There is still a long way to go in the current season of the Premier League, but a crucial match awaits on Saturday as the bottom two teams, Ipswich and Southampton, face off at Portman Road.
Ipswich will aim to bounce back from a challenging period that included heavy defeats to Manchester City and Liverpool.
They have a great chance to secure a victory on Saturday against Southampton, who are currently 11 points adrift from safety.
On the other hand, Southampton, who are seeking their first league win under Ivan Juric, see a chance to capitalize in East Anglia against Ipswich, a team that has struggled on their home turf.
Team news
Ipswich will be missing Chiedozie Ogbene, Conor Chaplin, Wes Burns, and Sammie Szmodics.
Meanwhile, Southampton might see Albert Gronbaek in action for the first time, but Tyler Dibling will be absent. Jack Stephens, Ross Stewart, Kamaldeen Sulemana, and Aaron Ramsdale's availability is uncertain.
The stats
Southampton have suffered defeats in 10 out of 12 away matches in the current Premier League season, managing to collect only two points on the road.
Ipswich have emerged victorious in two of their last four home games across all competitions, securing wins against Chelsea and Bristol Rovers.
In their most recent encounters since the beginning of the 2023-24 season in the Championship, Ipswich has gathered seven points from three games against Southampton.
Liam Delap has scored eight goals for Ipswich in the Premier League this season.
Prediction
Undoubtedly, Ipswich will see Saturday's match as a must-win, and Kieran McKenna's side should have what it takes to come out on top.
While Ipswich's home record has been disappointing this season with just one league win at Portman Road, Southampton's away form is even bleaker, having secured only two points from 12 away fixtures and trailing Ipswich by 10 points.
Ipswich's recent form should not be underestimated, especially considering their wins against Chelsea and Bristol Rovers at home and a draw against Fulham on the road in their last four games before facing tough opponents like Manchester City and Liverpool.
Juric is yet to taste victory in the Premier League as Southampton's manager, and the challenge could persist as Ipswich look to push Southampton closer to the relegation zone.