Ipswich Town Vs. Newcastle United: Pre-match thoughts, team news & predicted-line ups

Olly Hawkins

Rafa’s men will be looking to bounce back from Friday’s late heartache against Leeds, facing Mick McCarthy’s Ipswich Town in the 3pm kick off at Portman Road today.

Friday’s frustrating draw against Leeds United was a bitter blow to our title hopes, seeing us fall 4 points behind table topping Brighton, however, above all else, today’s game provides an opportunity to extend our lead over 3rd place Huddersfield.

The Terriers’ 96th minute winner on Friday, combined with us conceding in the 95th minute later that night, saw Huddersfield gain 2 points on us over the weekend and with that, see our lead over Huddersfield reduced to 8 points.

Huddersfield may have a game in hand, but it must be said that our fate lies firmly within our own hands, with today’s game providing the ideal opportunity to move one step closer to confirming our return to the Premier League next season.

Today’s opponents, Ipswich, earned a crucial win at Burton on Friday night, handing Mick McCarthy’s men a timely win, giving them a comfortable 9 point gap between themselves and the drop zone.

In the United camp, the quick turn around of fixtures comes at an ideal team for a team itching to bounce back. With title hopes and a place in the Premier League all up for grabs, I fully expect another energetic and enthusiastic effort from the team, who’ll be gunning for 3 points to make up for Friday’s lapse.

The 3pm kick off will be streamed live in the bars within St. James’ Park, with the latest ‘beam-back’ looking set to be well attended yet again. Whilst there will be no promotion celebrations should we be victorious, it would pile the pressure of Huddersfield, who face a tough trip the Derby in the late kick off today.

The two clubs will also pay tribute to the great Sir Bobby Robson today. A man who did wonders for both clubs and remains in the hearts of all involved at Ipswich and Newcastle.

Team news

The game will come too soon for Ciaran Clark and Rolando Aarons, with Dwight Gayle also set to miss out following a reoccurrence of his hamstring injury against Sheffield Wednesday last week.

DeAndre Yedlin is now fully fit and will be looking to make his return to Rafa’s side.

Daryl Murphy will be hoping to make his return to the side, with the prospect of facing his ex-club.

Former United centre-back Steven Taylor (hamstring) will miss out for Ipswich, along with fellow defender Jonas Knudsen (shoulder).

 

Predicted line-ups

Newcastle United – (4-2-3-1) – Darlow – Yedlin, Lascelles, Mbemba, Dummett – Shelvey, Hayden – Ritchie, Diame, Gouffran – Murphy

Ipswich Town – (4-2-3-1) – Bialkowski – Spence, Chambers, Berra, Kenlock – Ward, Skuse – Lawrence, Smith, McGoldrick – Sears

FOUR changes from Leeds?

Anita OUT, Yedlin IN? The Dutchman was superb on Friday. It was his best performance of 2017, so this one would be for rotation purposes and by no means meaning Anita is to be ‘dropped’. Yedlin’s pace has been missed in the team and a return to the starting 11 could be a timely one today, giving Anita a much needed break, whilst providing the team with a greater attacking outlet to push us on towards 3 points.

Hayden OUT, Colback IN? Hayden’s return on Friday was a welcome one. He transformed our midfield. It was, however, his first start since February, with the 22 year-old missing a large chunk of action after ankle surgery. As much as I want him to remain in the side, I expect Rafa to rotate and play Colback, given Hayden will have had limited time to recover from his excursions on Friday night.

Perez OUT, Diame IN? The two often rotate and given Perez’s efforts against Leeds on Friday, I fully expect the rested Diame to return to the side in this one. Perez’s best performances may have came on the road for United this term, but I expect Rafa to opt for fresh legs and bring Diame back into the side today.

Mitrovic OUT, Murphy IN? Mitrovic was outstanding against Leeds. He put himself about, won his battles and brought others into the game very well. His performance fully deserves another shot in the side, however, with today’s game falling so soon after Mitrovic’s first league start in weeks (where he played the full 90 minutes), I expect Murphy to be given his chance. Being an ex-Ipswich player, the Irishman will also know the opposition as well as anyone, which could come in handy for Rafa and the team.

 

Match prediction

Whilst Ipswich will be boosted by their recent victory, Newcastle will be hoping that the Tractor Boys will be on their holiday’s after all but securing safety. Regardless of Ipswich, I fully expect the team to be bang up for this and ready to put right their devastating lapse on Friday night.

Their could be a few changes to freshen up the side after a tough game less than 72 hours ago, but I expect Newcastle to get back to winning ways today.

Prediction: Ipswich 0-2 Newcastle

 

Here’s hoping! Howay the lads!

(Fancy having your say? Send any articles/ideas over to us at [email protected] & we’ll get back to you!)

About Olly Hawkins

As a Junior Magpie since birth and season ticket holder, I eat, sleep and breathe all things NUFC! Here at the blog, I aim to bring you news, views, match reports and transfer exclusives as and when I get them.

View all posts by Olly Hawkins →

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179 thoughts on “Ipswich Town Vs. Newcastle United: Pre-match thoughts, team news & predicted-line ups”

  1. Thanks, Olly.

    Agree with all them changes apart from Hayden and Colback. Hayden needs to play. He should be fresh.

