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**Meta Title:** Leicester vs Ipswich Preview: EPL Prediction & Betting Tips (May 18)

**Meta Description:** Get expert EPL predictions & betting tips for Leicester vs Ipswich (18/05/2025). Analysis, team news, form, and score prediction for this Premier League clash.

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

Get ready for a Premier League encounter where pride is the main prize as **Leicester City** host **Ipswich Town** at the King Power Stadium. This final home game of the season for the Foxes takes place on **Sunday, May 18, 2025, kicking off at 14:00 GMT (2:00 PM UK time)**. Both sides have already had their relegation confirmed, making this an intriguing fixture focused on ending the season on a high note and building for the future. This **EPL match preview** delves into predictions, betting tips, team news, and tactical analysis.

## Match Prediction and Scoreline

**Predicted Score:** Leicester City 2 – 1 Ipswich Town

**Betting Insights & Probabilities:**

*   **Winner Odds:** Leicester are slight favourites due to home advantage and their recent win ending a long drought. Ipswich remain competitive despite poor overall results. (Check specific odds closer to matchday).
*   **Both Teams To Score (BTTS):** Yes. Both teams have shown defensive frailties throughout the season, although Leicester kept a clean sheet last time out. Ipswich scored twice in their last away game.
*   **Over/Under 2.5 Goals:** Over 2.5 Goals. With both teams potentially playing with less pressure, an open game could ensue.
*   **Probability Breakdown (Approximate):**
    *   Leicester Win: 45%
    *   Draw: 30%
    *   Ipswich Win: 25%

Look out for **EPL betting tips** focusing on Jamie Vardy anytime scorer, given his form and milestone chase. These **Premier League predictions** suggest a narrow home victory.

## Key Factors and Expected Outcome

Several **key match factors** will influence this **expected EPL outcome**:

*   **Form & Morale:** Leicester finally broke their horrific home scoring drought (826 minutes) and 11-match winless league run by beating Southampton 2-0. This should provide a significant morale boost. Ipswich secured a draw away at Everton but have struggled for wins all season. Both teams are relegated, so pressure is off, but players may be playing for future contracts or impressing managers.
*   **Home Advantage:** Leicester play their final home game at the King Power Stadium. Despite a dreadful home record for most of the season, the recent win could galvanize the crowd and players.
*   **Managerial Situation:** Ruud van Nistelrooy's future at Leicester remains uncertain, despite him expressing a desire to stay. He has recently given opportunities to young players, potentially indicating a future direction. Kieran McKenna remains popular at Ipswich despite relegation, providing stability.
*   **Off-Field Issues:** Leicester face potential PSR scrutiny and a likely squad overhaul, with high earners expected to depart. Ipswich appear more stable financially and structurally.
*   **Key Absences:** While specific injury news for this match isn't detailed in the source articles, Leicester legend Jamie Vardy is confirmed to be leaving at the end of the season, making this potentially his penultimate game and final home appearance. Ipswich may face uncertainty over Liam Delap's future.

Expect a match played primarily for pride, with Leicester looking to build on their recent win and Ipswich aiming to end a difficult season positively under McKenna.

## Recent Team Form and Key Players to Watch

### Leicester City

*   **Last 5 EPL Results:** W L L D L
    *   May 03: Leicester 2 - 0 Southampton (H)
    *   Apr 26: Wolves 3 - 0 Leicester (A)
    *   Apr 20: Leicester 0 - 1 Liverpool (H)
    *   Apr 12: Brighton 2 - 2 Leicester (A)
    *   Apr 07: Newcastle 3 - 0 Leicester (A)
*   **Injuries/Suspensions:** No specific injuries mentioned for this fixture in the provided text. Check closer to matchday for official **Leicester injury updates**.
*   **Key Players:**
    *   **Jamie Vardy:** Scored his 199th goal for the club against Southampton and is chasing 200 before his departure. A clear focal point and talisman.
    *   **Jordan Ayew:** Also scored against Southampton, providing attacking support.
    *   **Bilal El Khannouss:** Provided an assist and looked lively against Southampton; a key creative outlet.
    *   **Kasey McAteer, Jeremy Monga (15), Jake Evans (16):** Young players given recent minutes, potentially featuring again as Van Nistelrooy looks ahead.

