Ipswich Town head back on the road and back to the Racecourse, making the trip to Wrexham for the second time in successive weekends.
No cup noise this time, no one‑off chaos, just a straight league game with proper weight behind it.
The first meeting at Portman Road ended in a dull 0–0 draw back in November, a match that lacked entertainment.
This one should carry more edge, with both sides looking to maintain their playoff ambitions as we approach the business end of the season.
Ipswich Town – 4th (P29, W15, D8, L6) – 54 Points
Wrexham – 7th (P32, W12, D12, L9) – 48 Points
Ipswich are still right in the thick of it, sitting fourth and keeping themselves firmly in the promotion conversation despite a few bumps along the way.
Wrexham, only six points behind Ipswich in 7th, refuse to drift away and keep hanging around the playoff pack with that stubborn, awkward edge they’ve carried all season.
It’s tight, it’s tense, and it’s exactly the sort of February fixture that nudges the table one way or the other.
There’s always a bit of extra noise when old faces show up.
Kieffer Moore, who had that short, bruising spell in 23/24, brings the sort of physical presence that can turn a tight game.
Ipswich defenders know exactly what he’s like: awkward, relentless, and always one moment away from causing trouble.
Nathan Broadhead might also be involved, and that adds another layer entirely. His spell at Ipswich from 23–25 left a proper mark, big goals, big moments, and a connection that supporters haven’t forgotten.
If he features even off the bench, it changes the feel of the afternoon. His presence alone drags a bit of history into the game.
Ipswich look set to stick with 4‑2‑3‑1, leaning on Azor Matusiwa and Jack Taylor to steady the middle. Anis Mehmeti and Jack Clarke drift inside, Kasey McAteer runs the channels, and Ivan Azon gives them that raw edge up top. Leif Davis and Darnell Furlong will be asked to push high and pin Wrexham back.
Wrexham aim to stay with the 3‑4‑2‑1, adding Josh Windass into the mix behind Moore. George Thomason and Ben Sheaf bring the bite, while Lewis O’Brien floats into pockets. Their back three will try to crowd Azon and force Ipswich wide, where the game gets scrappier.
Predicted XI: Walton; Furlong, O’Shea, Kipré, Davis; Matusiwa, Taylor; McAteer, Mehmeti, Clarke; Azon.
Injuries: Townsend (ACL), Young (muscle), Burns (groin).
Possible returns: Philogene and Núñez could be back in the squad.
Predicted XI: Ward; Scarr, Hyam, Doyle; Dobson, Thomason, Sheaf, Rathbone; O’Brien, Windass; Moore.
Injuries/Suspensions: A. James, Cacace (knee), Brunt (thigh), M. James (finger), Vyner (ankle).
Ipswich play the cleaner football, but Wrexham have the punch. The first meeting was cagey, almost too polite. This one won’t be. Town’s extra quality in midfield might just edge it in their favour, but it’ll be tight and probably a bit ugly.
Prediction: Wrexham 1–3 Ipswich Town
