Aston Villa are set to take on Ipswich this weekend in a huge game for both clubs as the Premier League season edges closer to its climax.
The hosts are still very much in the hunt for a top-four finish but with six points to bridge, they can ill afford to drop points at home to teams in the relegation zone.
Ipswich, meanwhile, are scrapping away for every point possible. The Tractor Boys are currently three points from safety and won't want that gap to get any bigger this weekend.
How the bookies view it: Villa go in as big favourites
Aston Villa start this match as the odds-on favourites with the bookmakers which shouldn't come as a shock given the gulf in quality between the two sides. BoyleSports have priced an Aston Villa win at 2/5 while a win for Ipswich Town has been priced at 6/1. The draw, which would be a better result for the visitors, has been priced at 7/2.
Recent head-to-head: Advantage Aston Villa
Aston Villa have a good recent record in this fixture and they are unbeaten in their last five meetings with Ipswich (three wins and two draws). Ipswich's last victory over Aston Villa came in a Championship fixture back in February 2017 when they ran out as 1-0 winners at Villa Park.
Players to watch: The rebirth of Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rahsford could make his first start for Aston Villa this weekend and after impressing off the bench last time out against Tottenham in the FA Cup, excitement levels are high about how the 27-year-old could fare at Villa Park.
Despite falling out of favour at Old Trafford, Rashford's talents are undeniable and if Unai Emery can get his head back focused on football then he could prove to be a shrewd acquisition as Villa look to both progress further in the Champions League and qualify for the competition again next season.
One thing you would say about Rashford, though, is that he has always been a player who has thrived off confidence. With that said, it feels important that the England international gets his first goal for the club as quickly as possible to avoid any unwanted dips in form. Could he get that first goal in Claret and Blue this weekend?
Predicted line-ups
Aston Villa are without Pau Torres, Ezri Konsa and Matty Cash for this one while there are concerns that Ollie Watkins, Ross Barkley and Tyrone Mings could also miss out. Ipswich, meanwhile, are set to be without Sammie Szmodics, Wes Burns, Conor Chaplin and Chiedozie Ogbene with all four men nursing injuries.
Aston Villa: Martinez – Garcia, Kamara, Bogarde, Digne – Tielemans, McGinn – Asensio, Rogers, Rashford – Watkins
Ipswich Town: Palmer – Godfrey, Woolfenden, Burgess, David – Phillips, Cajuste – Hutchinson, Philogene, Enciso – Delap
Anything else catch the eye?
Both of these teams are entertaining to watch and Aston Villa's defensive issues should see goals go in at both ends of the pitch. Earlier this season, the two teams played out a thrilling 2-2 draw at Portman Road and both teams to score again on Saturday has been priced at 3/4 by BoyleSports.
This English Premier League match between Aston Villa and Ipswich will be played on Feb 15, 2025 and kick off at 15:00. Check below for our tipsters best Aston Villa vs Ipswich prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
