Two of the Premier League‘s new boys meet at St Mary’s on Saturday afternoon when Southampton host Ipswich Town.
Both clubs are searching for their first league victories on their return to the top flight, having managed only two points between them so far.
It’s the Saints whose form has looked more ominous at the start of the campaign, scoring only once in four league losses under manager Russell Martin. Kieran McKenna’s Tractor Boys, meanwhile, have registered a couple of points after recent draws with Fulham and Brighton & Hove Albion.
Here’s 90min’s match preview for Saturday’s crucial six-pointer on the south coast.
Southampton vs Ipswich Town H2H Record (Last Five Games)
Current form (all competitions)
How to watch Southampton vs Ipswich Town on TV and live stream
Southampton team news
Southampton managed to squeeze through to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup in midweek with a penalty shootout triumph at Everton, but a number of changes will be made by Martin for his side’s return to St Mary’s.
Teenage winger Tyler Dibling impressed in the defeat to Manchester United and may return to the starting XI, while Adam Lallana could drop back to the substitutes bench.
Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu remains out of action, while Jack Stephens is suspended for his red card against United. Will Smallbone and Kamaldeen Sulemana are both doubtful to feature.
Southampton predicted lineup vs Ipswich Town
Southampton predicted lineup vs Ipswich Town (4-3-3): Ramsdale; Sugawara, Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, Walker-Peters; Ugochukwu, Downes, Fernandes; Dibling, Brereton Diaz, Cornet.
Ipswich Town team news
Ipswich will have to make do without Harry Clarke, Nathan Broadhead and Janoi Donacien in their bid to record a first league win of the season.
Elsewhere, it could be a familiar starting lineup from McKenna. Jack Clarke may get the nod on the wing in place of Wes Burns, with Omari Hutchinson and Sammie Szmodics likely to support Liam Delap in attack.
Midfield loanee Kalvin Phillips will also get another opportunity after an industrious outing in the goalless draw at Brighton.
Ipswich Town predicted lineup vs Southampton (4-2-3-1): Muric; Tuanzebe, O’Shea, Greaves, Davis; Morsy, Phillips; Hutchinson, Szmodics, Clarke; Delap.
Southampton vs Ipswich Town score prediction
There’s a lot riding on this meeting between Southampton and Ipswich. The two sides may well be scrapping at the bottom of the table come crunch time at the end of the season and three points here could be the difference between staying afloat or rejoining England’s second tier.
The Saints have been plagued by wastefulness so far, failing to make the most of promising circumstances against both Newcastle United and Manchester United.
Their opponents showed more steel in their trip to Brighton last week and also secured two wins over Southampton last season. That said, a score draw could be on the cards.
