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

Ipswich Town will be aiming to go top of the League One table on Friday evening, when they will take on Fleetwood Town at Portman Road under the lights.

The hosts come into this one fresh from a convincing victory over Buxton in the FA Cup, while Fleetwood travel to Suffolk following a win over Ebbsfleet United in the same competition.

Match preview

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Ipswich have made some great strides in League One since the start of 2022-23, occupying second place in the table with 41 points from their 19 matches played.

Kieran McKenna has majorly revived the fortunes of the Tractor Boys in recent months, losing just twice in the league this campaign which has propelled their push for automatic promotion.

Ipswich have been ruthless in front of goal this season netting 38 times from 19 matches, making them the second-best offensive team in the division behind leaders Plymouth Argyle.

Last time out, a double from Conor Chaplin, alongside strikes from Gassan Ahadme and Kayden Jackson, were enough for Ipswich to comfortably dispose of Buxton in the FA Cup second round.

On Friday evening, Ipswich could move top of League One with a win over Fleetwood if results elsewhere in League One go their way.

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On the other hand, Fleetwood come into this match without a win in three League One games, sitting 17th in the table with 22 points from 19 fixtures under Scott Brown.

The former Celtic captain has endured a mixed start to life at the Highbury Stadium, though Fleetwood have been defeated just twice on the road this campaign in the league which will give Brown confidence they can claim a result at Portman Road.

In their most recent outing, Gerard Garner was the difference as the Fishermen booked their place in the third round of the FA Cup with a 1-0 triumph over Ebbsfleet last Sunday.

Nevertheless, Fleetwood have lacked consistency in 2022-23 and have won just once in their last eight attempts in the league, contributing to their current position.

Brown will be hoping to arrest this conflicting run of results on Friday, with the opportunity to rise as high as 12th in League One with a victory over Ipswich.

Team News

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Ipswich are expected to make several changes from the 4-0 victory over Buxton in the FA Cup, where several fringe stars were given an opportunity to make an impact in the starting line up.

Christian Walton will continue in goal, however, Luke Woolfenden and Janoi Donacien are likely to return from the start in place of Richard Keogh and Leif Davis.

Freddie Ladapo and Marcus Harness could come back into the side in attack, while the latter, Wes Burns and Luke Woolfenden, are all at risk of suspension if they pick up a booking during the match.

For the visitors, defender Mikey Devlin will once again miss out due to an ankle issue. Darnell Johnson is also ruled out with a Achilles tendon injury and is a long-term absentee.

Lewis Warrington is a safe bet to feature in midfield following his involvement from the start in the last two matches, while Gerard Garner may retain his place in attack due to his exploits in the FA Cup.

Josh Vela is at risk of picking up a suspension if he receives a yellow card during the tie for the hosts.

Ipswich Town possible starting lineup:

Walton; Donacien, Woolfenden, Burgess; Burns, Humphreys, Morsy, Edwards; Chaplin, Harness; Ladapo

Fleetwood Town possible starting lineup:

Lynch; Nsiala, Holgate, Earl; Rooney, Batty, Warrington, Andrew; Vela; Gomes, Garner

We say: Ipswich Town 2-1 Fleetwood Town

In a match with permutations at both ends of the table, we expect an open affair that will create many chances for both the hosts and visitors.

On this occasion, Ipswich will narrowly prevail and take another big step in their push for the League One title.

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