Ipswich (A) Pre-match thoughts, team news, possible line up and prediction

The last of three winnable pre-Christmas games for Newcastle United, who (hopefully) head to Ipswich full of confidence after important and convincing wins against Leicester and Brentford over the past week.

We're into the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup, sit just two points behind sixth in the league and have suddenly started scoring goals again, netting 12 in our last four since mustering just one shot all game in that 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace.

However, consistency has been an issue all season and the reason we head into this game in 12th. With tough tests to come after Christmas in Aston Villa (H), Man Utd (A) and Spurs (A), this feels like a huge game and an opportunity we can't miss to keep the momentum going.

Eddie Howe's pre-match quotes

Howe on our recent form - "There's a very good feeling around the team at the moment. I think we've performed very well and I'd like to think we are building some momentum.

"We know it will be a difficult game at Portman Road against Ipswich, a really competitive team and Kieran's done an unbelievable job there. Even the games they've lost this season, they've been in those games so we're going to have to be hyper-alert."

Howe on the semi-final draw - "I think we were guaranteed a tough game, whoever we got. We play Arsenal and we've had some good games against them in the last couple of years so we'll look forward to that.

"I don't think there's a whole lot in it but I think that (playing at home in the second leg) would've been our preference. Any game against Arsenal, home or away, is difficult. We've had some really competitive games and they've been really tight.

"That's something on the horizon for us to really look forward to and we're really excited by those two games. It's unique that they're separated so far apart but the focus, very quickly after the game against Brentford, is on Ipswich."

Howe on Sir Bobby Robson - "It's not lost on me the relationship that Sir Bobby Robson had with Ipswich. It surprises me the length of time that he served there (13 years) as manager.

"He has a stand named after him there and to have that relationship with two clubs is very unique and shows what a man and manager he was. I'm aware of that connection and we want to try and do his legacy proud."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KiK-PsO_4Mg

Team news

Joelinton is suspended, Sean Longstaff is back from a one-game ban after missing our midweek cup win and the game will come too soon for Sven Botman, who may play for the U21s again before he returns for at first-team level.

Nick Pope (knee), Callum Wilson (hamstring), Emil Krafth (collarbone) and Jamaal Lascelles (ACL) remain out, but there's a big blow for Ipswich who will be without top scorer Liam Delap.

Predicted line-up

(4-3-3): Dubravka – Trippier, Schar, Burn, Hall – Bruno, Tonali, Willock – Murphy, Isak, Gordon.

With Joelinton out, it'll be interesting to see who Howe goes for to join Tonali and Bruno in midfield. With Tonali starring as a No.6 and Bruno thriving in that right-sided No.8 role, I think we'll see Willock come into the side.

At the back, I think we'll see a bit of rotation and a rare start for Trippier at right-back. Livramento has done a solid job and doesn't deserve to be 'dropped', but he's played a lot of football this season and may benefit from a game off.

In attack, it could be a game for Barnes but not if that means switching Gordon away from his best position. For that reason, I think we'll see Murphy continue on the right after his two assists in our last away game at Brentford.

Match prediction

The way this season has gone, you'd say we won't win this. It's often been the case that we slip up or fail to turn up just when it feels like momentum is finally building.

However, the nature of our performances in our last two, the new formula Howe has found in midfield, Hall and Gordon's form down the left and the feel-good factor that came with recent back-to-back wins makes me believe we'll get another victory here.

Ipswich haven't won at home all season (famous last words) and losing Delap to suspension is a big blow for them. Isak to get back in the goals in a tight but vital away win.

Prediction: Ipswich 1-2 Newcastle

Howay the lads...and to all our readers, have a lovely Christmas and a happy new year!