MX23RW : Sunday, December 22 13:59:02| >> :120:73061:73061:
[monks data]
Ipswich logo
League One | Gameweek 45
Apr 29, 2023 at 3pm UK
Portman Road Stadium
Exeter City

Ipswich
6 - 0
Exeter

Chaplin (8', 32'), Luongo (16'), Hirst (22'), Broadhead (28' pen.), Burns (47')
Clarke (57'), Burgess (88')
FT(HT: 5-0)

Mitchell (59')

Preview: Ipswich Town vs. Exeter City - prediction, team news, lineups

Sports Mole previews Saturday's League One clash between Ipswich Town and Exeter City, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Ipswich Town's promotion from League One will be confirmed if they secure a victory against Exeter City at Portman Road on Saturday afternoon.

The Blues have been on a fantastic run, which leaves them second in the table, while the visitors are in 14th place, with nothing to play for at this stage.


Match preview

Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna on February 7, 2023© Reuters

Ipswich have put themselves in a very strong position to win promotion back to the Championship after a five-year absence, currently sitting four points clear of third-placed Sheffield Wednesday, owing to their exceptional recent form.

After a 0-0 draw against Bristol Rovers back in February, the Blues were eight points adrift of the automatic promotion spots, having also played one extra game than second-placed Plymouth Argyle, but they have been seriously impressive ever since.

The Tractor Boys have won 12 of their last 13 League One matches, remarkably only conceding two goals during that entire time period, meaning they now have the best defensive record in the division.

Not only that, but Ipswich also have the best record on the front foot, having scored 93 goals in 44 games, most recently winning 3-0 away at promotion-chasing Barnsley, in what was a fantastic display.

A victory on Saturday would mathematically confirm Kieran McKenna's sides' promotion, but they could go up even if they lose, depending on Sheffield Wednesday's result away at Shrewsbury Town.

Exeter's climax to the season is nowhere near as exciting, but they will be happy with a solid first season back in League One, currently sitting in 14th place, 12 points clear of the bottom four.

The Grecians' recent form may be a little concerning, given that they have lost their last five matches, although all of those games have been against sides currently in the top seven, so they would not have been expecting to take too many points.

It does not get any easier for Gary Caldwell's side, considering just how impressive Ipswich have been all season, and they lost the reverse fixture against the Tractor Boys in pretty disappointing fashion, registering just one shot on target in the entire match.

Exeter are now without an away win since January, and although they fought valiantly against Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough last time out, they lost 2-1 after second-half strikes from Lee Gregory and Callum Paterson.

Ipswich Town League One form:

Exeter City League One form:


Team News

Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna pictured on December 29, 2021 © Reuters

Having both been doubtful heading into the game against Barnsley on Tuesday, Massimo Luongo and Wes Burns both managed to start, and they are likely to keep their places, in what should be an unchanged Ipswich side.

Conor Chaplin's recent form has been nothing short of remarkable, scoring eight goals in his last seven games, and the 26-year-old should get the nod just behind striker George Hirst, in a 4-2-3-1 system.

With his side losing their fifth game on the spin last weekend, Caldwell may choose to make a few changes to his Exeter side, with Sonny Cox replacing Josh Coley at striker, while Jonathan Grounds may come in for Will Aimson in defence.

Top scorer Sam Nombe has missed the last two games due to injury, meaning Josh Key is likely to continue in an unconventional striker role, after scoring the opener against Sheffield Wednesday.

Ipswich Town possible starting lineup:
Walton; Clarke, Woolfenden, Burgess, Davis; Luongo, Morsy, Burns, Chaplin, Broadhead; Hirst

Exeter City possible starting lineup:
Blackman; Sweeney, Grounds, Hartridge; Chauke, Caprice, Kite, Collins, Sparkes; Cox, Key


SM words green background

We say: Ipswich Town 2-0 Exeter City

Ipswich have been solid all season, but their performances have gone up a level since February, keeping clean sheets in 12 of their last 14 matches.

McKenna's side have proven they have what it takes to win promotion with their recent victories against Barnsley and Peterborough, and we expect them to get over the line on Saturday.



For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.


Top tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting under 3.5 goals in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.Under 3.5:data


ID:512484:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect10420:
Written by
Dominic Lund

Previews by email

Click here to get Sports Mole's daily email of previews and predictions for every major game!


Game History

How you voted: Ipswich vs Exeter

Ipswich Town
100%
Draw
0.0%
Exeter City
0.0%
25
Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Plymouth Argyle manager Steven Schumacher on February 5, 2022
Read Next:
Monday's League One predictions including Plymouth vs. Lincoln
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free match previews newsletter! Updates are sent twice a week.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
6pm
Lions
@
Bears
6pm
Browns
@
Bengals
6pm
Patriots
@
Bills
6pm
Titans
@
Colts
6pm
Giants
@
Falcons
6pm
Rams
@
Jets
6pm
Cardinals
@
Panthers
6pm
Eagles
@
Washington
9.05pm
Vikings
@
Seahawks
9.25pm
49ers
@
Dolphins
9.25pm
Jags
@
Raiders
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool15113131131836
2Chelsea16104237191834
3Arsenal1796234161833
4Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest179442319431
5Aston Villa178452626028
6Manchester CityMan City178362925427
7Newcastle UnitedNewcastle177552721626
8Bournemouth167452421325
9Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton176742726125
10Fulham166642422224
11Tottenham HotspurSpurs1672736191723
12Brentford177283232023
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd166462119222
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham175572230-820
15Crystal Palace173771826-816
16Everton153661421-715
17Leicester CityLeicester163582134-1314
18Ipswich TownIpswich172691632-1612
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1623112440-169
20Southampton1612131136-255


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!