Leicester vs Ipswich

Sunday, May 18, 2025 at 2:00 PM UTC

Match Analysis

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Meta Title: Leicester vs Ipswich: EPL Preview, Prediction & Tips (18/05)

Meta Description: Expert Premier League preview for Leicester vs Ipswich (18/05/25). Get predictions, betting tips, team news, and tactical analysis for this already-relegated EPL clash.

Leicester City vs Ipswich Town: Premier League Match Preview & Predictions

Get ready for a unique Premier League encounter as already-relegated Leicester City host fellow relegated side Ipswich Town at the King Power Stadium. This final stretch fixture takes place on Sunday, May 18, 2025, kicking off at 14:00 GMT (2:00 PM UK time). While both teams know their fate, pride and planning for the Championship are on the line. This EPL match preview delves into predictions, betting tips, team news, and tactical insights for Leicester vs Ipswich.

Match Prediction and Scoreline

Despite both sides suffering dismal campaigns culminating in relegation, Leicester City showed a flicker of life in their last home game. Playing at the King Power Stadium provides a slight edge. Ipswich, while showing fight earlier in the season, have faded badly. Expect a low-scoring affair typical of teams low on confidence.

  • Predicted Score: Leicester City 1 – 0 Ipswich Town
  • Betting Insights & Probability:
    • Winner Odds: Leicester slightly favoured due to home advantage and recent win. Ipswich win seen as less likely. Draw a definite possibility.
    • Both Teams to Score (BTTS): 'No' seems probable given Leicester's long home goal drought prior to their last match and both teams' general lack of attacking threat.
    • Over/Under 2.5 Goals: 'Under 2.5 Goals' is the favoured market.
    • Probability Breakdown (Approx): Leicester Win: 40%, Draw: 35%, Ipswich Win: 25%
  • Keywords used: EPL betting tips, Premier League predictions, score predictions, Leicester vs Ipswich odds, football betting.

Key Factors and Expected Outcome

Several elements will influence this end-of-season Premier League clash:

  • Form & Morale: Both teams have endured terrible seasons. Leicester finally broke an 11-match winless streak and a shocking home goal drought (826 minutes) by beating Southampton 2-0. This might provide a minor morale boost. Ipswich were relegated a week after Leicester and Southampton, suffering heavy defeats recently. Morale is undoubtedly low in both camps.
  • Home vs. Away Advantage: Leicester play at the King Power Stadium, where they finally gave their fans something to cheer about. Ipswich have struggled significantly, particularly away from home (only three away wins noted earlier in the season per Art. 3).
  • Managerial Situation: Ruud van Nistelrooy remains in charge at Leicester despite overseeing a disastrous campaign (only 5 wins total, 4 under him before the Saints game). Kieran McKenna, despite relegation after back-to-back promotions, seems relatively secure at Ipswich and is viewed with some stability.
  • Key Player Focus (Leicester): Much attention will be on Jamie Vardy in potentially his penultimate game for the club, sitting on 199 goals. The team may focus on helping him reach the 200 milestone.
  • Off-Field Issues: Leicester face financial scrutiny (PSR concerns) and a squad overhaul is expected. Ipswich appear more stable financially (debt-free).
  • Expected Outcome: Expect a match low on quality and intensity, reflecting the status of two relegated teams. Leicester's recent home win and Vardy's narrative might just give them the edge in a tight contest. Keywords used: key match factors, expected EPL outcome, Leicester relegation impact, Ipswich form analysis, King Power Stadium factor, Van Nistelrooy tactics, McKenna strategy.

Recent Team Form and Key Players to Watch

Leicester City

  • Recent Form (Last 5 PL): WLLDL
    • Leicester 2 - 0 Southampton (H) - May 3
    • Wolves 3 - 0 Leicester (A) - Apr 26
    • Leicester 0 - 1 Liverpool (H) - Apr 20
    • Brighton 2 - 2 Leicester (A) - Apr 12
    • Newcastle 3 - 0 Leicester (A) - Apr 7
  • Injuries/Suspensions: No specific injuries mentioned for this match in the provided text.
  • Key Players & Notes:
    • Jamie Vardy (FWD): Club legend leaving at season's end. Scored his 199th goal vs Southampton. Will be motivated to reach 200. (199 goals total, 144 PL goals).
    • Bilal El Khannouss (MID): Provided the assist for Vardy's goal and was involved in the second vs Southampton. A potential creative spark.
    • Jordan Ayew (FWD): Scored the second goal vs Southampton, ending his own drought.
    • Jakub Stolarczyk (GK): Kept a clean sheet in the last outing.
    • Potential Departures: High earners like Winks, Vestergaard, Faes, Soumare, Daka expected to move on.

