Ipswich Town are hosting Coventry City this weekend at Portman Road in what should be a great Championship game. The Tractor Boys are currently 7th with 28 points.
They’ve been good at times, but not consistent enough. Lately, they beat Swansea and Hull City but dropped points against Wrexham and Blackburn Rovers.
Coventry are in first place with 43 points. Frank Lampard’s team have been on fire, winning their last five and scoring a ton of goals.
This game is about more than just points; it’s about keeping the momentum going, building and showing what you’re made of.
Ipswich, led by Kieran McKenna, are known for their tactics and attacking style, but they’re up against a Coventry team that’s been scoring a lot and playing solid defensively.
Both managers tend to use a 4-2-3-1 formation, so the game will likely be won in the midfield and out on the wings. Portman Road will be rocking with home fans, and Ipswich will need that boost to stop Coventry.
Portman Road is usually a tough place to play, and McKenna will want the crowd to get the players going against the league leaders.
The stadium’s history and the loud fans often push Ipswich to play better, and with Coventry playing so well right now, that home crowd could make all the difference.
Managers: McKenna v Lampard
Frank Lampard has done a great job turning Coventry around. The former England international has mixed young, energetic players with smart tactics.
His team presses hard and attacks quickly, making them one of the most dangerous teams in the league.
McKenna has shown himself to be a great young manager, bringing structure and belief to Ipswich. This game is about clashing styles – Lampard’s aggressive style against McKenna’s more calculated way of playing.
Head to Head For Ipswich Town Vs Coventry City
– 10 Dec 2019: Ipswich Town v Coventry City – L 1-2 (FA Cup)
– 07 Mar 2020: Ipswich Town v Coventry City – L 0-1 (League One)
– 02 Dec 2023: Ipswich Town v Coventry City – W 2-1 (Championship)
– 30 Apr 2024: Coventry City v Ipswich Town – W 1-2 (Championship)
– 08 Feb 2025: Coventry City v Ipswich Town – W 1-4 (FA Cup)
Ipswich have been doing better recently, winning the last three after losing in 2019 and 2020.
Tactical Outlook
Both teams are likely to employ a 4-2-3-1 formation. Ipswich’s lineup could be Walton in goal, with Furlong, O’Shea, Kipre, and Davis in defence. Matusiwa and Cajuste will likely be in midfield, with Walle-Egeli, Nunez, and Philogene supporting Hirst up front.
Injuries to Alex Palmer, Conor Townsend and Sammie Szmodics limit McKenna’s choices, but they should still be competitive.
Coventry’s lineup might be Rushworth in goal, Van Ewijk, Kitching, Thomas, and Dasilva in defence. Eccles and Rudoni will control the midfield, with Mason-Clark and Simms leading the attack.
Lampard is without Haji Wright, Oliver Nnonyelu Dovin, Brandon Thomas-Asante, and Tatsuhiro Sakamoto, but his squad is deep enough to handle it.
Ipswich will likely try to attack down the wings, especially with Philogene’s speed, while Coventry will rely on their midfield and Simms’ ability to finish.
Expect a fast-paced game with both teams pressing hard.
Form Guide For Both Ipswich Town And Coventry City
Ipswich Last 5 Games:
– W 4-1 v Swansea
– D 0-0 v Wrexham
– W 2-0 v Hull
– L 1-2 v Oxford
– D 1-1 v Blackburn
Coventry Last 5 Games:
3-1 victory v Sheffield United
– W 1-0 v Stoke
3-2 victory v West Brom
– W 4-2 v Middlesbrough
3-1 victory v Charlton
Coventry have been perfect, while Ipswich have had mixed results.
Prediction For Ipswich Town Vs Coventry City
This game is about Ipswich’s toughness being pitted against Coventry’s great run. Portman Road will help McKenna’s team, and they’ve done well against Coventry recently.
Coventry are in great form, but Ipswich at home can’t be counted out.
Prediction: Ipswich Town 2-2 Coventry City
