna's side currently sits in 2nd place with 80 points from 44 matches. They edge out third-placed Millwall only on goal difference (+30 versus +13), with a game in hand. A win at Southampton will secure Ipswich a direct promotion spot, while a draw will maintain their standing but leave them on edge heading into the final match against QPR.
Last Saturday's clash against West Bromwich (0-0) was a tense affair for Ipswich. Although they didn't showcase their best football, they managed to keep a clean sheet and secure a crucial point. McKenna acknowledged the nerves that come with this stage of the season but emphasized the importance of the clean sheet-their third in the last five away matches. Ipswich approach the game with solid away form, having collected 14 points from their last seven Championship road games.
Match Results: Ipswich Town
Latest news
Southampton
🎙 Tonda Eckert understands the gravity of the moment: "The reality of football is that today you're praised for your performance, and tomorrow it doesn't matter. We wanted to reach the final, but we couldn't. Tuesday presents a big, big test of maturity for us, so we must be ready once again."
❌ The squad situation for the hosts isn't critical but holds significant nuances. Key defensive midfielder Flynn Downes will miss the match due to suspension (accumulation of yellow cards), which is a major blow to their midfield. Captain Jack Stephens' participation remains uncertain as he continues his recovery from a calf injury, with a decision expected right before the game. Goalkeeper Alex McCarthy (wrist injury) and full-back Mads Roerslev (knee) are sidelined for an extended period.
Ipswich Town
🎙 Kieran McKenna on the pressure and character of the team: "There's no magic formula for this time of year. You can't just flip a switch to eliminate all the tension. You try to build trust and character throughout the year so they can help when the decisive moment comes. We feel we've established that, and this week it will be put to the test. We believe in ourselves."
❌ The visitors face a crucial personnel issue with a significant absence. Left-back Leif Davis, a key defensive player and one of the team's leaders in assists, is doubtful due to a hamstring injury. McKenna has refused to provide any guarantees regarding his participation.
Prediction for the 1st half
Head-to-Head Matches:
- Total encounters - 8;
- First-half wins at home for hosts - 2; for visitors away - 1; number of draws - 1;
- Average first-half total: 1.63;
- Today's home team scores on average 1, while the visitors net 0.63.
First-Half Stats: Southampton (home) vs Ipswich Town (away)
- matches played in the tournament: 22 vs 22;
- wins: 9 (40.91%) vs 4 (18.18%);
- losses: 5 (22.73%) vs 8 (36.36%);
- draws: 8 (36.36%) vs 10 (45.45%);
- Average goals scored: 1.23 vs 1.14;
- Average goals conceded: 0.36 vs 0.73.
Last 10 Matches (Overall):
- wins: 5 vs 3;
- losses: 2 vs 3;
- draws: 3 vs 4;
- Average first-half total: 1.3 (scored - 0.9, conceded - 0.4) vs 1.5 (scored - 0.7, conceded - 0.8).
- Southampton scored in the 1st half in 7 of last 8 games against Ipswich Town.
- Southampton scored in the 1st half in 6 of last 7 home games.
Prediction on the outcome
H2H:
- number of encounters - 8;
- home team wins - 3, away team wins - 2, draws - 3.
Statistics: Southampton vs Ipswich Town
- matches played in the tournament: 44 vs 44;
- wins: 21 vs 22;
- win percentage: 48% vs 50%;
- losses: 10 vs 8;
- draws: 13 vs 14.
Last 10 matches:
- wins: 8 vs 4;
- losses: 1 vs 1;
- draws: 1 vs 5.
- Ipswich Town won with a +1.5 handicap in last 8 games against Southampton.
- Ipswich Town won with a +1.5 handicap in 12 of last 13 games (Championship).
- Ipswich Town won with a +1.5 handicap in 6 of last 7 away games (Championship).
Prediction on the over/under
H2H
- today's home team scores on average - 1.25, the guests - 1.13;
- average Over/Under goals in H2H matches - 2.38;
- both teams scored: overall - 6; at the home team's field - 3.
Statistics: Southampton vs Ipswich Town
- average total in the tournament: 2.95 vs 2.73;
- average total goals scored: 1.75 vs 1.7;
- average total in the 1st half: 0.8 vs 0.7;
- average total in the 2nd half: 0.95 vs 1;
- Southampton: average total at home in the tournament - 1.64;
- Ipswich Town: average total away in the tournament - 1.59;
- last 10 matches (average total): 2.2 (home - 2) vs 1.5 (away - 1.5).
- Ipswich Town have scored under 1.5 goals in 7 of last 8 games against Southampton.
Prediction on BTTS
H2H:
- number of encounters - 8;
- both teams scored all-time - 6 times;
- on the home team’s field - 3 times.
Statistics: Southampton vs Ipswich Town
- number of matches played in the tournament: 44 vs 44;
- number of matches in the season where both teams scored (BTTS): 31 vs 25;
- number of BTTS matches for Southampton at home - 11 (50%);
- number of BTTS matches for Ipswich Town away - 13 (59%).
Last 10 matches:
- number of BTTS matches: 7 vs 6;
- BTTS matches for Southampton at home - 3 (50%);
- BTTS matches for Ipswich Town away - 2 (33%).
- Southampton have scored and conceded in 6 of last 7 games.
Correct score prediction
Statistics of frequent results (current season):
- most common score in the tournament: 1:1 (82/539, 15.2%);
- Southampton at home most often finish matches: 0:0 , 1:0 , 1:1 (3/22, 13.6%);
- Ipswich Town away most often play: 0:2 (5/22, 22.7%).
Based on statistics and probability distribution, the algorithm predicts the top 3 outcomes:
1:1 - 12.52% (odds 6.5)
1:0 - 9.95% (odds 8)
2:1 - 8.92% (odds 8.5)
Editorial Prediction
We're looking at a match where the stakes are exceptionally high, and both teams are highly motivated. Southampton have been in form, but after their cup disappointment, they risk losing focus at the worst possible moment. Ipswich, on the other hand, are pragmatic and battle-hardened on the road, fully aware that a draw would be a significant step towards their ultimate goal. The absence of key midfielder Downes for the hosts and a potential loss of Davis for the visitors level the playing field. The game is likely to be cautious and scrappy, ending in a result that keeps the intrigue alive for the final round-a draw. Under these circumstances, the most reasonable bet seems to be on both teams to score (yes), which has hit in the last four head-to-head encounters between the Saints and the Tractor Boys.
No comments
Betting Tips: Southampton - Ipswich Town
in 7 of last 8 games (Championship).in 6 of last 7 home games.
in 12 of last 13 games (Championship).in 6 of last 7 away games (Championship).in 20 of last 21 games.in last 17 games (Championship).in 15 of last 16 home games (Championship).in last 8 games against Ipswich Town.in 12 of last 14 home games.
Comparison of Teams Stats
Other predictions
