Ipswich vs Leicester prediction: ENGLAND: Championship betting tips on match 2023-12-25 19:45.
There were no early Christmas presents for Ipswich as they were beaten 4-0 by Leeds on Saturday, although they gifted their opponents an own goal and a penalty before half-time. They remained in second place in the Championship despite the defeat and their tough festive programme continues with the visit of leaders Leicester, who they trail by six points.
It’s been a remarkable return to the second-tier regardless for the Tractor Boys, and they’ll be happier at Portman Road as they’re unbeaten in home league matches since August (W8, D1). Each of those games produced over 2.5 goals, so Ipswich fans have been richly entertained this term as they await a first home meeting with the 2015/16 Premier League (PL) champions since November 2013 (L 2-1).
The last time Leicester topped any table at Christmas was during that victorious top-flight campaign, so the omens are good as they seek immediate promotion from the Championship. Their 3-0 win over Rotherham on Saturday was their fifth consecutive league win and fourth in a row in which they scored 3+ goals, further suggesting that goals could be on the cards.
And if they come early, the Foxes will back themselves to get them, having scored first in each of their last three league away games (W2, D1), although after manager Enzo Maresca praised his side for being patient against Rotherham. But if Leicester do get their noses in front, they’ll expect to prosper as they’re unbeaten in league away games in which they broke the deadlock this term (W8, D1).
Players to watch: Wes Burns has netted Ipswich’s second goal of the game in two of their last five fixtures, with both goals coming between the 40th and 60th minute. Patson Daka has scored four times in as many Leicester games, with all of those goals coming between half-time and the 65th minute.
Hot streak: Leicester are unbeaten across their last nine non-PL Boxing Day fixtures (W4, D5) including two against Ipswich (W1, D1).