Ipswich Town

  • Recent Form (Last 5 PL): DLLDL
    • Everton 2 - 2 Ipswich (A) - May 3
    • Newcastle 3 - 0 Ipswich (A) - Apr 26
    • Ipswich 0 - 4 Arsenal (H) - Apr 20
    • Chelsea 2 - 2 Ipswich (A) - Apr 13
    • Ipswich 1 - 2 Wolves (H) - Apr 5
  • Injuries/Suspensions: No specific injuries mentioned for this match in the provided text.
  • Key Players & Notes:
    • Liam Delap (FWD): Impressed after his move (£20m from Man City), scoring 12 league goals (as per Art. 3). Likely to attract interest and may leave due to a reported £30m relegation clause. Ipswich's main goal threat if playing.
    • Kieran McKenna (Manager): Highly rated despite relegation, provides stability. His tactical setup will be key.
    • Sammie Szmodics (FWD): Championship top scorer in 23/24. Mentioned as a recruit who had mixed fortunes; potential impact player if fit and finding form.
  • Keywords used: Leicester latest form, Ipswich recent results, Premier League player stats, Vardy goals analysis, El Khannouss performance, Delap Ipswich stats, EPL form guide.

Tactical Preview

This EPL tactical analysis anticipates a cautious approach from both relegated sides.

  • Leicester City (Likely Formation: 4-2-3-1):
    • Van Nistelrooy stuck with a 4-2-3-1 against Southampton and finally got a win and goals. Expect a similar setup.
    • The focus might be less on intricate tactics and more on effort, securing a clean sheet, and potentially feeding Vardy chances for his milestone.
    • El Khannouss could operate as the No. 10, trying to link midfield and attack.
    • Defensively, they need to build on the rare clean sheet, having conceded heavily prior (49 goals under RvN before the Saints game).
  • Ipswich Town (Likely Formation: Varies):
    • Kieran McKenna has overseen promotions with attacking football, but the Premier League proved a step too far.
    • They might try to play with some freedom, knowing relegation is confirmed.
    • Possession might be contested, but penetration has been an issue (only 33 goals scored mentioned in Art. 3, though this seems low for the stage of the season).
    • Defensive solidity will be crucial after heavy defeats against Newcastle and Arsenal.
  • Key Tactical Battles:
    • Vardy vs. Ipswich Centre-Backs: Can the veteran find space against a defence likely low on confidence?
    • Delap vs. Leicester Centre-Backs: If playing, Delap's physicality and finishing ability will test Leicester's potentially departing defenders (Faes/Vestergaard?).
    • Midfield Control: The battle between Leicester's double pivot (e.g., Skipp/Ndidi/Soumare) and Ipswich's midfield will dictate the flow.
    • El Khannouss vs. Ipswich Holding Midfielder(s): Can Ipswich nullify Leicester's main creative threat from the last game?
  • Keywords used: EPL tactical analysis, formation breakdown, Leicester 4-2-3-1, Ipswich game plan, possession strategies, defensive setup, key tactical matchups, soccer tactics.

Summary and Key Takeaways

This Leicester vs Ipswich fixture is unlikely to be a Premier League classic, featuring two sides already condemned to the Championship.

  • Summary: Leicester, buoyed slightly by ending their home hoodoo and with the Vardy farewell narrative, hold a slender advantage at the King Power Stadium. Ipswich will look to play for pride under McKenna but lack form and confidence.
  • Key Takeaways & Betting Angles:
    • Low scoring is highly anticipated (Under 2.5 goals).
    • Both Teams To Score 'No' looks a strong possibility.
    • Leicester Win or Draw (Double Chance) offers some security.
    • Consider Vardy for an anytime goalscorer bet, given the context.
  • Fantasy Football Tips:
    • Jamie Vardy (LEI): Potential farewell goal, likely on penalties. High motivation.
    • Bilal El Khannouss (LEI): Showed creative spark last time out.
    • Leicester Defence: Risky given the season, but potential for a clean sheet against a poor attack.
    • Avoid Ipswich Assets: Generally low returns expected.
  • Final Prediction: Expect a cagey affair, possibly settled by a single goal or moment of quality, likely favouring the home side Leicester City 1-0 Ipswich Town. It could be an emotional day for the home fans regardless of the result.
  • Keywords used: EPL summary, match takeaways, fantasy football tips, Vardy fantasy potential, betting recap, final prediction Leicester Ipswich.