Crystal Palace's 3-4-2-1 has given them more attacking width, but the real question at Selhurst Park is whether it can hold up at the other end. They came from behind twice to beat Fulham 3-2 at Craven Cottage last weekend, and Ben Chilwell scored with his first touch after replacing Tyrick Mitchell. The concern is harder to ignore: Palace have conceded at least two goals in nine successive Premier League matches.
Palace's defensive record at Selhurst Park
That run makes this more than a routine early-season test for Pierre Sage. Palace have 11 summer arrivals, so the shape is still being bedded in, but the defensive work has to tighten up quickly if the wing-backs are going to stay as high as they have been. Their home points total in 2026 is only 11 among ever-present Premier League teams, which is a rough sign before Ipswich even turn up.
The recent version of Palace can score enough to stay alive in games. What they have not done is protect those leads for long enough, and that is where the 3-4-2-1 will be judged against a side that likes to attack wide spaces in transition.
Ipswich's route into the game
Ipswich do not need long spells of control to cause problems. Jaden Philogene-Bidace and the other wide runners give them the kind of direct threat that can pull Palace's back line around, while Jean-Philippe Mateta and Ismaïla Sarr give Palace enough counter threat to punish mistakes if the game opens up.
Julio Enciso is the clearest example of Ipswich's balance issue. No Premier League player has attempted more shots this season without scoring than Enciso, who has 12, but he has also chipped in with two assists. Gary O'Neil's side have enough movement around him to create chances, yet the finishing and decision-making still look uneven.
Ipswich's wider problem is the one that keeps this preview leaning toward goals. They are enduring their longest-ever top-flight run without a clean sheet, 22 games, and Palace already beat them in both Premier League meetings last season by 1-0. The teams also met in March 2025, when Palace won 1-0 thanks to a late strike from Ismaïla Sarr.
The pattern points to another open match rather than a cagey one. Palace finally have more natural width, Ipswich keep producing shots, and both back lines still give up too much space. The only firm read is that the game at Crystal Palace vs Ipswich will ask far more about Palace's rest defence than their front three.
Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 2 outlets. How we work →
