Oh, how we love the battle of the blues, don't we? The Hammers versus the Tractor Boys, West Ham vs Ipswich Town. Now, time to dive into this, even though I know you're only here because you've got an office pool to win.
Between the sticks for Ipswich, we've got Arijanet Murić who is just shy of superhuman with a rating of 7.40 and 9 saves already to his name. Talk about earning his keep! West Ham, on the other hand, has Alphonse Aréola defenders should rely on with an appreciable 6.80 rating and 8 saves.
Off to the big guns in the field, Ipswich has got the Somerset-born wonder kid, Leif Davis stealing the show with a 7.57 rating, matched only by our own Dara O'Shea. But let's not belittle Sam Morsy's contribution here, recording an impressive 89.9% accurate pass! Ipswich's hard-hitting striker Liam Delap has marked two goals this season, so he's one to watch.
Materializing on the other half, the versatile Jean-Clair Todibo has impressed with a 7.30 rating for West Ham. Energetic Tomáš Souček isn't far behind with a commendable 7.23 rating and already one goal to his name this season.
As for the seasons passed, well, Ipswich Town has been filling their dance card with ties, going 0-4-2 while West Ham pulls slightly ahead with 1-2-3. It begs for improvement, but who am I to tell these big lads how to do their jobs?
We've hit the looking-glass now, folks, reviewing the recent matches. Ipswich seems to be quite fond of draws recently with three of their last five ending in anguish for those seeking a definitive outcome. On the flip side, West Ham has only managed to seize a sole victory in their past encounters, but managed a hearty 2-0 takedown of Crystal Palace, showing off those muscles.
After laying out the facts with a sprinkle of my immeasurable wit, my money, or I suppose, your money, is on a rather tight race. As always, remember the house always wins, except when it doesn't.
Albert’s Prediction: West Ham by 1