Oxford United host Ipswich Town on Friday night, and the atmosphere could be electric.
Oxford will be aiming to turn their season around in front of their fans, but Ipswich are coming into the encounter hot and will want to win.
It’s going to be a clash of teams with different goals, and that will make this game exciting.
Gary Rowett vs Kieran McKenna: A Tale of Two Managers
Gary Rowett is known for his practical, defence-first approach.
His Oxford team is usually tight and well-organised, but they sometimes struggle to convert ties into wins.
Rowett’s job is to give his inconsistent team the confidence they need to compete with better teams.
On the other hand, Kieran McKenna has turned Ipswich into one of the Championship’s most forward-thinking teams.
His clear tactics, focus on pressing, and free-flowing attack have made Ipswich real promotion contenders.
McKenna’s success comes from mixing young talent with experienced players.
His calm demeanour on the sidelines is very different from Rowett’s more reactive style.
This match-up between managers tells a bigger story: Rowett’s Oxford is battling to stay up, while McKenna’s Ipswich is aiming for the top.
Head To Head
- Feb 20, 2021: Ipswich Town versus Oxford United – 0-0 (League One)
- Nov 13, 2021: Ipswich Town versus Oxford United – 0-0 (League One)
- Mar 19, 2022: Oxford United versus Ipswich Town – 1-1 (League One)
- Dec 26, 2022: Ipswich Town versus Oxford United – 3-0 (League One)
- Jan 21, 2023: Oxford United versus Ipswich Town – 2-1 (League One)
Their face-offs have been close, with lots of ties until late 2022 and early 2023, when they split a pair.
Form Guide
Ipswich Town (4th, played 16, won seven drawn six, lost three, 27 points).
McKenna’s team hasn’t lost in six games, with big wins against West Brom (1-0), QPR (4-1), Swansea (4-1), and Hull (2-0).
Ties against Watford and Wrexham prove they can handle pressure, but their offence is what really stands out.
Oxford United (21st, played 17, won three, drawn six, lost eight, 15 points).
Rowett’s squad has tied three of their last five, doing okay against Middlesbrough and Norwich.
But losses to Stoke and West Brom show they have issues on defence that need fixing.
Key Player Battles
Philogene (Ipswich) versus Long (Oxford). Philogene is fast and tricky, which will test Oxford’s defence. Long needs to stay focused.
Matusiwa & Taylor (Ipswich) versus Brannagan & De Keersmaecker (Oxford). The midfielders will fight for control of the game.
Ipswich has two strong players in the middle, so Oxford needs to hold its ground.
Akpom (Ipswich) versus Helik (Oxford). Akpom is always moving and strong, which will challenge Helik.
Helik’s skill in the air and positioning will be key.
Tactical Outlook For Ipswich Town and Oxford United
Both teams will probably line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. McKenna wants Ipswich to attack smoothly, with Walle-Egeli and Nunez setting up Akpom.
The full-backs, Davis and Furlong, will push forward to spread out the field, while Matusiwa and Taylor control the midfield.
Rowett wants Oxford to stay tight, using Brannagan’s energy and Harris’s speed to bother Ipswich.
They’ll play it safe, trying to frustrate Ipswich and hit them on the counterattack. But if they lose focus, Ipswich can take advantage with their quick attacks.
Who Could Play?
Ipswich Town Predcted XI: Walton; Furlong, O’Shea, Kipre, Davis; Matusiwa, Taylor; Walle-Egeli, Nunez, Philogene; Akpom
Oxford United Predicted XI: Cumming; Long, Helik, Brown, Currie; De Keersmaecker, Brannagan; Placheta, Harris, Goodrham; Lankshear.
What Could Happen?
The Friday night game at the Kassam Stadium should be exciting, but Ipswich looks like the better team.
Oxford will fight hard, encouraged by Rowett’s game plan and their fans, but Ipswich is just too good right now.
Expect Oxford to hold on at first, but Ipswich’s offence will likely take over.
Prediction: Oxford United 1–2 Ipswich Town
