Fulham will host Ipswich Town at Craven Cottage on Sunday, January 5, as the Premier League action continues into the new year. Both teams are looking to start 2025 on the right foot, albeit with contrasting objectives. While Fulham aims to maintain their unbeaten streak and solidify their position in the top half of the table, Ipswich is fighting tooth and nail to escape the relegation zone.
The Cottagers have been consistent, albeit not always victorious, while Ipswich enters the match with renewed confidence after a stunning win over Chelsea. This game has all the makings of a hard-fought battle, with both sides having plenty to prove.
Fulham: Quietly Consistent
A Steady Run
Fulham has been one of the Premier League’s more understated performers this season. Currently unbeaten in their last seven matches, they have shown resilience and adaptability against a range of opponents. However, turning draws into wins has been a challenge, as evidenced by their four draws in the last five league games.
Their recent 2-2 draw with Bournemouth highlighted both their attacking potential and defensive vulnerabilities. Goals from Harry Wilson and Alex Iwobi showcased their creative flair, but lapses at the back allowed the Cherries to snatch a point.
Team News
Fulham will be without several key players, including Reiss Nelson, Kenny Tete, and Sander Berge, all sidelined due to injuries. Midfielder Harrison Reed, recovering from a knee issue, remains unavailable despite returning to training. Manager Marco Silva will rely on the likes of Emile Smith Rowe, Raul Jimenez, and Andreas Pereira to provide the creative and finishing touches needed to break down Ipswich’s defense.
Key Players
- Raul Jimenez: The Mexican striker has been inconsistent but remains a focal point in Fulham’s attack.
- Emile Smith Rowe: The young midfielder has been pivotal in creating chances, with his ability to find pockets of space and deliver incisive passes.
- Tim Ream: Fulham’s veteran defender will need to lead by example to ensure defensive solidity.
Ipswich Town: Fighting for Survival
A Season of Struggles
Ipswich Town’s return to the Premier League has been anything but smooth. Despite their struggles, the Tractor Boys delivered one of the season’s most surprising results last time out, defeating Chelsea 2-0. This victory marked their first home win of the season and gave them a much-needed boost in their battle to avoid relegation.
Manager Kieran McKenna will hope his side can build on that result, but their away form will be a concern. Ipswich has shown glimpses of resilience on the road, earning crucial points against Wolves and Bournemouth earlier this season.
Team News
Ipswich faces their own injury woes, with Chiedozie Ogbene ruled out for the season. Axel Tuanzebe, George Hirst, and Conor Chaplin are also sidelined, while Massimo Luongo is doubtful due to illness. Christian Walton, who impressed with a clean sheet against Chelsea, is expected to retain his spot in goal.
Key Players
- Christian Walton: The goalkeeper’s performance against Chelsea demonstrated his ability to deliver under pressure.
- Liam Delap: The young striker will be tasked with leading Ipswich’s attack and capitalizing on any defensive lapses.
- Sam Morsy: The captain’s leadership in midfield will be crucial in breaking up Fulham’s play and launching counterattacks.
Head-to-Head and Recent Form
Head-to-Head Record
- Last Five Matches: Fulham 4 wins, Ipswich 0 wins, 1 draw.
- Last Meeting: Ipswich 1-1 Fulham (August 31, 2024).
Fulham has historically dominated this fixture, but Ipswich managed to hold them to a draw earlier this season. The Tractor Boys will look to replicate that performance and frustrate their hosts once again.
Recent Form
Fulham:
- Fulham 2-2 Bournemouth
- Chelsea 1-2 Fulham
- Fulham 0-0 Southampton
Ipswich:
- Ipswich 2-0 Chelsea
- Arsenal 1-0 Ipswich
- Ipswich 0-4 Newcastle
Tactical Analysis
Fulham’s Approach
Marco Silva’s side will look to dominate possession and use their creative midfielders to unlock Ipswich’s defense. The full-backs, Tim Castagne and Antonee Robinson, will be key in providing width and delivering crosses into the box for Raul Jimenez.
Ipswich’s Game Plan
Kieran McKenna is likely to adopt a counterattacking strategy, relying on the pace of Liam Delap and the creativity of Sammie Szmodics. Ipswich’s midfield duo of Morsy and Cajuste will need to disrupt Fulham’s rhythm and launch quick transitions.
Prediction: A Tight Contest
Fulham’s unbeaten streak and home advantage make them favorites, but Ipswich’s recent victory over Chelsea proves they are capable of pulling off surprises. The Tractor Boys’ defensive frailties, however, could be their undoing against a Fulham side with plenty of attacking options.
Prediction: Fulham 1-1 Ipswich
While Fulham may dominate possession, Ipswich’s resilience and ability to capitalize on mistakes could see them snatch a valuable point.
FAQs
- Who are the key players to watch in Fulham vs. Ipswich?
Raul Jimenez and Emile Smith Rowe for Fulham; Christian Walton and Liam Delap for Ipswich. - What is Fulham’s recent form?
Fulham is unbeaten in their last seven matches, though they have drawn four of their last five. - How has Ipswich performed this season?
Ipswich has struggled but recently secured a morale-boosting 2-0 win over Chelsea. - What is the head-to-head record?
Fulham has won four of the last five meetings, with one draw. - What is the predicted result?
A 1-1 draw, with Fulham dominating possession but Ipswich holding firm defensively.
