Premier League : Ipswich vs Liverpool match preview, odds and game prediction

1. Game Preview

Ipswich Town hosts Liverpool at Portman Road on August 17, 2024, marking their return to the Premier League after a 22-year absence. This game also kicks off a new era for Liverpool, with Dutch manager Arne Slot at the helm following Jürgen Klopp’s departure. Both teams are under new guidance, with Ipswich looking to make a statement against one of the league’s top sides.

2. Key Stats & Insights

  • Ipswich’s Form: Ipswich comes into this game on the back of a successful pre-season, including wins over Nice and Hoffenheim. However, they are missing several key players due to injury, which could impact their performance.
  • Liverpool’s Form: Liverpool, unbeaten in their last 12 Premier League opening matches, also had a strong pre-season, including a convincing win against Sevilla. However, their defense has shown vulnerabilities, particularly towards the end of last season.

3. Team Form and Performance

  • Ipswich: The Tractor Boys finished second in the Championship last season and have strengthened their squad with new signings like Omari Hutchinson and Liam Delap. Despite a solid pre-season, the injuries to players like George Hirst and Harry Clarke might hinder their efforts against Liverpool.
  • Liverpool: Liverpool has not made any significant signings this summer, but they retain a strong squad. Key players like Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk will be crucial, especially with new tactics under Slot. However, Dominik Szoboszlai might miss the game due to a minor fitness issue.

4. Head-to-Head Records

Liverpool and Ipswich have not met since 2002. Historically, Liverpool has had the upper hand, including dominant victories in their last Premier League encounters over two decades ago.

5. Player Form and Availability

  • Ipswich: The absence of several first-team players, including Hirst and Clarke, could be a significant disadvantage. However, Leif Davis and Hutchinson are expected to play crucial roles in attack.
  • Liverpool: Salah remains Liverpool’s key player, having scored 25 goals last season. With Szoboszlai possibly out, the onus will be on players like Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota to support the attack.

6. Market Analysis (Odds)

Liverpool is the heavy favorite with odds around 1/3 (73.3% win probability). Ipswich, as the underdog, is at 15/2. Betting markets also favor a game with over 2.5 goals, reflecting Liverpool’s strong offensive capability but also their occasional defensive lapses.

7. Prediction

Despite Ipswich’s solid form and home advantage, Liverpool’s experience and quality should see them secure a win. A 2-1 victory for Liverpool seems likely, though Ipswich could push them hard, especially with the support of a passionate home crowd.

World Sports News: India Declines to Host Women’s T20 World Cup… and more

Cricket/Women’s T20 World Cup: India has refused to host the Women’s T20 World Cup if it’s moved from Bangladesh due to political unrest. The BCCI cited the monsoon season and their upcoming Women’s ODI World Cup hosting duties as reasons.

Cricket/The Hundred: Birmingham Phoenix defeated Manchester Originals to secure their spot in The Hundred men’s Eliminator, setting up a clash with Southern Brave.

Cricket/Ireland vs. Sri Lanka: Ireland’s Gaby Lewis expressed excitement ahead of their ODI series against Sri Lanka after a morale-boosting win in the T20 series.

Soccer/Manchester United: Erik ten Hag emphasized Manchester United’s goal of winning the Premier League, bolstered by new signings Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui.

Soccer/Arsenal: Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta expressed confidence in his team’s readiness to challenge for the Premier League title after significant summer preparations.

Basketball/NBA: The Los Angeles Clippers signed Kevon Harris, who aims to secure a roster spot, while the Lakers announced they will retire Michael Cooper’s jersey.

Ligue 1:Le Havre vs PSG match preview, odds and game prediction

Key Stats & Insights

  • PSG Dominance: Paris Saint-Germain is unbeaten in their last nine encounters with Le Havre, winning eight of those matches.
  • High-Scoring Games: Four of the last six matches between these teams have seen over 2.5 goals.
  • Le Havre Struggles: Le Havre has lost 12 of their last 20 matches, indicating a difficult run of form.
  • PSG’s Away Strength: PSG has not lost any of their last 10 away matches, showcasing their strong performances on the road.

Game Preview

Le Havre:

Le Havre enters this match without any injury concerns, allowing them to field their strongest lineup against the reigning champions. In their last outing, Le Havre suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat to Marseille. Despite this, Mohamed Bayo managed to find the back of the net, and the team registered six shots on target, suggesting they can be competitive.

