Ipswich Town face a stern test of their defensive resolve when they travel to Crystal Palace on Saturday. The Tractor Boys have not kept a clean sheet in their last 22 Premier League matches, conceding 57 goals in that period for an average of 2.6 per game.
Kieran McKenna's side sit 14th in the Premier League, level on three points with their 13th-placed hosts after three games. Their recent form shows three wins and two defeats from the last five, though they have lost their last two league outings, including a 2-0 home defeat to Liverpool last time out.
Defensive frailties
The defensive statistics present a clear challenge for Ipswich. This season, their expected goals against total of 6.1 is the third-highest in the division, behind only Crystal Palace and Fulham. Palace themselves ended a nine-game winless league run with a 3-2 victory over Fulham, and will be aiming for back-to-back wins for the first time since December 2025.
Historical data also favours the hosts. Crystal Palace won both Premier League meetings last season by a 1-0 scoreline. Ipswich have lost their last two league visits to Selhurst Park and last lost three consecutive away games to Palace in November 1994.
Key battles
Individual duels could prove decisive. Palace defender Tyrick Mitchell, who scored twice against Fulham to equal his career total, has had more touches in the opposition box than any other defender this season. For Ipswich, forward Julio Enciso leads the league in shots without scoring this campaign with 12 attempts. He has completed seven of his 20 take-ons.
Ipswich will be without midfielders Azor Matusiwa, Jack Taylor and winger Jaden Philogene-Bidace for the trip to London. The club's current injuries status confirms the trio remain sidelined.
Palace's Anan Khalaili leads the Premier League in tackles with 17 and has a true tackle win rate of 70.8%. Manager Gary O’Neil has yet to beat Crystal Palace in five previous Premier League encounters, with his teams conceding two or more goals in each of those games. The match kicks off at Selhurst Park on Saturday afternoon.
Ipswich Town face Crystal Palace on Saturday with their recent form showing two consecutive league defeats. According to official data, they lost 2-0 to Liverpool in their last match, with Alexander Isak scoring twice in the opening nine minutes. The Tractor Boys have conceded eight goals in their three league games this season. Palace will be without defenders Chadi Riad and Honest Ahanor for the fixture at Selhurst Park.
