Ipswich Town vs Watford: Betting Odds & Prediction

Ipswich Town look to return to winning ways as they host mid-table Watford at Portman Road on Wednesday evening. 

The home side suffered a damaging 1-0 defeat at rivals Norwich City on Saturday, while Watford played out a 0-0 home draw with Preston North End. Kick-off is set for 8pm local time. 

Recent Form

Ipswich Town

The home side were flying heading into the match with Norwich, having won eight of their previous ten league games. Ipswich haven't recorded a victory over their arch-rivals in 14 years but entered the game favourites atop of the Championship table. The result now leaves them in second, a point behind leaders Leicester City who also have a game in hand. 

Nevertheless, Ipswich have been superb at Portman Road so far, averaging 2.45 points across their 20 league outings on home turf. They've also win six of their last seven, scoring 21 goals in the process. 

Overall, they have netted 31 home goals this term at an average of 2.8 per game. McKenna's side have been clinical in front of goal, outperforming an expected goal (xG) of 1.85, and have failed to score in just 5% of home fixtures so far. They have bagged at least two goals in a whopping 90% of home games, and have scored three or more in 65%. 

Ipswich have however made habit of conceding at home, shipping a worrying average of 1.55 goals on home soil. They've also kept clean sheets in just 20% of their home games, and have conceded two or more goals in 55% of matches at Portman Road. 

It's fair to say their forward line has been working hard to make up for their defensive downfalls up until this point. 

Watford

Interim manager Tom Cleverley witnessed his side play out a 0-0 draw at play-off hopefuls Preston North End at the weekend. The result made it four unbeaten for Watford, though their last three have all ended in draws. Nevertheless, the Hornets' Championship status is all but assured as they sit in 14th place and a comfortable nine points above the relegation zone. 

Overall, Watford have fared better on their travels this term, averaging 1.4 points per game across their 20 away outings. This compares favourably with the measly 1.1 they've averaged after 21 matches at Vicarage Road. 

Cleverley's side have been relatively balanced this year, scoring and conceding a similar amount heading into the Ipswich fixture. It is therefore no surprise that 15 of their 41 league matches have ended in draws. 

Watford have however made habit of granting opportunities to opposition on the road, averaging an alarming expected goal against (xGA) tally of 1.57 so far. Hardly a positive read for Hornets fans given Ipswich's attacking output so far. They've also conceded in 75% of their away fixtures. 20% of these games have also seen them ship three or more. 

Prediction

Ipswich predictably enter as strong favourites but little value can be found in backing the home side on the moneyline. Ipswich's goalscoring record is difficult ignore though, particularly when combined with Watford's apparent habit of conceding chances on the road. Ipswich have boasted an impressive 21% conversion rate at Portman Road this season, and will be sure to punish Watford should the away side continue their trend of granting opposition opportunities. 

OddsNow's Picks: Over 3.25+ total goals scored (23/20 @ LiveScoreBet); Over 2.5+ home goals scored (13/8 PaddyPower)