Burnley vs Ipswich Prediction – Second place secure, Burnley might be in party mode for clash with Ipswich

When the season began, Burnley would be few people’s first choice suggestion for automatic promotion to the Premier League. A playoff position might have been mooted, but the side now find themselves with second place secure and the chance to relax a little before facing the even tougher tests which await them next season. For Ipswich, however, the dream of promotion is still there. With the final playoff spot in tight contention, they will be looking to capitalise on any complacency on behalf of the Burnley players and make the most of their chances. With both teams lining up in classic 4-4-2 formations (though Ipswich might consider their second striker to sit a little deeper), the key battles might well be psychological, with Ipswich still having everything to play for.

Having stumbled once or twice in the recent weeks with losses to Leicester and Middlesbrough, Burnley have made it a habit of not losing matches. With the tightest defence in the league, there have been very few occasions where they have not been able to edge ahead of opponents. Their strong start and excellent middle season has proved enough to guide them through the season, despite what can be considered to be recent struggles (by their standards). Their recent win against Wigan, however, has sealed top flight football next season.

Ipswich, then, will be hoping to take advantage of the fact that – for Burnley – the season is essentially over. Ipswich have also had to rely on previous form to guide them through a few recent losses, with Watford and Blackburn both presenting tough away challenges which they might come to regret. Where Ipswich have been good, however, is taking advantage of those sides in a weaker position than themselves. Coming up against a side who have already achieved their goal might not be the same as battling a relegation candidate, but it could be what they need to see them through to the playoffs.

Team News

Burnley will still be without Sam Vokes, having lost him to a cruciate ligament injury last month which finished the young strikers season. With a mostly fit and healthy squad, Sean Dyche could choose this moment to give a run out to a few of the fringe players and players outside of the first eleven with the prospect of promotion already on the horizon.

Ipswich, however, will be closely monitoring several players. Paul Anderson, Sylvan Ebanks-Blake, Scott Loach, Tommy Smith and Aaron Cresswell have all been injured recently and will all be hoping to return to full fitness in the coming weeks. With all of them likely to be available for selection, it could be a case of nursing the players back to health in time for a potential round of playoffs. Striker Danny McGoldrick will be out for the remainder of the season and will be unavailable for selection.

Burnley

P44 W25 D14 L5
DWLWW

Predicted Line-Up (4-4-2): Heaton; Trippier, Duff, Shackell, Mee; Arfield, Marney, Jones, Kightly; Barnes, Ings.

Ipswich

P44 W17 D14 L13
LWWLD

Predicted Line-Up (4-4-1-1): Gerken; Chambers, Berra, Smith, Cresswell; Wordsworth, Hyam, Skuse, Nouble; Williams; Murphy

Prediction: Burnley 0 – 1 Ipswich

With Burnley already up, their opponents could capitalise, though the tough defence will not make it easy.