Ahead of Saturday’s clash, we have the Ipswich vs Newcastle preview, prediction, latest team news and predicted lineups.
Ipswich Vs Newcastle Preview
After last weekend’s fantastic smash-and-grab victory over Wolves at Molineux, Ipswich will be looking for their first home win of the season.
Jack Taylor was the hero in the West Midlands. The 26-year-old scored his first Premier League goal in the dying seconds of the game to gift the Tractor Boys a precious three points.
It was a magical moment for the 26-year-old midfielder. Just four years ago, he was representing Barnet in the National League.
Going into gameweek 17, Kieran McKenna’s side are just one place and two points behind Leicester City. The Foxes currently occupy 17th spot.
Historically, the Suffolk side have only beaten Saturday’s visitors once since the league’s inauguration in 1992. Marcus Stewart netted the only goal of the game at Portman Road in 2001.
🍽️ The Club is excited to be hosting a special evening with Town legend Marcus Stewart on Friday, 31 January.
Tickets go on sale at 12pm on Friday, 20 December with all profits going to @DarbyRimmerMND. ⤵️
— IPSWICH TOWN (@IpswichTown) December 18, 2024
Newcastle have enjoyed a fantastic week on home soil. Last weekend, the Magpies thrashed Leicester 4-0 with Jacob Murphy helping himself to a brace.
On Wednesday, the Geordie Boys progressed to the EFL Cup semi-final after brushing aside Brentford 3-1. Sandro Tonali hit a double in the victory at St James’ Park.
That win banished the memory of the 4-2 Premier League defeat to the Bees on December 7. Now, Eddie Howe’s side will be looking to re-galvanise their European hopes.
A win in Suffolk would put the Toon Army back in the mix for the top six. Last time out at Portman Road in England’s elite, Nolberto Solano scored in a 1-0 victory in the 2001/02 campaign.
Ahead of Saturday’s match, the best football betting sites in the UK price Howe’s side as the 8/11 favourites. Ipswich can be backed at 19/5 with the draw available at 3/1.
Ipswich Vs Newcastle Team News
The major concern coming out of the Ipswich camp is that they’ll have to do without top scorer Liam Delap. The summer signing picked up his fifth booking of the season against Wolves last weekend.
Replacing him will be no easy feat. Ali Al-Hamadi is the likely candidate to try and fill the void. The Iragi international is yet to score in seven top-flight appearances.
On the injury front, both Axel Tuanzebe and Chiedozie Ogbene are still ruled out. Wolves hero Jack Taylor will likely start from the bench.
Meanwhile, Newcastle will be missing midfield fulcrum Joelinton owing to suspension. The Brazilian also picked up his fifth caution of the season on gameweek 16.
Towering defender Sven Botman returned for the U23 side recently but Saturday’s clash will likely come too soon for the Dutchman.
Martin Dubravka contines to deputise for Nick Pope. The England goalkeeper injured his knee in the league fixture against Brentford and will return in the new year.
TEAM. 🖤🤍 pic.twitter.com/StlqrgyVWH
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) December 19, 2024
Ipswich Vs Newcastle Predicted Lineups
Ipswich (4-2-3-1): Muric; Clarke, O’Shea, Burgess, Davis; Morsy, Cajuste; Burns, Chaplin, Hutchinson; Al Hamadi
Newcastle (4-3-3): Dubravka; Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall; Tonali, Guimaraes, Willock; Murphy, Gordon, Isak
Ipswich Vs Newcastle Prediction
Both sides go into the Portman Road clash high on confidence after recent results. Ipswich will be desperate to give their loyal fans a much needed home victory.
However, Newcastle will likely prove too strong with the abundance of talent they have at their disposal. Therefore, we expect the Magpies to head back to the North East with all three points.
Prediction: Ipswich 1-3 Newcastle
