Southampton vs Ipswich: How to watch and key details
Southampton welcome Ipswich Town to St Mary's Stadium in a pivotal midweek Championship encounter that could have significant implications for the race for the second automatic promotion spot. With the season drawing to a close, both sides are eager to secure a result that could define their campaigns.
Kick-off time and venue
The match is scheduled for Tuesday, 28 April, with kick-off at 7:45 PM BST. It stands as the only midweek fixture in the second tier, taking place just days before the final day of the season. The game will be hosted at Southampton's St Mary's Stadium, which boasts a capacity of over 32,000. With the match officially sold out, a vibrant and intense atmosphere is anticipated from the home crowd.
TV coverage and live stream
In the UK, live television coverage will be provided by Sky Sports Football. The broadcast is set to commence at 7:00 PM, offering a 45-minute build-up featuring expert analysis and pre-match interviews ahead of the 7:45 PM start. Fans can stream the match live via the Sky Go app or through the NOW TV platform with a valid Sports Membership. These services are compatible with various devices, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops, ensuring fans can follow the action on the go.
For viewers in the United States, the match will be broadcast live on the CBS Sports Network. Alternatively, the game can be streamed via Paramount+, which holds the rights to English Football League matches for American audiences.
Radio coverage
Those unable to watch the match can tune in to live audio commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra. Local coverage will also be available on BBC Radio Solent for Southampton supporters and BBC Radio Suffolk for Ipswich fans.
Team news and head-to-head
Southampton are facing fitness concerns regarding several key players following their recent FA Cup semi-final exertion against Manchester City. In contrast, Ipswich are expected to field a near-full strength squad as manager Kieran McKenna aims to maintain freshness during this busy period. Historically, the two sides have been evenly matched, with their most recent meeting earlier this season ending in a 1-1 draw at Portman Road. Over the last five competitive encounters, Ipswich hold a slight advantage with two wins compared to Southampton's one.
League implications
Ipswich currently occupy second place in the Championship standings and recognise that a victory could effectively secure their return to the Premier League. Southampton, sitting four points behind in fifth, must win to keep their hopes of a top-two finish alive. This match promises to be a thrilling contest with high stakes for both clubs.
