Ipswich Town welcome Stoke City to Portman Road on Wednesday night as they continue their push up the Championship table.
The Tractor Boys head into the fixture buoyed by a commanding 3-0 victory over league leaders Coventry City, a result that underlined their steady improvement in recent weeks. Kieran McKenna’s side have lost only once in their last five outings and currently sit 4th, just five points off 2nd-placed Middlesbrough.
Ipswich have turned Portman Road into a fortress this season, suffering just one defeat at home and winning half of their matches there. They also boast the league’s second-strongest defensive record.
Stoke City arrive with the division’s best defensive statistics but in significantly worse form. The Potters have been beaten in four of their last five matches and are beginning to slide down the table. Mark Robins’ men, now 6th, were hammered 4-0 by Sheffield United last time out — a result that typifies their recent struggles.
While Stoke have generally travelled well this season, their last two away games have ended in defeat. Their most recent win on the road came in early November, and halting their current skid at Portman Road will be no easy task.
Predictions from the writers
Euan Walsh:
“Ipswich should be brimming with confidence after dismantling Coventry. Stoke’s current form offers little encouragement, and I can’t see them taking anything from this one. Another Ipswich win feels likely as they continue chasing the automatic spots.”
James Ray:
“This is an important test for Ipswich as they try to close the gap to the top two. Stoke have dropped off after their strong early-season form, and their defensive issues were exposed again at Sheffield United. They’re still a tough side, but Ipswich have enough quality to punish them if they’re not at their best. I expect Stoke to be more competitive, but I still think they lose.”
Prediction: Ipswich Town 2–0 Stoke City