Newcastle United are still in the hunt for a Champions League place. After a difficult trip to Villa Park, the Magpies will look to bounce back in front of their own fans. But they are not the only ones under pressure. Ipswich Town arrive in the North East knowing anything less than victory could confirm their relegation.
Eddie Howe is back on the touchline for this Newcastle vs Ipswich Town clash. That is a major boost for Newcastle. The head coach missed last weekend’s defeat at Aston Villa due to pneumonia. Jason Tindall took charge of that game. But the result – a humbling 4-1 loss – ended Newcastle’s six-game winning streak.
Newcastle vs Ipswich Town - Preview
Despite the setback, Newcastle still hold the final Champions League qualification spot. They sit fifth in the table, just two points clear of Chelsea and Aston Villa. Five games remain. And this one is crucial.
The Magpies have won their last four home league games. They scored four against Manchester United. They put five past Crystal Palace. If they score four or more again, it will be the first time since the 1994-95 season that Newcastle have hit 4+ goals in three straight Premier League home matches.
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Alexander Isak will be key once again. The Swedish striker has 15 goals in 14 games against promoted sides. He is in electric form. And he will fancy his chances against an Ipswich defence that conceded four goals to Arsenal last weekend.
Newcastle team news – Schar a doubt, Botman and Lascelles still out
There are injury concerns at the back. Fabian Schar felt his hamstring against Villa and was withdrawn. Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles are long-term absentees. So Emil Krafth could start alongside Dan Burn at centre-back.
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Lewis Hall remains sidelined. But there is good news. Sven Botman has returned to light training and could make the bench. Eddie Howe may not risk him just yet.
Newcastle predicted starting XI (4-3-3): Pope; Trippier, Krafth, Burn, Livramento; Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton; Murphy, Isak, Barnes
Ipswich team news – Leif Davis suspended, key players missing
For Ipswich, the situation is even worse. Leif Davis is suspended after a red card against Arsenal. His absence adds to an already huge injury list. Omari Hutchinson, Wes Burns, Jaden Philogene and Kalvin Phillips are all ruled out. So is Nathan Broadhead. Cameron Burgess could deputise at left-back, but there are limited options.
Ipswich predicted starting XI (4-2-3-1): Palmer; Tuanzebe, O’Shea, Greaves, Burgess; Morsy, Cajuste; Johnson, Enciso, Clarke; Delap
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Ipswich Town’s Premier League survival hopes hang by a thread. They are 15 points behind West Ham with five games to go. They need to win all five. And they need West Ham to lose all five. It is a near-impossible scenario.
Newcastle vs Ipswich Town prediction
The Magpies have had a full week to recover. Ipswich look out of their depth and out of ideas. With their home form back to its best, Newcastle should take full control.
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Prediction: Newcastle United 5-1 Ipswich Town
This could be the end of the road for Ipswich in the Premier League. For Newcastle, it is a chance to send a message in the Champions League race.