On the hunt for a third consecutive Premier League victory, Tottenham Hotspur travel to Portman Road to take on Ipswich Town in a crucial clash on Saturday. Ange Postecoglou's men will be eager to avenge their shocking home defeat to the newly promoted side earlier in the season. With both teams fighting for different objectives—Spurs looking to climb up the table and Ipswich desperate to escape the relegation zone—this encounter promises to be an intense battle.
Tottenham's Recent Revival
Tottenham's campaign has been inconsistent, but their recent 1-0 triumph over Manchester United at Old Trafford has lifted spirits. James Maddison was the hero, netting the decisive goal and making headlines for his playful response to Roy Keane's criticism.
With their squad slowly recovering from a crippling injury list, Spurs have climbed to 12th in the Premier League standings. However, Postecoglou insists that such a position is unacceptable for a club of their stature. A third successive league victory—something Spurs have not managed since May 2022 under Antonio Conte—would provide further momentum as they push for European qualification.
Ipswich’s Struggles in the Top Flight
For Ipswich, the dream of Premier League survival is slipping away. Since their famous win over Spurs in North London, Kieran McKenna's side has managed just two more victories. A battling 1-1 draw against Aston Villa last weekend, despite being down to 10 men for the entire second half, was a step in the right direction, but the Tractor Boys remain in 18th place, two points from safety.
Worryingly, Ipswich have lost six of their last seven home matches in the Premier League, including the last three in a row. However, their recent record against Tottenham is impressive—having beaten them in their last four Premier League meetings.
Team News & Expected Lineups
Tottenham Hotspur
Spurs' injury list is gradually shrinking, but concerns remain. Kevin Danso, Rodrigo Bentancur, and Son Heung-min all suffered minor knocks against Manchester United but are expected to be fit for this match. Timo Werner (hamstring) could return but is unlikely to start. Long-term absentees include Richarlison (calf), Dominic Solanke (knee), Micky van de Ven (thigh), Cristian Romero (thigh), and Radu Dragusin (ACL).
Predicted XI: Vicario; Porro, Danso, Davies, Spence; Bergvall, Bentancur, Maddison; Kulusevski, Tel, Son.
Ipswich Town
Axel Tuanzebe is suspended following his red card against Aston Villa, meaning Ben Johnson is likely to slot into defense. Julio Enciso (knee) joins an injury list that already features Wes Burns, Conor Chaplin, Chiedozie Ogbene, and Christian Walton. There is still hope that Szmodics (ankle), Sam Morsy (abdominal), and Leif Davis (unspecified) could be available.
Predicted XI: Palmer; Johnson, O'Shea, Greaves, Davis; Cajuste, Phillips; Philogene, Hutchinson, Clarke; Delap.
Prediction: Ipswich Town 0-2 Tottenham Hotspur
Ipswich have struggled at home and, despite a valiant effort at Villa Park, they will face a Tottenham side boosted in both confidence and squad depth. While McKenna’s men will fight hard, Spurs should have the quality to secure a comfortable win and avenge their earlier defeat.
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