Portman Road is set for another big afternoon as Ipswich Town welcome Swansea City this Saturday at 3pm.
With Kieran McKenna and Vítor Matos going head‑to‑head, the Tractor Boys look to keep their promotion push firmly on track in front of a home crowd that has been a real driving force all season.
Ipswich remain in the top three despite a mixed run of results, and this fixture offers a chance to build momentum again.
Swansea arrive in mid‑table, unpredictable but capable, making this a match Town will want to control early.
Recent meetings between the sides have been lively, often high‑scoring, and usually favourable for Ipswich.
Four wins from the last five underline Ipswich’s strong recent record, including that emphatic 4–1 win in Wales at the backend of 2025.
This meeting in the dugout brings together two coaches with very different approaches.
Kieran McKenna continues to refine Ipswich’s possession‑based, high‑energy style, with quick transitions and aggressive pressing at the heart of his philosophy.
His side remains one of the most entertaining in the division.
Vítor Matos, meanwhile, has been trying to stabilise Swansea with a more structured, disciplined approach.
His team can be dangerous when they find rhythm, but inconsistency has held them back. Away from home, they’ve struggled to impose themselves.
Recent league results:
Town’s form has been unpredictable, but the win at Watford showed the resilience McKenna demands. Goals continue to flow, though defensive tightening remains a priority.
Recent league results:
Swansea have shown flashes of quality but remain inconsistent, especially away from home.
McKenna’s preferred shape remains unchanged, offering balance between control in midfield and width in attack.
The double pivot provides stability, while the three attacking midfielders support the lone striker.
Matos is likely to set Swansea up compact, with a single holding midfielder protecting the back four.
The wide midfielders will look to break quickly, but they may struggle to dominate possession at Portman Road.
Christian Walton; Darnell Furlong, Dara O’Shea (C), Cedric Kipré, Leif Davis; Azor Matusiwa, Dan Neil; Kasey McAteer, Anis Mehmeti, Jack Clarke; Ivan Azon.
Injuries: Conor Townsend (ACL), Ashley Young (Muscle), Jaden Philogene (MCL).
Lawrence Vigouroux; Ethan Galbraith, Ben Cabango, Cameron Burgess, Josh Tymon; Jay Fulton; Ji‑Sung Eom, Gonçalo Franco, Melker Widell, Zan Vipotnik.
Injuries: Adam Idah (Hamstring), Zeidane Inoussa (Back).
Ipswich tend to rise to the occasion at Portman Road, and with the promotion race tightening, this feels like a match they’ll approach with real intent.
Swansea have enough quality to make it competitive, but their away form remains a concern.
Prediction: Ipswich Town 2–1 Swansea City
