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Newcastle versus Ipswich match preview: Determined Magpies expected to rebound

Newcastle versus Ipswich match preview: Determined Magpies expected to rebound

Newcastle’s goal to finish in the Champions League spots took a hit with the 4-1 loss at Aston Villa last Saturday, but they should bounce back by defeating Ipswich, who are set to drop to the Championship.

Eddie Howe’s team had won five games in a row before their unusually poor performance at Villa Park, and they are currently in fifth place, just two points behind third-placed Manchester City.

Newcastle, who have won seven of their last nine home matches, are expected to be stronger than Ipswich, who are sitting third from bottom and are 15 points away from safety.

The Tractor Boys were easily beaten 4-0 by Arsenal at home last week, signaling potential trouble for their upcoming visit to St James’ Park.

Ipswich coach Kieran McKenna has some players injured before the game begins.
Ipswich coach Kieran McKenna has some players injured before the game begins.

Team news

Defender Fabian Schar picked up an injury in the last match against Aston Villa and is uncertain for the next game, which is bad news as fellow defenders Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles are also unavailable.

Jamal Lewis and Lewis Hall will also be absent for Newcastle.

As for Ipswich, Jaden Philogene, Arijanet Muric, Wes Burns, Chiedozie Ogbene, Sammie Szmodics, Omari Hutchinson, Kalvin Phillips and Nathan Broadhead are all sidelined due to injuries, while Conor Townsend is questionable and Leif Davis is suspended.

The statistics

Newcastle have won seven of their last nine home league games, securing four victories in a row.

The Magpies have scored three or more goals in seven of their last ten home league matches.

Ipswich have only won one of their last 14 league games.

The Tractor Boys have conceded two or more goals in six of their last eight league matches.

Both teams have scored in nine of Ipswich’s last 11 league games.

Twelve of Newcastle’s last 14 league matches have had over 2.5 goals.

Prediction

With a Champions League spot at stake, Newcastle should be highly motivated to end the season strongly and need to react after their heavy defeat at Villa Park last week.

A top-five finish is still possible for Howe’s team, who have won their last four home league matches and could score several goals against Ipswich, who are heading for relegation.

Ipswich have lost ten of their last 13 league games and have conceded at least two goals in six of their last eight matches, with their 4-0 loss at home to Arsenal last week highlighting their difficulties.

The Championship is awaiting Kieran McKenna’s team, and they should be very wary of Newcastle, who have scored five goals against Crystal Palace and four against Nottingham Forest and Manchester United in their last four home games.