Leicester vs Ipswich

Leicester City vs. Ipswich Town Match Preview

Date: Sunday, May 18, 2025
Venue: King Power Stadium, Leicester
Competition: Premier League

Match Context

Both Leicester City and Ipswich Town are relegated and will play in the Championship next season. This clash at the King Power Stadium is a battle for pride between two sides fighting to avoid finishing bottom of the Premier League table. Both teams have struggled this season, each amassing only 22 points from 36 matches, with Leicester in 19th and Ipswich in 18th.

Recent Form

• Leicester City:
  The Foxes have shown slight improvement under Ruud van Nistelrooy, ending an 11-game winless streak with four points from their last two matches. A 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest, sealed by Facundo Buonanotte’s late equalizer, highlighted their resilience. However, they remain 16 points adrift of safety, confirming their relegation. Jamie Vardy, set to make his 500th and final appearance for Leicester, is one goal shy of 200 for the club, adding emotional weight to the fixture.
• Ipswich Town:
  The Tractor Boys have struggled at home, winning just one of 18 matches at Portman Road, including a recent 1-0 loss to Brentford via Kevin Schade’s strike. However, they’ve been more competitive on the road, earning 15 of their 22 points away, with a notable 2-0 win over Bournemouth driven by goals from Nathan Broadhead and Liam Delap. Delap, with 12 goals this season, is a key figure but is likely to depart in the summer.

Head-to-Head and Key Stats

• Leicester and Ipswich are level on 22 points, with identical records of 36 matches played.
• Leicester’s home form has been inconsistent, but the King Power Stadium remains a tough venue for struggling sides like Ipswich.
• Ipswich’s away form (15 points from 18 matches) contrasts sharply with their dismal home record (1 win in 18).
• Jamie Vardy (199 goals for Leicester) and Liam Delap (12 goals this season) are the players to watch, with both capable of decisive moments.

Tactical Outlook

• Leicester: Van Nistelrooy will likely rely on Vardy’s experience and Buonanotte’s flair to exploit Ipswich’s defensive vulnerabilities. The Foxes may focus on quick transitions to capitalize on their home advantage.
• Ipswich: Kieran McKenna’s side will aim to replicate their away success, with Delap’s pace and finishing posing a threat on the counter. Their challenge will be containing Leicester’s attacking intent while avoiding defensive lapses.

Prediction

This match is likely to be closely contested, given both teams’ similar points tallies and relegation status. Leicester’s home advantage and Vardy’s milestone moment could give them a slight edge, but Ipswich’s away form makes them dangerous. Expect a competitive, emotional encounter, potentially ending in a draw as both sides fight for a morale-boosting result.

Predicted Score: Leicester City 1-1 Ipswich Town