Overview
Ipswich Town are having a difficult season in the Premier League after being promoted. This seems to be too much for them. Ipswich are still struggling in the relegation battle in the Premier League, especially when they are 5 points away from Wolves' safety position. Not to mention, they are also the team with the third worst attack and defense in the tournament.
In that context, Ipswich are unlikely to miss out on the FA Cup. The goal of staying in the Premier League remains their top priority. In addition, Ipswich Town will have a difficult away trip to Crystal Palace in the next round. Therefore, reaching the quarter-finals of the FA Cup will not be very meaningful for Ipswich.
As for Nottingham Forest, they are still in an impressive position on the rankings with 48 points after 27 matches in the same 3rd place. However, Nottingham's form in February was not very good. After a 7-0 win over Brighton, Nottingham have gone 3 consecutive Premier League games without just 1 point. In the FA Cup, Nottingham also had to rely on a penalty shootout to overcome the weaker team, Exeter City.
In terms of position on the rankings, Nottingham is clearly rated higher. However, coach Nuno Santo's team may not use the best force to face Ipswich. They still have a match to face Man City to compete for the top 4.
Nottingham can still win this match, but this will not be an impressive performance by the home team at City Ground.
In the first leg of this season's Premier League, Nottingham won a minimal 1-0 victory.
Personnel situation
Carlos Miguel was the most regrettable absence for the home team in this match due to a hamstring injury. He could only return to the pitch in mid-March.
On the other side of the front line, Ipswich will not have the services of Chiedozie Ogbene, Christian Walton, Conor Chaplin, Julio Enciso, Kalvin Phillips and Wes Burns due to injury.
Expected lineup:
Nottingham Forest: Sels, Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams, Dominguez, Anderson, Elanga, Gibbs-White, Hudson- odoi, Wood.
Ipswich Town: A. Palmer, Tuanzebe, O'Shea, Greaves, Philogene-Bidace, Morsy, Cajuste, Davis, Hutchinson, Clarke, Delap.
The match between Nottingham Forest and Ipswich takes place at 2:30 am on January 4 (Vietnam time).