However, Le Havre’s overall form has been concerning, with only two wins in their last ten Ligue 1 games. Their defensive frailties have been evident, conceding an average of 1.4 goals per game.

PSG:

Paris Saint-Germain, under new manager Luis Enrique, is looking to start the season strongly as they defend their Ligue 1 title. PSG is in excellent shape, with no absentees reported for this match. Their last competitive game saw them secure a 2-1 win over Lyon in the Coupe de France, with goals from Ousmane Dembele and Fabian Ruiz.

PSG’s recent form is strong, boasting six wins in their last ten league games. They are particularly potent in attack, averaging 2.7 goals per game while maintaining 66% possession. The addition of players like Ousmane Dembele and Randal Kolo Muani further bolsters their already formidable attacking lineup.

Team Form and Performance

Le Havre – Last 10 League Games:

  • Record: 2 Wins, 6 Losses, 2 Draws
  • Goals: Averaging 1.0 goals per game
  • Key Players: André Ayew (3 goals), Josue Casimir (2 assists)
  • Defensive Concerns: Conceding an average of 1.4 goals per game

PSG – Last 10 League Games:

  • Record: 6 Wins, 1 Loss, 3 Draws
  • Goals: Averaging 2.7 goals per game
  • Key Players: Ousmane Dembele, Fabian Ruiz, Gonçalo Ramos
  • Defensive Stability: Conceding 1.4 goals per game, but strong possession and control

Head-to-Head Records

Historically, PSG has dominated Le Havre, winning 83% of their encounters since 2002. The last time these teams met, PSG managed a 3-3 draw despite controlling the majority of the game with 77% possession. This result shows that while Le Havre can be resilient, PSG’s superior quality often prevails.

Player Form and Availability

Le Havre Predicted Lineup: Desmas (GK), Sangante, Kinkoue, Lloris, Zouaoui, Diawara, Toure, Casimir, Kuzyaev, Joujou, Ngoura

PSG Predicted Lineup: Donnarumma (GK), Zague, Pacho, Skriniar, Soler, Asensio, Vitinha, Zaire-Emery, Mbaye, Lee, Muani

Injuries and Suspensions: Both teams are expected to have their full squads available, with no major injury concerns reported.

Market Analysis (Odds)

  • Le Havre Win: 7.00
  • Draw: 4.50
  • PSG Win: 1.44

The odds heavily favor PSG, with bookmakers predicting a straightforward win for the visitors. However, the value might lie in the handicap markets, where PSG is expected to win by a larger margin.

Prediction

Le Havre might find the back of the net, but PSG’s quality should see them secure a comfortable victory. Expect PSG to dominate possession and create numerous scoring opportunities. A 3-1 win for PSG is a likely outcome.

Betting Tip: Back PSG at +110 to overcome a -1.5 goal margin on the Asian Handicap market, meaning they need to win by two goals or more for a successful bet.

Premier League: Manchester United vs Fulham match preview, odds and game prediction

Key Stats & Insights

  • Common Result: The most frequent scoreline when Manchester United hosts Fulham is 3-0, occurring three times.
  • Recent Matches: Last season saw Fulham defeat Manchester United 2-1 at Old Trafford, while Manchester United won 1-0 at Craven Cottage.
  • Fulham’s Away Form: Fulham are unbeaten in their last three away games, showing resilience on the road.

Game Preview

Manchester United:

Manchester United is under pressure to kickstart the 2024/25 season on a positive note after enduring their worst Premier League finish last season. Manager Erik ten Hag is in the spotlight, with his job security potentially hinging on the team’s early performances. Despite winning the FA Cup last season, the club’s league form needs substantial improvement.

The Red Devils will be without new signing Leny Yoro, who is sidelined until November due to injury. However, Joshua Zirkzee, another new recruit, could feature in this match, offering fresh attacking options.

Fulham:

Fulham enters this season aiming to improve on their 13th-place finish from last year. Despite losing key player Joao Palhinha to Bayern Munich, Fulham has reinforced their squad by signing Emile Smith Rowe from Arsenal and Jorge Cuenca from Villarreal. Additionally, Ryan Sessegnon returns to Fulham after a stint with Tottenham.

Fulham’s recent performance includes a convincing 4-2 victory over Luton Town, with Raul Jimenez and Adama Traore making notable contributions. Although Fulham has seen several departures, their recent form suggests they are capable of challenging stronger teams.

