Ipswich vs West Ham Match Preview

The curtain falls on Ipswich Town’s brief return to the Premier League, as they host West Ham United at Portman Road on the final day of the 2024/25 season. While the already-relegated hosts have no chance of survival and both teams’ chances of progressing to the top of the table are slim, this match holds special significance in terms of pride, preparation, and the quest for a positive start.

After more than two decades away from the top flight, Ipswich’s long-awaited return to the top flight has unfortunately ended in disappointment. After officially confirming their relegation last month, Kieran McKenna’s side have had ample time to prepare for the upcoming Championship campaign. However, the situation on the pitch has not improved since relegation, with the Tractor Boys winless in their last three games (D1 L2), most recently losing 2-0 at Leicester in a battle between the bottom two sides.

This early relegation could provide a slight advantage heading into the off-season, allowing the club to regroup, assess its squad, and lay the groundwork for immediate promotion in 2025/26. However, it will not alleviate the disappointment of its poor home performance, which was a key factor in its fall. Ipswich have lost every Premier League home game in 2025 and have only one win at Portman Road this season (W1 D4 L13). Their fans have witnessed a record 13 home league defeats this season, while the team has conceded an average of more than two goals per home game.

Their record against West Ham is hardly any better. Ipswich lost 4-1 in the first leg last October, a result that suggested difficulties to come. And while they will be determined to end a lackluster season on a positive note, their recent form and previous clashes suggest the task could be difficult.

Last day blues for the Hammers?

West Ham, meanwhile, have had a deeply disappointing season. A win at Old Trafford a few weeks ago briefly boosted morale, but the season has been disappointing overall, and manager Graham Potter will hope to learn from it. The Hammers go into the final matchday just above the relegated trio, knowing that a defeat would leave them with their worst league finish since the 2010/11 season, the year they were relegated.

The London club has shown worrying weaknesses throughout the season, particularly defensively. West Ham have conceded 90 goals in 2024 – their worst defensive record in 57 years – and have only managed three clean sheets in the Premier League since Potter’s arrival in January. All three of those shutouts have resulted in victories, highlighting the crucial importance of defensive organization for the Hammers.

There’s also the issue of recent late-season form. West Ham have lost their final league game in each of the last three campaigns and could make it four straight defeats for only the second time in their history. A win here would at least avoid that unfortunate record, while also giving their fans something to celebrate after a deeply forgettable season.

An element steeped in history

Although both teams are bottom of the table, the head-to-head record is decidedly in West Ham’s favor. The Hammers have lost only once in their last 17 Premier League meetings against Ipswich (W10 D6), and this strong record will reinforce their goal of ending the season on a positive note.

Ipswich, on the other hand, have not beaten West Ham in the Premier League since 2001, and their general form in this match suggests an upset is unlikely, even with the home crowd supporting them for the last time this season.

Key Players to Watch

Liam Delap remains Ipswich’s most notable player in this difficult season. The young striker has scored 12 goals this season and has attracted the attention of clubs aiming to stay in the Premier League.

His pace, physicality, and finishing ability shone, even in a team that struggled to create regular chances. Delap also scored in the first leg and will be eager to sign another goal ahead of what could be a busy summer.

For West Ham, Tomáš Souček has been one of the most consistent contributors, especially in away matches.

The Czech international has scored in each of the Hammers’ last two away league games and has nine goals in total this season, including six away from home. His ability to arrive late into the box and dominate aerial duels makes him a constant threat, especially against Ipswich’s vulnerable defence.

Hot Stats

Neither Ipswich (D3 L18) nor West Ham (D6 L15) have managed to secure a Premier League win this season after conceding the first goal, highlighting the importance of a good start to a game for both teams.