Ipswich Town are back in FA Cup action against Blackpool at Portman Road, with a 15:00 kick-off on Saturday that will bring familiar expectations.
On paper, it’s a tie Ipswich should navigate. In reality, these games often take their own shape. Ipswich will be the favourites. They know it. Blackpool realise it too. That doesn’t make it simple.
Cup ties have a habit of dragging you into places you didn’t plan to go, particularly when you’re expected to be the one doing the pushing.
The FA Cup still matters here. That’s never really gone away.
Ipswich’s FA Cup win in 1978 still gets mentioned for a reason.
It’s part of the club’s story, even if most of the crowd weren’t around to see it. History doesn’t win games, but it does raise expectations, especially in home ties like this. Blackpool also have a Fa Cup in their cabinet.
They can afford to wait, see how the game develops, and let the pressure sit with Ipswich for as long as possible If this drifts, the tension will be felt more in blue than in tangerine.
Kieran McKenna has made Ipswich reliable. Organised. Calm. They usually look like they know what they’re doing.
That can be an advantage. Sometimes it can make things predictable.
Ian Evatt will be comfortable with that. His Blackpool side is disciplined and happy to play without the ball. He won’t be chasing possession. He’ll be looking for moments.
This feels like a game where the first goal matters more than usual.
There’s been enough between these two sides in recent years to suggest this won’t be a walkover.
Ipswich’s home record is solid. Blackpool, though, have shown before that they can take advantage if standards drop.
Ipswich are expected to stick with the 4-2-3-1 that has become familiar under Kieran McKenna.
It’s a system that gives them control without leaving them too open, particularly in home games where they are asked to take the initiative.
The two deeper midfielders will be important, not just in recycling possession but in making sure Ipswich don’t get caught out when attacks break down.
Their positioning often dictates how comfortable Ipswich look, especially against sides set up to counter.
Ahead of them, the three attacking midfielders will be asked to find space rather than force it. Movement between the lines has been a strength, but patience will matter here.
Against a packed defence, Ipswich can’t afford to rush the final pass or rely on hopeful balls into the box.
The full-backs are likely to play a big role. When Ipswich are at their best, they provide width and help stretch the game, but that also leaves space behind them.
How well Ipswich manage those moments in transition could shape the flow of the match.
Blackpool are expected to set up differently, with a 3-5-2 shape that reflects a more cautious approach away from home.
The extra centre-back should give them protection in central areas, particularly against Ipswich’s movement between the lines.
Wing-backs will be important. They’ll be asked to work hard defensively but also provide an outlet when Blackpool look to break.
Much of their threat is likely to come from quick forward passes rather than sustained spells of possession.
Out of possession, this can easily drop into a back five. The aim will be to stay compact, limit space, and keep the game tight for as long as possible.
Ipswich’s predicted starting XI looks strong for this FA Cup tie, with their League game called off, and Christian Walton expected to start in goal behind a defence of Darnell Furlong, Dara O’Shea, Cédric Kipré and Leif Davis.
In midfield, Azor Matusiwa and Jack Taylor are likely to provide balance, while further forward, Sindre Walle-Egeli, Marcelino Núñez and Jaden Philogene should support Chuba Akpom at the top end of the pitch.
It’s a side built to control the ball and apply pressure, particularly at home.
Ipswich do, however, head into the game with a couple of absences.
Conor Townsend and George Hirst both remain unavailable through injury, which slightly reduces McKenna’s options, particularly in terms of rotation and flexibility from the bench.
Blackpool’s predicted XI is expected to include Bailey Peacock-Farrell in goal, with Oliver Casey, Fraser Horsfall and James Husband forming the defensive unit, and Daniel Imray and Zac Ashworth operating as wing-backs.
George Honeyman, Jordan Brown and Albie Morgan are likely to make up the midfield, with Tom Bloxham and Ashley Fletcher leading the line.
There is also a familiar angle for Ipswich supporters, with Lee Evans and Hayden Coulson, both former Town players in the Blackpool squad and no strangers to Portman Road.
Ipswich should have enough. That’s the honest view.
But this feels like one of those games that stays awkward longer than it should.
Blackpool will try to make it uncomfortable, and Ipswich will need patience more than flair.
Prediction: Ipswich Town 2–1 Blackpool
