Leicester vs Ipswich

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

Match Analysis

Meta Title: Leicester vs Ipswich Preview: EPL Dead Rubber, Predictions & Tips

Meta Description: Expert pre-match analysis for Leicester City vs Ipswich Town in the Premier League on May 18, 2025. Get EPL predictions, betting tips, team news, and tactical insights.

Leicester City vs Ipswich Town: Premier League Clash of the Relegated – Predictions & Analysis

Get ready for an English Premier League encounter as Leicester City host Ipswich Town at the King Power Stadium on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at 14:00 GMT. While both teams have already had their relegation from the top flight confirmed, this match offers a chance to play for pride and for players to make a case for their futures. This Premier League match preview delves into predictions, betting insights, team news, and tactical expectations for this late-season EPL fixture.

Match Prediction and Scoreline

Predicted Final Score: Leicester City 2 – 1 Ipswich Town

Despite a torrid season for both clubs, Leicester City's recent home win against Southampton might provide a slight edge. With the pressure of survival lifted, this game could see more open play, but the Foxes, playing in front of their home crowd potentially for Jamie Vardy's farewell run-outs, could narrowly clinch it.

Betting Insights & Probability Breakdown:

  • Winner Odds (Approximate):
    • Leicester City: 2.20
    • Draw: 3.50
    • Ipswich Town: 3.00
  • Both Teams to Score (BTTS): Yes – Likely, given both teams' defensive vulnerabilities throughout the EPL season.
  • Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Over – Both sides have conceded frequently, and an end-of-season feel could lead to goals.

Probability:

  • Leicester City Win: 40%
  • Draw: 30%
  • Ipswich Town Win: 30%

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Key Factors and Expected Outcome

Several elements will shape this Premier League contest between two sides preparing for life back in the Championship.

  • Recent Form:
    • Leicester City: Snapped a dreadful run with a 2-0 home victory over Southampton in their last known fixture, but their overall form this EPL season has been poor (Last 6 recorded: WLLDLL).
    • Ipswich Town: Secured a notable away win at Bournemouth recently but have struggled for consistency (Last 6 recorded: DLLDLW).
  • Morale and Motivation: Both teams are relegated. Leicester might have a slight morale lift from their last win and the desire to give departing legend Jamie Vardy a good send-off at the King Power Stadium. Ipswich, under Kieran McKenna, have shown resilience, but motivation could be a general issue for both squads.
  • Home vs. Away Advantage: Leicester will be at the King Power Stadium. While their home record has been abysmal for large parts of the season (including a nine-game scoreless streak at home before the Southampton win), the recent victory could provide some comfort. Ipswich have picked up some surprising away wins but have also suffered heavy defeats on the road.
  • Managerial Strategies:
    • Ruud van Nistelrooy (Leicester): His future is uncertain. He desires a fast, pressing style but has lamented a lack of fitness and commitment. Expect him to potentially give more minutes to younger players as the club plans a significant rebuild.
    • Kieran McKenna (Ipswich): Has earned plaudits for his work despite relegation. He's likely to stick to his established tactical principles, aiming to finish the EPL season on a respectable note.
  • Off-Field Issues: Leicester City are facing significant financial pressures (PSR scrutiny) and a massive squad overhaul is imminent. The departure of Jamie Vardy marks the end of an era. Ipswich appear more stable off the pitch.

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Recent Team Form and Key Players to Watch

Leicester City

  • Recent EPL Form (Last 6 recorded): W-L-L-D-L-L
    • Leicester 2 - 0 Southampton (H)
    • Wolves 3 - 0 Leicester (A)
    • Leicester 0 - 1 Liverpool (H)
    • Brighton 2 - 2 Leicester (A)
    • Leicester 0 - 3 Newcastle (H)
    • Manchester City 2 - 0 Leicester (A)
  • Injuries/Suspensions (Based on recent info):
    • Abdul Fatawu (ACL injury, likely out)
    • Stephy Mavididi (Injury ended season prematurely)
    • Harry Souttar (Ruptured Achilles)
  • Key Players:
    • Jamie Vardy (ST): The departing legend (199 goals for Leicester). This could be one of his final appearances at the King Power. His presence will be emotional and could inspire.
    • Bilal El Khannouss (MF): Considered one of the few successful signings this season, offering creativity from midfield.
    • Jordan Ayew (FW): Scored in the recent win against Southampton, could be keen to impress.
    • Mads Hermansen (GK): Leicester's "biggest asset" according to reports, though his sale seems inevitable. His performance, if he plays, will be under scrutiny.
  • Young Prospects: Manager Van Nistelrooy may continue to blood youngsters like Kasey McAteer or Luke Thomas, with an eye on the Championship.