Team Form and Performance

Manchester United – Last 10 League Games:

  • Record: 3 Wins, 3 Losses, 4 Draws
  • Goals: Averaging 1.8 goals per game
  • Key Players: Bruno Fernandes (6 goals), Rasmus Højlund (3 goals)
  • Defensive Concerns: Conceding an average of 1.9 goals per game

Fulham – Last 10 League Games:

  • Record: 3 Wins, 4 Losses, 3 Draws
  • Goals: Averaging 1.5 goals per game
  • Key Players: Rodrigo Muniz (4 goals), Raul Jimenez (2 goals)
  • Defense: Conceding 1.7 goals per game but with a solid showing in the last few matches

Head-to-Head Records

In their last eight encounters, Manchester United has won six times, Fulham has won once, and there has been one draw. Historically, Manchester United has had the upper hand, but Fulham’s recent victory at Old Trafford in February 2024 adds an intriguing twist to this matchup.

Player Form and Availability

Manchester United Predicted Lineup: Onana (GK), Evans, Maguire, Dalot, Martínez, Casemiro, Fernandes, Mount, Mainoo, Rashford, Diallo

Fulham Predicted Lineup: Leno (GK), Tete, Diop, Bassey, Robinson, Lukić, Andreas, Smith Rowe, Adama, Muniz, Iwobi

Injuries and Suspensions: Manchester United will miss Leny Yoro due to injury, while Fulham will be without the recently departed Joao Palhinha.

Market Analysis (Odds)

  • Manchester United Win: 1.62
  • Draw: 4.33
  • Fulham Win: 4.75

These odds suggest that Manchester United is the favorite, but there is value in backing Fulham, especially given their recent form and the unpredictability in Manchester United’s performances.

Prediction

While Manchester United is traditionally strong at home, Fulham’s recent away form and their ability to score against top teams could make this a tightly contested match. A close game is expected, with a slight edge towards a Fulham upset or a draw. A 2-1 victory for Fulham seems plausible if they capitalize on Manchester United’s defensive vulnerabilities.

Betting Tip: Consider betting on Fulham to win or draw (+130) in the Double Chance market.

La Liga: Athletic Bilbao vs Getafe Match Preview, Odds, and Game Prediction

Key Stats & Insights

  • Athletic Bilbao have lost only once in their last 19 league games at San Mamés.
  • Athletic Bilbao are unbeaten in their last 10 home matches, with 6 wins.
  • Getafe are currently on a 5-game losing streak.
  • Getafe have lost 11 of their last 20 matches.

Game Preview

Athletic Bilbao: Athletic Bilbao are facing a goalkeeper dilemma, with both Unai Simón and Julen Agirrezabala carrying injuries, potentially giving third-choice keeper Álex Padilla a chance to start. Star winger Nico Williams, who was pivotal in their last La Liga win against Rayo Vallecano, may not start as he has just returned to training. In that match, Bilbao secured a 1-0 victory despite limited possession (37%) and only one shot on target.

Getafe: Getafe are struggling offensively, especially with their top scorer from last season, Borja Mayoral, still an injury doubt. They may rely on Carles Pérez, traditionally a winger, to lead the attack. In their last match, Getafe lost 2-1 at home to Mallorca, despite having 51% possession and six shots on target.

Team Form and Performance

Athletic Bilbao – Last 10 League Games: Athletic Bilbao have a mixed record with 4 wins, 3 losses, and 3 draws. They average 1.3 goals per game and maintain 51.9% possession. Their defense has been relatively solid, conceding just 1.1 goals per game. Gorka Guruzeta and Iñaki Williams have been their top performers, scoring 3 goals each, while Nico Williams leads in assists with 4.

Getafe – Last 10 League Games: Getafe’s form is poor, with only 2 wins in their last 10 matches, along with 6 defeats and 2 draws. They have struggled to score, averaging just 0.6 goals per game. Mason Greenwood has been their most effective player recently, contributing 2 goals. Defensively, they concede an average of 1.2 goals per game.

Head-to-Head Records

Historically, these two teams have played to a draw frequently, with 5 of their last 6 meetings ending level. The last encounter, however, saw Athletic Bilbao claim a 2-0 victory away at Getafe, with Iñaki Williams scoring both goals. Overall, Bilbao have outscored Getafe 7-5 in their recent clashes.

