Tottenham travel to Ipswich for the first time in 23 years on Saturday. Despite Spurs being ever-present in the Premier League, Ipswich actually have a stronger record in head-to-head matches. Let’s take a look at the recent record between the two sides.
It feels odd that Ipswich, a team that has spent more than two decades away from the Premier League, actually has a better head-to-head record than the 6th most successful side in England.
Yet, that is the case. Since the inception of the Premier League, Spurs and Ipswich have played each other 12 times. Tottenham have only won a quarter of them.
Including Spurs’ 2-1 loss earlier this season at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Tottenham have lost their last 4 fixtures against Ipswich.
Tottenham record since 1992:
Wins: 3
Draws: 3
Losses: 6
Goals for: 16
Goals against: 20
Tottenham may benefit from extra rest before Ipswich
Back in November, a pattern was emerging where Spurs were losing matches after each Thursday night exploit in the Europa League.
Tottenham were expected to bounce back after a tough trip to Galatasaray. However, a mostly fit Spurs side were overwhelmed by a physically intense Ipswich team desperate to earn their first win of the season.
This match came before the nadir of Spurs’ injury crisis. Most of the team was available aside from Micky van de Ven, Wilson Odobert and Richarlison.
Going into the match at Portman Road, the squad is back to a similar state to where it was in December. Still missing Van de Ven & Richarlison, the additions of Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel have covered for the additional injuries of Cristian Romero and Dominic Solanke.
The key difference could prove to be Spurs having a full week to prepare for the fixture and an awareness of how Ipswich may approach the match.
Despite a poor record, the odds are still in Spurs’ favour
While Spurs’ record against Ipswich leaves much to be desired, Tottenham are still likely to use the momentum from their win against Manchester United to continue a positive rhythm in the Premier League.
A promoted team has not completed a double against Tottenham since the 2009/10 season and Ipswich have the worst home record in the league.
The gap between the Manchester City and AZ Alkmaar games is the last full week Spurs will have to prepare for a match until the next international break. Tottenham need to utilise this lighter scheduled period to recuperate energy and get some needed points to move up the Premier League table.