Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the English Premier League match.
Ipswich Town can still dominate Championship-level opponents in the FA Cup, but their real priority is Premier League survival. A trip to Birmingham offers little hope, even for stronger teams.
Aston Villa
Aston Villa have lost just once at Villa Park in 12 league matches, and that was against Arsenal (0:2) in a game where Arsenal needed some serious luck. Even Bayern Munich fell here (1:0). Keeping Aston Villa below two goals is a tough task—only West Ham United (1:1) have managed it in their last seven outings, but even they conceded twice in the FA Cup (2:1).
Ipswich Town
Ipswich hammered Coventry City (4:1) in the FA Cup’s fourth round, playing away. But perhaps Coventry weren’t too concerned with this match? Their goalkeeper, 21-year-old Oliver Dovin, failed to make an impact, conceding four from six shots on target. But Aston Villa’s keeper is Emi Martínez—2022 World Cup winner and tournament’s best goalkeeper. Yes, he has his moments of unpredictability, but overall, he is far more reliable than Ipswich’s options. On 3 February, Ipswich signed West Bromwich Albion’s Alex Palmer, who had impressive Championship stats (27 goals conceded in 30 matches, 11 clean sheets). But he has yet to be tested at Premier League level—his only big match so far was against Coventry in the FA Cup, which is hardly the same standard.
Aston Villa vs Ipswich Town Prediction
Regardless of who starts in goal for Ipswich Town, they will be picking the ball out of the net multiple times. Aston Villa are relentless at home, and three goals should be well within reach.
