Prediction: Ipswich vs Aston Villa

Verdict: Aston Villa win

Best Odds: 10/11

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

Looking to extend on their purple patch this weekend, Aston Villa will travel to Portman Road on Sunday afternoon when they meet Ipswich.

Ipswich

Starting with the hosts, while Ipswich might still be in the midst of a real fairytale after completing a famous Premier League return for this season, Kieran McKenna’s face a major uphill battle this time around. Although the Blues might have snatched a sensational last-gasp 1-1 draw away at fellow strugglers Ipswich last weekend, they have failed to win any of their first five Premier League appearances and are tipped for a relegation scrap this year. Shockingly crashing out of the EFL Cup last month following penalties heartbreak at the hands of League Two outfit AFC Wimbledon, the one-time Manchester United coach will be bracing himself for another stern examination when they return to Portman Road on Sunday afternoon.

Team News

Yet to make a single appearance across any competition so far this season, Wakes international Nathan Broadhead remains on the sidelines and will not feature on Sunday afternoon. Likewise, 23-year-old Harrison Clarke is still dealing with a long-term Achilles tendon injury and will not play any part this weekend.

Opening his account against Fulham prior to September’s international break, former Manchester City youngster Liam Delap will lead McKenna’s charge in the final third. Both completing respective summer moves to Portman Road, Jacob Greaves will partner Dara O’Shea at the heart of Ipswich’s defence.

Aston Villa

As for the visitors, getting their famous Champions League adventure underway with a sensational 3-0 romp away at Swiss giants Young Boys, Aston Villa are in the midst of what has become a remarkable purple patch. Marking their return from September’s international break with an action-packed 3-2 victory at home against Everton, Unai Emery’s men have continued to receive a string of plaudits from across the continent. Extending on their EFL Cup campaign earlier in the week as they secured a 2-1 win against Wycombe, the former Arsenal boss should find the mood in his camp at a red-hot high. Getting proceedings underway last month with an eye-catching 2-1 victory away at West Ham, Aston Villa have won six of their first seven appearances across all competitions.

Team News

While Tyrone Mings might be inching towards a first appearance of the season following on from a long-term knee injury, the England international is not expected to be part of Emery’s squad here. Likewise, former Nottingham Forest defender Matty Cash remains on the sidelines with a thigh issue.

Handed a full rest away at Wycombe earlier in the week, attacking talisman Ollie Watkins will make a full return on Sunday afternoon and replace the red-hot John Duran in the final third. Likewise, ex-Arsenal goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez will return between the sticks at Portman Road.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Ipswich and Aston Villa last met back in January 2019 for a Championship showdown, Sunday’s guests collected a 2-1 victory at Villa Park.
• Emery’s high-flying squad have won six of their first seven appearances across all competitions.
• Likewise, Aston Villa have won all of their last five matchups across all formats by an aggregate score of 13-5.
• Ipswich have failed to muster a single victory from any of their first five Premier League appearances.
• Four of Ipswich’s last five appearances across all formats have finished with both teams finding the net.

Conclusion

Only continuing on what has been another sensational purple patch this season, Aston Villa will simply be looking to lay down another marker on Sunday afternoon. Now winning all of their previous five appearances across all competitions by an aggregate score of 13-5, Emery’s high-flying squad should be smelling a potential opportunity this weekend. Meeting an Ipswich squad that are still waiting to put a maiden Premier League victory on the board, we are backing an away win here.

Verdict: Aston Villa win 

Best Odds: 10/11

Bookmaker: Olympusbet