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**Meta Title:** Everton vs Ipswich Preview: EPL Prediction & Betting Tips (May 3)

**Meta Description:** Get expert EPL predictions & betting tips for Everton vs Ipswich Town at Goodison Park (May 3). Analysis, team news, score prediction & key factors.

# Everton vs Ipswich Town: Premier League Match Preview, Prediction & Betting Tips

Get ready for a crucial **English Premier League** clash as **Everton** host the already-relegated **Ipswich Town** at the historic Goodison Park. This penultimate home fixture for the Toffees at their iconic ground takes place on **Saturday, May 3, 2025, kicking off at 14:00 GMT (10:00 AM ET)**. We delve into the stats, team news, and tactical nuances to bring you a comprehensive **EPL match preview**, complete with **score predictions** and **betting tips**. Can David Moyes' side give the Goodison faithful another reason to cheer, or will Ruud van Nistelrooy's Tractor Boys play spoiler?

## Match Prediction and Scoreline

**Predicted Score:** Everton 2 - 1 Ipswich Town

**Betting Insights & Probabilities:**

*   **Winner Odds:** Everton are strong favourites given their home advantage and Ipswich's confirmed relegation and extensive injury list. Expect short odds for a home win.
*   **Both Teams To Score (BTTS):** Yes. While Ipswich are struggling, Everton's defence isn't impenetrable, and relegated teams sometimes play with more freedom.
*   **Over/Under 2.5 Goals:** Over 2.5. Everton will push for goals at home, and Ipswich's defensive frailties could be exposed.
*   **Probability Breakdown (Estimated):**
    *   Everton Win: 60%
    *   Draw: 25%
    *   Ipswich Win: 15%

This match leans heavily towards an Everton victory. Look for **EPL betting tips** favouring a home win, potentially combined with Over 2.5 goals for better value. Our **Premier League predictions** point towards a controlled performance from the Toffees, though Ipswich might grab a consolation goal.

## Key Factors and Expected Outcome

Several key elements will likely determine the flow and result of this **Premier League** fixture:

*   **Home Advantage & Goodison Farewell:** This is Everton's second-to-last match at Goodison Park before their move to the new Everton Stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock. Expect a passionate home crowd and motivated players wanting to secure a win in this historic period.
*   **Ipswich's Relegation & Injury Crisis:** The Tractor Boys' relegation is confirmed, and their morale is likely low. More significantly, they face a crippling injury and suspension list (see below), severely limiting manager Ruud van Nistelrooy's options.
*   **Everton's Motivation & Form:** While Everton's recent form (1W-1D-3L) looks poor on paper, it came against top-tier opposition (Chelsea, Man City, Arsenal, Liverpool). Facing a depleted, relegated side offers a prime opportunity to finish the season strongly under David Moyes. The return of Dominic Calvert-Lewin to training also provides a potential boost.
*   **Managerial Influence:** David Moyes has instilled organisation and resilience since his return. His pragmatic approach should be effective against a weakened Ipswich. Van Nistelrooy faces a tough task motivating his side under difficult circumstances.
*   **Off-Field Sentiment:** Everton are buoyed by positive developments off the pitch, including the Friedkin Group takeover and the Castore kit deal, fostering a sense of optimism around the club.

**Expected EPL Outcome:** Everton are expected to dominate possession and territory, leveraging the Goodison Park atmosphere. Ipswich's depleted squad will likely focus on damage limitation, potentially looking for counter-attacking opportunities. The **key match factors** overwhelmingly favour the home side.

## Recent Team Form and Key Players to Watch

### Everton

*   **Last 5 PL Results:** L-L-W-D-L
    *   Chelsea 1-0 Everton (A)
    *   Everton 0-2 Man City (H)
    *   Nottingham Forest 0-1 Everton (A)
    *   Everton 1-1 Arsenal (H)
    *   Liverpool 1-0 Everton (A)
*   **Injuries/Suspensions:**
    *   James Tarkowski (Thigh - OUT)
    *   Jesper Lindstrom (Groin - OUT)
    *   Orel Mangala (Knee - OUT)
    *   Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Hamstring - Returned to training, match fitness questionable)
*   **Key Players:**
    *   **Jordan Pickford (GK):** England's number one remains crucial between the sticks.
    *   **Dwight McNeil (MID):** A key source of creativity and delivery from wide areas.
    *   **Dominic Calvert-Lewin (FWD):** If fit enough to feature, his presence could be a game-changer. His return to training is a significant boost (Article 1).

