- Ipswich U21 are unbeaten in their last 2 home Premier League 2 matches (W6, D1, L1).
- West Bromwich U21 have lost 6 of their 7 Premier League 2 away games (D1, L6).
- West Bromwich U21 have scored only 4 goals in their 7 Premier League 2 away fixtures (W0, D1, L6).
Ipswich U21 have Premier League DNA
Ipswich U21 are coming off an impressive 4-game winning run in Premier League 2. Kieran McKenna’s men occupy 2nd position in the table with 34 points from 16 matches, and they will be hoping to continue their good form with another win on Friday.
Ipswich U21’s attacking approach is based around creating chances through structure, possession and tempo. Their system, which can change between a 4-2-3-1 and 4-3-3, has a strong emphasis on coordinated team-pressing when out of possession and a reliance on their midfield pivot’s ability to dictate tempo when in possession. In their home matches to date, Ipswich U21 have scored an average of 2.25 goals and conceded an average of 1.5, suggesting a dominant attack and some weaknesses defensively.
West Brom U21 aim to spring some surprises
West Bromwich U21 occupy 26th place in Premier League 2 with just 12 points from 16 games, and they are in no danger of climbing the table unless they can turn around their away form. West Brom U21 have failed to win any of their 7 away matches in Premier League 2 this season (D1, L6) and they suffered a 4-3 defeat at Liverpool Academy in a recent away game.
Richard Beale’s squad have shown a great deal of flexibility under his management since he took the job in October 2022, and his pragmatic approach to youth football is beginning to take shape. West Brom U21 are extremely adaptable tactically, with situational pressing a key feature of their game model, while they use the pace and energy of their wide players to create dangerous transitions from defence to attack.
Ipswich should have enough to see off West Brom U21
Ipswich U21’s possession-based style, which is a mini replica of their first-team set up, will be tested against a West Brom U21 side which thrives on direct, physical football. Ipswich U21 have a dominant home record and they’re far superior to West Brom U21 in the PL2 league standings, so the Tractor Boys should be able to snag 3 points.
The hosts will have the ball for long periods and the visitors will counter with their pace and physicality, so it will be a game of chess. West Brom U21 have some set-piece specialists in their ranks who will trouble Ipswich, but the hosts will be able to counter-press and win the ball back quickly in the opposition half.
The Tractor Boys are favourites at 18/25, which looks a little short to me, whilst West Brom U21 are big outsiders at 67/25. The Over 2.5 goals market is a much more attractive proposition at 33/100, and West Brom U21 have scored only 4 goals in 7 away matches this season.