Player Form and Availability

  • Athletic Bilbao: Expected lineup includes Padilla (GK), Yuri, Yeray, Paredes, Gorosabel, Prados, Vesga, Berenguer, Sancet, Iñaki Williams, and Guruzeta.
  • Getafe: Likely starting XI features Soria (GK), Rico, Alderete, Djené, Iglesias, Peter, Arambarri, Milla, Uche, Sola, and Pérez.

Market Analysis (Odds)

  • Athletic Bilbao: Heavy favorites with odds of -208, reflecting a 68% chance of victory.
  • Getafe: Underdogs at +700.
  • Total Goals Market: Under 2.5 goals is favored, with BTTS (Both Teams to Score) No priced at -188.
  • Handicap Market: Betting on Athletic Bilbao to win by at least two goals (Asian Handicap -1.5) offers value at +137.5.

Predictions

Athletic Bilbao are likely to dominate this match, especially given Getafe’s current struggles. Despite the possibility of Getafe scoring, Bilbao should secure a comfortable victory. The predicted scoreline is 3-1 in favor of Athletic Bilbao.

Betting Recommendation: Back Athletic Bilbao to cover the -1.5 goal handicap at odds of +137.5, predicting a victory by two or more goals.

World Sports News: Stokes’ Hamstring Blow Rules Him Out… and more

Cricket/England Tests: England captain Ben Stokes will miss the rest of the summer, including the Sri Lanka Test series, due to a hamstring injury sustained during The Hundred. Ollie Pope will lead the team in his absence, with Stokes aiming to return for the Pakistan tour in October.

Cricket/The Hundred: Northern Superchargers moved into knockout contention after defeating London Spirit by 21 runs on the DLS method in a rain-affected match. The Superchargers await other results to secure their place in the elimination match.

Cricket/International Coaching: Former England batter Ian Bell has been named Sri Lanka’s batting coach for their upcoming three-Test tour of England, aiming to utilize his knowledge of local conditions.

Soccer/Champions League: Jose Mourinho voiced frustration after Fenerbahce’s Champions League exit, hinting at refereeing controversies, and expressed confidence in his team’s Europa League prospects.

Soccer/Transfers: Manchester United signed Bayern Munich duo Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui, strengthening their defense ahead of the Premier League season.

Basketball/UNC Recruitment: Five-star recruit Caleb Wilson has scheduled official visits to Alabama and Kentucky, with no immediate plans to visit UNC, despite previous interest.

Basketball/NBA: Atlanta Hawks’ Trae Young praised Houston Rockets rookie Reed Sheppard, predicting a strong impact in his debut season, potentially in a sixth-man role.

World Sports News: Anderson Ponders White-Ball Return and Rockets Edge Phoenix in Thriller

Cricket/England: James Anderson, 42, is considering a return to white-ball cricket despite retiring from international play, intrigued by short-form formats like The Hundred.

Cricket/The Hundred: Trent Rockets secured a tense three-wicket win over Birmingham Phoenix, keeping their top-three hopes alive, despite a late collapse.

Cricket/The Hundred: Tim Southee’s 5-12 led Birmingham Phoenix to a crucial six-wicket victory over Trent Rockets, keeping their eliminator hopes alive.

Soccer/Premier League: Manchester City’s Rodri is likely to miss the opening match against Chelsea, with Mateo Kovacic expected to fill in.

Soccer/Transfers: Manchester City sold Julián Álvarez to Atlético Madrid for a club-record £81.5m, making him the second-most expensive signing in Atlético’s history.

Basketball/Business: Kevin Durant is reportedly finalizing a deal to purchase a minority stake in Paris Saint Germain, joining other American athletes investing in European soccer clubs.

Baseball/MLB: Boston Red Sox’s Jarren Duran was suspended for two matches after using a homophobic slur during a game, with the suspension fee donated to an LGBTQ+ organization.

World Sports News: Phoenix Thrashes Superchargers, Curran Shines in Invincibles Victory… and more

Cricket/Hundred: Ben Stokes was dismissed for a first-ball duck as Northern Superchargers were thrashed by Birmingham Phoenix, who achieved a record 10-wicket win. Moeen Ali and Ben Duckett led Phoenix to a rapid chase in just 39 balls.

Cricket/Hundred: Sam Curran’s stellar all-round performance led Oval Invincibles to a dramatic three-run victory over Manchester Originals, ending Originals’ playoff hopes. Curran smashed 68 runs and defended seven runs in the final over.