### Ipswich Town

*   **Last 5 PL Results:** L-L-D-L-W
    *   Newcastle 3-0 Ipswich (A)
    *   Ipswich 0-4 Arsenal (H)
    *   Chelsea 2-2 Ipswich (A)
    *   Ipswich 1-2 Wolves (H)
    *   Bournemouth 1-2 Ipswich (A)
*   **Injuries/Suspensions (Extensive List):**
    *   Ben Johnson (Suspended)
    *   Leif Davis (Suspended)
    *   Conor Townsend (Thigh - OUT)
    *   Omari Hutchinson (Hamstring - OUT)
    *   Jaden Philogene-Bidace (Knee - OUT)
    *   Kalvin Phillips (Achilles - OUT)
    *   Arijanet Muric (Shoulder - OUT)
    *   Sammi Szmodics (Ankle - OUT)
    *   Wes Burns (Knee - OUT)
    *   Chiedozie Ogbene (Achilles - OUT for season)
    *   Nathan Broadhead (Thigh - Questionable)
    *   Axel Tuanzebe (Thigh - Questionable)
*   **Key Players:** With so many key players missing (including top scorer Szmodics and creative outlets like Hutchinson), Ipswich will rely heavily on whoever is fit. The focus will be on collective effort rather than individual stars. Manager Ruud van Nistelrooy faces a significant selection headache.

Check **Everton latest form** and **Ipswich injury updates** closer to kick-off for the final team news. **Premier League player stats** highlight Ipswich's struggles, particularly defensively, exacerbated by their absentees.

## Tactical Preview

This **EPL tactical analysis** suggests a clash of contrasting situations:

*   **Everton (Likely Formation: 4-2-3-1 or 4-1-4-1):**
    *   **Style:** Expect David Moyes' typical organised, hard-working setup. They'll likely press selectively and look to utilise width through players like McNeil. Set pieces could be a key weapon.
    *   **Game Plan:** Control the midfield, exploit Ipswich's weakened flanks, and provide quality service to the forwards. If DCL starts, he offers a focal point; otherwise, expect more fluid movement upfront. **Possession strategies** will aim to wear down the visitors.
*   **Ipswich Town (Likely Formation: Variable due to injuries):**
    *   **Style:** Under Van Nistelrooy and given the circumstances, Ipswich might adopt a deep-lying defensive block, aiming to frustrate Everton and hit on the **counter-attack**. Their **formation breakdown** will be dictated by availability.
    *   **Game Plan:** Stay compact, limit space between the lines, and hope for moments of transition or set-piece opportunities. Discipline and concentration will be paramount.
*   **Key Tactical Battle:** The **midfield showdown** will be crucial. Everton's likely pairing (e.g., Garner, Onana) will aim to dominate Ipswich's makeshift central unit. Everton's wingers vs. Ipswich's full-backs (potentially out of position) could also be decisive.

## Summary and Key Takeaways

This **Premier League** encounter presents Everton with a golden opportunity to secure three points in front of their home fans during the emotional farewell period for Goodison Park. Ipswich Town arrive relegated, demoralised, and severely hampered by injuries and suspensions.

*   **Prediction:** Everton 2-1 Ipswich Town.
*   **Key Betting Angles:** Everton Win, Over 2.5 Goals, BTTS (Yes).
*   **Fantasy Football Tips:**
    *   **Jordan Pickford (EVE):** Potential for clean sheet points and save points.
    *   **Dwight McNeil (EVE):** High chance of attacking returns (goals/assists).
    *   **Dominic Calvert-Lewin (EVE):** A gamble due to fitness, but high ceiling if he starts and looks sharp.
    *   **Avoid Ipswich Players:** Too much uncertainty and risk given their form and extensive absentee list.

**Final Thought:** Expect Everton to control the game, driven by the home crowd and Ipswich's woes. While the Toffees should have enough quality to win, they must guard against complacency. Ipswich might play without fear, potentially making it a more entertaining **football** match than expected on paper, but the **expected EPL outcome** remains an Everton victory.