Kieran McKenna eyes another upset with a win over the Magpies.
In the heart of Ipswich, where the historic waterfront echoes with tales of maritime glory and the chants from Portman Road embody unwavering football pride, the third clash of Matchweek 17 of the Premier League 2024-25 fixtures take us to the Portman Road where Ipswich Town are set to host Newcastle United FC.
Ipswich Town, currently battling to escape the perils of the relegation zone, will look to capitalize on their home advantage in a crucial encounter against Newcastle United. Though initially considered underdogs in this season’s Premier League survival race, Ipswich have demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination. Their performances against high-calibre teams such as Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United have turned heads. Their recent triumph over Wolverhampton Wanderers has further fueled their hopes of survival.
Under the guidance of Kieran McKenna, Ipswich have shown flashes of brilliance, proving they can challenge even the league’s elite. McKenna will undoubtedly be eager to harness the momentum and the home crowd’s energy to secure another vital result against the Magpies in this pivotal fixture.
Newcastle United’s performance this season has been marred by inconsistency, leaving them in 12th position on the Premier League points table. With aspirations to break into the top six, the Magpies will be eager to secure a much-needed victory in their upcoming fixture against Ipswich Town. Their recent form has been a cause for concern, with only one win in their last five league matches, highlighting the challenges they face in maintaining momentum.
However, Newcastle recently showcased their potential with a commanding 3-1 victory over Brentford in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals, earning them a spot in the semi-finals of the tournament. This morale-boosting performance could serve as a catalyst for their Premier League campaign, as they look to translate their cup success into league consistency. The match against Ipswich Town presents an opportunity for Newcastle to stabilize their season and rekindle hopes of climbing the league table.
Kick-off:
Saturday, December 21, 2024 at 8:30 PM IST
Venue: Portman Road, Ipswich, UK
Form:
Ipswich (in all competitions): W-L-L-L-L-D
Newcastle (in all competitions): W-W-L-D-D
Players to watch out for:
Arijanet Muric (Ipswich Town)
Arijanet Muric, the 26-year-old Switzerland-born goalkeeper, has carved an impressive career path, playing for notable clubs like Manchester City and Burnley before joining Ipswich Town earlier this year. With a versatile international background, Muric has represented the Montenegro U21 squad and the Kosovo national team, showcasing his adaptability and talent on diverse stages.
As Ipswich Town prepare to face a formidable Newcastle United side, the pressure will be on Muric to deliver a commanding performance and potentially secure a clean sheet. Renowned for his composure and shot-stopping abilities, he stands as a crucial figure between the posts for Ipswich in this critical fixture. Muric’s career highlights include being part of Manchester City’s FA Cup-winning squad in 2019 and earning a spot in the PFA Team of the Year in 2023, accolades that underscore his exceptional skill and contributions to the game.
Joelinton (Newcastle United)
Joelinton, the 28-year-old Brazilian midfielder and winger from Alianca, has enjoyed a dynamic career that saw him ply his trade with clubs like TSG Hoffenheim and Rapid Wien before joining Newcastle United in 2019. Since his arrival, Joelinton has been a linchpin for the Magpies, contributing 20 goals in 172 appearances and cementing his place as a vital figure in the squad over more than five years of service.
On the international stage, Joelinton has represented Brazil on five occasions, marking his debut goal in a friendly against Guinea in Barcelona. His versatility and consistent performances earned him the Newcastle United Player of the Year award in 2021, a testament to his pivotal role in the team. Joelinton continues to be a cornerstone for Newcastle, blending skill, resilience, and tactical acumen to influence games from midfield and the wings alike.
Match Facts:
- Both teams boast a 35% win accuracy over their opponents.
- Ipswich lost three games in their last five matches.
- Newcastle have won two in their last five matches.
Ipswich Town vs Newcastle United – Betting Tips and Odds:
- Match to end in a draw – 11/4 with bet365
- Alexander Isak to score first – 7/2 with William Hill
- Ipswich Town 1-1 Newcastle United – 13/2 with Paddypower
Injuries and Team News:
Ipswich’s list of absentees includes Jacob Greaves and Ogbene.
Newcastle will most likely miss the presence of Nick Pope and Emil Krafth in the upcoming match.
Head To Head stats:
Total matches – 49
Ipswich won – 17
Newcastle won – 15
Matches drawn – 17
Predicted Lineup:
Ipswich predicted lineup (4-2-3-1):
Muric (GK); Clarke, O’Shea, Burges, Davis; Morsy, Cajuste; Burns, Chaplin, Hutchinson; Delap
Newcastle predicted lineup (4-3-3):
Dubravka (GK); Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall; Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton; Murphy, Isak, Gordon
Match Prediction:
Newcastle might enter the match as the favourites. But, it would be foolish to underestimate the home side as they have previously shown their ability to get the better of formidable opponents whether it be Spurs, Man United or Wolves. We expect Ipswich to score and grab at least a solitary point from the upcoming fixture.
Prediction: Ipswich Town 1-1 Newcastle United
Telecast Details:
India: Star Sports Network, Disney+ Hotstar
UK: Sky Sports, TNT Sports
USA: NBC Sports
Nigeria: SuperSport, NTA, Sporty TV
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