Overview
Ipswich Town ended a four-game winless streak by beating Wolves at Molineux. However, the result was not enough to help Kieran McKenna's team escape the danger zone. They are still two points behind safety.
In the next match, Ipswich Town will return to their home ground to welcome Newcastle. However, Portman Road is not a good omen for Ipswich. This season, they have not won a single match at home (lost 4 and drawn 4).
Poor home form is the main reason why Ipswich are 18th in the table, so hosting a Newcastle side in good form is not good news for Kieran McKenna's team.
Meanwhile, Newcastle just defeated Brentford 3-1 in midweek. This was their second consecutive win in all competitions after a disappointing run of matches (lost 2, drew 2).
Facing Ipswich now is a good opportunity for the "Magpies" to improve their position on the rankings. Although ranked 12th, Newcastle is only 5 points away from the Champions League group.
Striker Alexander Isak is in great form in the Premier League, scoring 3 goals and assisting 2 times in the last 3 rounds. This striker will be Newcastle's number 1 hope in the upcoming away match. Against an Ipswich team that is weaker in every aspect, 3 points is a must for Newcastle.
Despite beating Newcastle 3-1 in their last Championship meeting in 2017, Ipswich will struggle against a resurgent and strong attacking side.
Human resources situation
Ipswich's Liam Delap is suspended, while George Hirst and defenders Axel Tuanzebe and Chiedozie Ogbene will all be absent through injury. Al Hamadi is expected to shine in attack for the home side.
Joelinton is suspended, while Callum Wilson, Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles remain sidelined through injury. Isak will lead the line for Newcastle, who are without several key players.
Expected lineup:
Ipswich Town: Muric, Clarke, O'Shea, Burgess, Davis, Morsy, Cajuste, Burns, Chaplin, Hutchinson, Al Hamadi.
Newcastle: Pope, Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall, Tonali, Guimaraes, Joelinton, Gordon, Isak, Barnes.
The match between Ipswich Town and Newcastle takes place at 22:00 on December 21 (Vietnam time).