### Ipswich Town

*   **Last 5 EPL Results:** D L L D L
    *   May 03: Everton 2 - 2 Ipswich (A)
    *   Apr 26: Newcastle 3 - 0 Ipswich (A)
    *   Apr 20: Ipswich 0 - 4 Arsenal (H)
    *   Apr 13: Chelsea 2 - 2 Ipswich (A)
    *   Apr 05: Ipswich 1 - 2 Wolves (H)
*   **Injuries/Suspensions:** No specific injuries mentioned for this fixture in the provided text. Check closer to matchday for official **Ipswich injury updates**.
*   **Key Players:**
    *   **Liam Delap:** The club's top scorer this season with 12 goals. His future is uncertain due to a reported relegation clause, but if fit and playing, he's their main goal threat.
    *   **Sammie Szmodics:** Championship top scorer last season; if involved, could provide attacking impetus.
    *   **Kieran McKenna (Manager):** While not a player, his tactical approach and the team's stability under him are key factors.

Keep an eye on **Premier League player stats** for Vardy's goal contributions and Delap's potential impact.

## Tactical Preview

This **EPL tactical analysis** anticipates how both relegated sides might approach the game:

*   **Leicester City (Likely Formation: 4-2-3-1):** Van Nistelrooy aims for a "fast, aggressive, pressing" style but has acknowledged fitness issues. After the Southampton win, they might stick with a similar setup. Expect them to leverage the energy of younger players like McAteer and potentially Monga/Evans off the bench, feeding Vardy as the spearhead, with El Khannouss pulling strings behind him.
*   **Ipswich Town (Likely Formation: 4-2-3-1 or 3-4-2-1):** Kieran McKenna has favoured possession-based football. Despite relegation, expect them to try and build play and control tempo where possible. They struggled defensively and offensively against Premier League quality, but may find more joy against a fellow relegated side.
*   **Key Tactical Battles:**
    *   **Vardy vs. Ipswich Defence:** Can the veteran striker exploit Ipswich's backline one last time at home to reach his 200-goal milestone?
    *   **Midfield Control:** The battle between Leicester's likely pairing (e.g., Skipp, Ndidi if involved) and Ipswich's central midfielders will be crucial for dictating play.
    *   **El Khannouss vs. Ipswich Holding Midfielders:** Can Ipswich nullify the creative threat posed by Leicester's young playmaker?
    *   **Delap (if playing) vs. Leicester Defence:** Can Leicester's centre-backs handle the physicality and goal threat of Ipswich's main striker?

Look for potential **possession strategies** from Ipswich countered by Leicester's attempts at a higher tempo, possibly leading to transitions being key.

## Summary and Key Takeaways

This clash between Leicester City and Ipswich Town is about ending a difficult Premier League campaign with dignity. Leicester, buoyed by their recent home win and Vardy's milestone chase, hold a slight edge at the King Power Stadium. Ipswich, under the stable guidance of McKenna, will look to play their football and prove a point.

*   **Prediction Recap:** Leicester 2 - 1 Ipswich.
*   **Betting Angles:** Leicester Win, Over 2.5 Goals, BTTS - Yes, Jamie Vardy Anytime Scorer.
*   **Fantasy Football Tips:**
    *   **Jamie Vardy (LEI):** In form, chasing 200 goals, likely final home game. High motivation.
    *   **Bilal El Khannouss (LEI):** Creative spark, potential for assists/goals.
    *   **Liam Delap (IPS):** If starting, Ipswich's most likely goal source.

Expect a competitive match where both teams have moments. Leicester's slight momentum and home advantage, coupled with the Vardy narrative, could see them edge a close contest, possibly with late action deciding the points. This **football** game offers a final chance for both sets of fans to see their teams in the **EPL** this season.