Keywords: Leicester latest form, Leicester injury updates, Premier League player stats, Vardy last match, El Khannouss Leicester.

Ipswich Town

  • Recent EPL Form (Last 6 recorded): D-L-L-D-L-W
    • Everton 2 - 2 Ipswich (A)
    • 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: Specific current injuries for this match are not detailed, but the team has had to integrate new players throughout a tough EPL campaign.
  • Key Players:
    • Liam Delap (ST): Impressed with 12 Premier League goals this season since his move from Manchester City. Likely to attract summer interest.
    • Sammie Szmodics (FW/MF): The Championship's top scorer in 2023-24, has had a mixed EPL season but remains a threat.
    • Kieran McKenna's System: While not a player, the manager's tactical organization has been a key feature for Ipswich.
  • Notable: Ipswich have shown they can score goals, netting 7 in their last 6 recorded matches, but have also conceded 14 in that period.

Keywords: Ipswich latest form, Ipswich injury updates, Premier League player stats, Liam Delap goals, McKenna tactics.

Tactical Preview

With both teams already relegated, the tactical approaches might be influenced by experimentation and individual motivations.

  • Leicester City Likely Approach:
    • Formation (Probable): 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3.
    • Style of Play: Ruud van Nistelrooy wants his team to play a "fast, aggressive, pressing football," though he has questioned if they have the fitness for it. Given the context, they might focus on a more direct approach, looking to utilize any pace on the flanks and provide service for Vardy if he starts. Expect potential involvement from younger, energetic players.
    • Defensive Woes: Having conceded 76 goals in 35 league games (as of early May), shoring up the backline, even for a dead rubber, will be a concern.
  • Ipswich Town Likely Approach:
    • Formation (Probable): Kieran McKenna has often favored a 3-5-2 or variations that brought them success in previous seasons.
    • Style of Play: Ipswich will likely try to play their usual possession-based game when possible, building from the back. They've shown an ability to be dangerous on the counter, especially with Delap's pace.
    • Attacking Intent: Despite relegation, Ipswich have managed to find the net, scoring 33 league goals this season (as of early May).
  • Key Tactical Battles:
    • Leicester's Midfield vs. Ipswich's Engine Room: With Leicester's midfield likely to see changes and uncertainty, Ipswich could look to dominate this area to control the game's tempo.
    • Liam Delap vs. Leicester's Centre-Backs: Delap's movement and finishing ability will test a Leicester defence that has struggled all season.
    • Emotional Factor: How Leicester respond to the atmosphere, especially concerning Vardy, could override pure tactical plans.

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Summary and Key Takeaways

This Premier League fixture between Leicester City and Ipswich Town is a classic end-of-season match with little riding on it beyond pride. Leicester, buoyed by a recent home win and the emotional backdrop of Jamie Vardy's impending departure, might just have the edge at the King Power Stadium. However, Ipswich have shown they can be a tricky opponent on their day, especially away from home.

Expect a game where defensive frailties on both sides could lead to goals. Leicester will want to give their fans something to cheer after a dismal EPL campaign, while Ipswich will aim to finish with a strong performance under Kieran McKenna.

Key Takeaways & Betting Angles:

  • Prediction: Leicester 2-1 Ipswich.
  • Betting: Consider Over 2.5 goals and Both Teams to Score.
  • Fantasy Football Tips:
    • Bilal El Khannouss (Leicester): A creative spark for the Foxes, could grab assists or a goal.
    • Liam Delap (Ipswich): Ipswich's main goal threat, always a candidate to be on the scoresheet.
    • Jamie Vardy (Leicester): If he plays, the narrative is strong for a farewell goal. A differential pick.

Final Thought: Expect an open soccer match, potentially with less tactical rigidity than a high-stakes encounter. Leicester might just edge it, driven by home support and the desire to end a forgettable Premier League season on a small high.