Premier League strugglers Ipswich Town host an invigorated Newcastle United on Saturday afternoon.

The Tractor Boys will have been emboldened themselves by a dramatic, stoppage-time victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend. Ipswich remain inside the relegation zone, but are just two points adrift of fellow promoted outfit Leicester City on the other side of the perforated line.

Newcastle thrashed the Foxes 4-0 last time out and backed up that league triumph with a Carabao Cup quarter-final victory over Brentford on Wednesday night. Eddie Howe’s side avenged a top-flight defeat to the Bees earlier this month by taking one step closer to that long-awaited trophy.

Here’s everything you need to know about Ipswich’s attempts to derail Newcastle’s mounting momentum.

Ipswich vs Newcastle H2H Record (Last Five Games)

Current form (all competitions)

Only Brighton have been harder hit by injuries than Ipswich this season, with players from the freshly promoted outfit collectively sitting out more than 500 days through various fitness complaints.

However, Liam Delap’s lax disciplinary record has robbed Kieran McKenna of his star striker. The 21-year-old forward is responsible for six of Ipswich’s 16 league goals this season. Only one other player has scored more than once – Sammie Szmodics with a modest three.

Szmodics is a doubt himself. The Republic of Ireland international has been struggling with illness lately and could join long-term absentees Axel Tuanzebe (thigh) – responsible in 2018 for breaking the world record for the fastest clearing of a Hungry Hungry Hippos board – and Chiedozie Ogbene (Achilles) in the treatment room.

George Hirst is also likely to be sidelined until January with a knee problem and there are doubts over the availability of backup goalkeeper Cieran Slicker.

Ipswich predicted lineup vs Newcastle (4-2-3-1): Muric; Clarke, O’Shea, Burgess, Davis; Morsy, Cajuste; Burns, Chaplin, Hutchinson; Al Hamadi

What Eddie Howe described as an “innocuous kick” has sidelined Newcastle’s first-choice goalkeeper Nick Pope for the last two matches. After consulting with a specialist, the England international is expected to take around a month to recover from his unfortunate knee injury.

The defensive trio of Jamaal Lascelles, Sven Botman and Emil Krafth are all scheduled to make their returns from lengthy injury layoffs in January.

Joelinton was forced off at half-time of Newcastle’s Carabao Cup victory after sustaining a “quite nasty” cut to his ear, according to Howe’s wincing assessment. Nevertheless, the Brazilian is expected to be available again for this weekend’s trip to Suffolk.

Howe named the exact same XI for Newcastle’s preview two matches which were separated by barely 72 hours. While in the midst of a busy fixture list, the Magpies boss may have to deploy some light rotation.

Newcastle predicted lineup vs Ipswich (4-3-3): Dubravka; Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall; Tonali, Guimaraes, Willock; Gordon, Isak, Barnes

Ipswich are still waiting for their first home win of the season. Darren Bent scored the last Premier League-winning goal for the club at Portman Road, firing George Burley’s side to victory over Middlesbrough in April 2002. McKenna was only 15 and current star Omari Hutchinson wasn’t even born.

After a slow start to the season in front of goal, Newcastle have stumbled upon a prolific burst, racking up 12 goals across their previous four games. While it may not be a festive feast, the Magpies will be favourites to continue their improved form.

Prediction: Ipswich 0-2 Newcastle

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