Cricket/Hundred: Birmingham Phoenix set the lowest total in the Hundred’s history, scoring just 54 against Northern Superchargers. Spinners Linsey Smith and Georgia Wareham starred with the ball for Superchargers.

Cricket/Hundred: Paige Scholfield’s unbeaten 48 guided Oval Invincibles to a crucial seven-wicket win over Manchester Originals. Marizanne Kapp and Amanda-Jade Wellington also played key roles in the victory.

Boxing/Paris Olympics: Imane Khelif secured her spot in the Olympic boxing final with a unanimous decision win over Janjaem Suwannapheng, celebrated by her passionate Algerian supporters.

Boxing/Paris Olympics: Australia’s Caitlin Parker and Charlie Senior are guaranteed at least bronze medals, with hopes of securing the country’s first boxing gold at the 2024 Games.

Soccer/Transfers: Ilkay Gundogan has decided to stay at Barcelona despite interest from Fenerbahce. Barcelona, looking to offload players due to financial constraints, may add Dani Olmo to their squad soon.

World Sports News: Flintoff’s Top Gear Nightmare… and more

Cricket/Top Gear Accident: Andrew Flintoff reveals struggles with anxiety and nightmares after his 2022 Top Gear crash. Flintoff, who sustained severe facial injuries, shares his journey to recovery and its impact on his life in the new BBC documentary series, Freddie Flintoff’s Field of Dreams.

Cricket/The Hundred: James Vince’s unbeaten 73 and Tymal Mills’ 4-16 propelled Southern Brave to a 42-run victory over Welsh Fire in The Hundred. Vince’s elegant play and Mills’ efficient bowling led Brave to a comfortable win, highlighting their dominant performance.

Soccer/Transfers: Emmanuel Petit criticizes Chelsea’s decision to sell Conor Gallagher to Atletico Madrid, calling it a “very sad” transfer. Gallagher, a key player for Chelsea, leaves the club after 18 years, moving to La Liga for a reported £33m.

Athletics/Olympics: Kenya’s Beatrice Chebet wins gold in the women’s 5,000m at Paris 2024, with Faith Kipyegon reinstated to silver after an initial disqualification. The thrilling race adds to Kenya’s medal tally in the Olympics.

Athletics/Pole Vault: Sweden’s Armand Duplantis sets a new pole vault world record of 6.25m, securing gold at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Duplantis celebrates his record-breaking feat with a lap draped in the Swedish flag.

World Sports News: Djokovic Triumphs in Emotional Olympic Victory… and more

Cricket/England Tour of Sri Lanka: Crawley Out with Finger Injury England opener Zak Crawley is out of the Test series against Sri Lanka due to a fractured finger. Dan Lawrence replaces him, and Jordan Cox joins the squad. Olly Stone also returns after a long injury absence.

Cricket/The Hundred: Curran Shines as Invincibles Defeat Spirit Sam Curran’s unbeaten 51 and a hat-trick led Oval Invincibles to a 30-run win over London Spirit. Curran’s 5-16 dismantled Spirit, with support from Adam Zampa’s 3-22.

Cricket/The Hundred: Cross Stars in Superchargers’ Win Kate Cross’s 4-20 helped Northern Superchargers beat Manchester Originals by 46 runs. Phoebe Litchfield and Annabel Sutherland’s batting set up the win.

Cricket/The Hundred: Superchargers Edge Out Originals Harry Brook’s 58 guided Northern Superchargers to a 14-run victory over Manchester Originals. Despite Matty Hurst’s 78, Originals fell short due to key run-outs and tight bowling.

Tennis/Paris Olympics: Djokovic Wins Historic Gold Novak Djokovic won the gold medal in men’s singles at the 2024 Paris Olympics, defeating Carlos Alcaraz. Djokovic, at 37, became the oldest Olympic gold medalist in singles and completed the Golden Slam.

Basketball/NBA: Raptors Sign Bruno Fernando The Toronto Raptors have signed center Bruno Fernando. Fernando, coming off his best NBA season, joins the team with hopes of securing a playoff spot.

Basketball/NBA: Ja Morant Eyes Major Comeback Ja Morant aims to lead the Memphis Grizzlies back to the playoffs after an injury-plagued season. His agent predicts a strong return, with Morant ready to prove his doubters wrong.