Ipswich Town will be hosting Stoke City at Portman Road on Wednesday evening, and it’s a big game for both teams if they want to get promoted. Ipswich are just ahead with 31 points, and Stoke are right behind with 30. Both teams have been good, but they’ve also had some bad games, so this match will show who’s really serious about reaching the promised land.
Ipswich, coached by Kieran McKenna, haven’t been totally consistent lately, but they’re tough to beat at home. Stoke, with Mark Robins as their coach, can still cause problems even if they’ve stumbled recently. Since both teams employ similar strategies, expect a close and intelligent game where even small advantages could determine the winner.
Kieran McKenna has moulded Ipswich into an attack-minded team that likes to keep the ball, using width, smooth player movements, and fast switches from defence to offence. He trusts young players and has a clear plan, which keeps Ipswich tough even when games get crazy.
Mark Robins’ Stoke team seems set on staying compact in defence and then hitting quickly on the wings, with the number 10 providing support. Robins focuses on smart pressing and a balanced midfield, aiming to disrupt Ipswich’s attacks and capitalise on space behind their defenders.
Looking at past games between Ipswich and Stoke, you can see how things have changed:
– Feb 23, 2008: Stoke City 1-0 Ipswich Town (L)
– Dec 08, 2018: Stoke City 2-0 Ipswich Town (L)
– Feb 16, 2019: Ipswich Town 1-1 Stoke City (D)
– Aug 12, 2023: Ipswich Town 2-0 Stoke City (W)
– Jan 01, 2024: Stoke City 0-0 Ipswich Town (D)
Ipswich has been doing better lately, getting four points from their last two games against Stoke.
Ipswich Town (4th, 31 points, Played 19, Won 8, Drawn 7, Lost 4):
Nov 22: Ipswich 0-0 Wrexham (D)
Nov 25: Hull 0-2 Ipswich (W)
Nov 28: Oxford 2-1 Ipswich (L)
Dec 02: Blackburn 1-1 Ipswich (D)
Dec 06: Ipswich 3-0 Coventry (W)
Stoke City (6th, 30 points, Played 19, Won 9, Drew 3, Lost 7):
Nov 08: Stoke 0-1 Coventry (L)
Nov 22: Leicester 2-1 Stoke (L)
Nov 25: Stoke 3-0 Charlton (W)
Nov 29: Stoke 1-2 Hull (L)
Dec 06: Sheffield Utd 4-0 Stoke (L)
Ipswich have been more consistent, while Stoke’s recent games show they can be shaky on defence.
Both teams will probably stick with what they are used to and go with a 4-2-3-1 line-up.
– Ipswich Possible Lineup: Walton; Furlong, O’Shea, Kipre, Davis; Matusiwa, Taylor; Walle‑Egeli, Nunez, Philogene; Azon.
– Stoke Possible Lineup: Johansson; Tchamadeu, Lawai, Wilmot, Bocat; Rigo, Seko; Manhoeef, Bea, Thomas; Mubama.
Ipswich will try to keep the ball, with Davis moving up from left-back and Philogene stretching the field. Matusiwa and Taylor will control the midfield, while Azon will use his speed to cause problems up front.
Stoke will count on Mubama to hold the ball up and Thomas to create chances in the middle. Manhoeef and Bea will try to pressure Ipswich’s full-backs and take advantage of any quick breaks.
– Ipswich: Conor Townsend is still injured.
– Stoke: Ben Pearson and Lewis Baker are out, which weakens their midfield.
Ipswich are in a better position, especially after their 3-0 victory over league leaders Coventry City. Stoke’s defensive problems, which were clear in their 4-0 loss to Sheffield United, could be a problem against Ipswich’s attack.
It should be a tough game, but Ipswich should win because they’re at home and playing more consistently.
Prediction: Ipswich Town 2-1 Stoke City