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  2. I would only change anita for yedlin, and only because of his pace, a performance like the last game should see us win this, murphy could do a job against ipswich though but I would replace perez with him maybe at half time

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  3. I’d also leave Hayden in. Not 100% fit but he’s a young player and should be able to manage another 70 mins, ahead of the disaster area of Colback. Diame has been the biggest disappointment of all – I wouldn’t even have him on the bench.
    While it’s not a must win, 3 points would settle the nerves wonderfully.

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  5. I’m going to Cardiff away, so will be at whatever game we are promoted in (assuming it’s not whenever ‘Uddersfield play their game in hand). The atmosphere should be good, like it was against Leeds.

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  6. I think there is now a sort of consensus on here as to who we should play. Let me explain. Real Madrid have the BBC and Barcelona have MSN (or is that just in the US that they use these acronyms?) This Blog’s is ABC – Anybody But Colback.

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  7. Huddersfield’s next three games are Derby, Fulham and Wolves. I can’t see them beating all of them. Luvvly jubilee. 🙂

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  8. I reckon we will stick with Mitro and Anita, so the team will be:

    Darlow

    Anita MBemba Lascelles Dummett

    Ritchie Shelvey ABC* Atsu

    Perez

    Mitro

    * probably Diame, even though it should be Hayden.

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  9. It looks like it will be either Monday 24th or Tuesday 25th when we will be promoted. If we beat Ipswich then a win at home to PNE might do it. Or Huddersfield might need to win the following night at Wolves, or it’s all over. I think it will be a relief when we are though as the wheels are starting to wobble. 😆

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  10. Not really DJG. We played our best game of the year (2017) on Friday against one of the better teams. We really should have won by 2 or 3 goals.

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  11. Cheers Olly,
    I would not be dropping Anita, thought he was excellent on Friday and with Lascelles having a wobbly and Mbemba hit and miss you need a steady head somewhere at the back . And I would start Hayden unless injured.

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  12. Bring Yedlin and Atsu on in the last 20 when they are tired and put them to the sword. Expect to see the same starting line up as the Leeds game, except Murphy starting in place of Mitro due to his insider knowledge of Ipswich

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  15. Anita not even on the bench. Now there’s a surprise! Thought he may have been limping a bit in the latter stages of the match against Leeds. Surely must be carrying an injury after a great game against Leeds.

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  19. Well I’m pleasantly surprised as the match is on Bein Sports live here Yay! ?
    No Taylor so I guess we will not be getting an easy pen today then.. lol.

    Murphy leads the line… happy with that. C’mon Toon Army

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  21. Sounds tepid so far, we giving up possession easy by sounds of it.
    Dubai, how we looking mate ?

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  27. Sorry Kim just saw your question but I guess I just answered it.. cannot get a good flowing movement going yet.

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  28. Atsu has been bad and has now switched wings. Been a bit boring so far with very little goalmouth action.

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  31. Cheers Dubai, I have visual now too 🙂 what a treat.

    Think they all over indulged in eggs this weekend this is sluggish.

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  42. we are woeful, what are we doing, waste of a game this. Lose this and Huddersfield will certainly seize the chance to make up ground.

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  44. Al four of them regularly get slated but all give 100%, 4 games left, sod resting them get the 2 games won then rest them, it’s not like we can still win the title anyway.

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  45. Kim, sorry to say this, but i have just switched it off, that was total rubbish.
    Just said to the Mrs a minute before they scored – watch theres a goal coming up for Ipswich, and true to form it happened.
    Yedlin lost the ball, (not for the first time) Ipswich guy through on goal Lascelles backs off and backs off again, until it was to late and the balls in the back of the net.
    Ipswich play the same team as played on Friday – we make 5 changes says it all, Rafa is going to cost us again.

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  48. You can see I am sort of annoyed, lol
    First half observation:-
    Yedlin stop trying to beat everyone, including yourself
    Lascelles – slower than the slowest
    Atsu – waste of space,
    Diame – Is he on the field.
    Could go on

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  50. ash1001:
    Kim, sorry to say this, but i have just switched it off, that was total rubbish.
    Just said to the Mrs a minute before they scored – watch theres a goal coming up for Ipswich, and true to form it happened.
    Yedlin lost the ball, (not for the first time) Ipswich guy through on goal Lascelles backs off and backs off again, until it was to late and the balls in the back of the net.
    Ipswich play the same teamas played on Friday – we make 5 changes says it all, Rafa is going to cost us again.

    squandered possession all through the first half, too many changes for me today.

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  51. Dubai, you could well be right, just not sure now, what changes has he made, refuse to switch tele back on, lol

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  59. yeh Kim, watched the first half, Rafa unfortunately has a lot to answer for. why he tinkers I do not know, and why certain players (Lascelles in particular) appear undropable is beyond me.

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  62. This was my concern with Yedlin, he may have pace and get forward great but his defending is left wanting, not impressed at all with him today.

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  63. I don’t question Rafa, but I’m at a loss why he’s made so many changes today like. Where is the reward to players/team who played so well.

    Goofy on now

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  68. Most people seem that think that to criticise Rafa is punishable, but hell I think he has made some very bad decisions both from a team view and tactically.
    We never mark there keeper on corners, every corner is the same etc
    Dummet is the best crosser of the ball into the box.

    Team wise check Fridays merit marks in any paper and Lascelles was bottom with Mbemba up there near the top, so what does he do – leave Mbemba out, just an example. what him and Mitro must think is anyones guess.

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  71. Have Brighton had a goal chalked off, SSN only just put up they are 2.0 up yet I swear I saw first half that they had scored a second ?

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