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

Ipswich Town play host to Cardiff City on Saturday afternoon looking to shake off losing their undefeated record in the Championship last weekend.

While the Tractor Boys still occupy sixth position in the standings, Cardiff are down in 17th spot having got their first victory on the board.

Match preview

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When Ipswich took an early lead against Leeds United last weekend, the assumption was that they would go on to make it four wins from four since promotion from League One.

However, Leeds showcased their superior attacking quality to remarkably go 3-1 up by the 19th minute and they eventually prevailed by a 4-3 scoreline.

That capitulation will have proven to be a wake-up call for Kieran McKenna and his players, who were far from convincing in edging past Reading on penalties in the EFL Cup three days later.

Nevertheless, McKenna can only be delighted with his team's start to the campaign, with nine points on the board and within a point of second place.

A home encounter against Cardiff City next up will be deemed favourable on paper, yet their upcoming opponents appear to be warming into the season.

Even when collecting just one point from their opening three games, Cardiff had not looked outclassed under Erol Bulut, who has overseen widespread changes across the summer.

The Bluebirds needed to turn performances into results, though, and a last-gasp victory over Sheffield Wednesday at the weekend was followed by progressing past Birmingham City in the EFL Cup in midweek.

Cardiff are still to keep a clean sheet under Bulut - conceding 10 times in six games - but they have also scored in each match, always keeping them competitive regardless of the opposition.

Having already faced Leeds United and Leicester City on away territory, travelling to Ipswich is another tough away fixture, yet Bulut will be content with taking on some of the division's best sides when each club are still settling into 2023-24.

Team News

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Although Harry Clarke and Brandon Williams were given valuable minutes against Reading, neither of the defenders are expected to start for Ipswich.

Freddie Ladapo scored a well-taken goal in the EFL Cup, but McKenna may be prepared to stick with the side that started against Leeds.

Bulut rung the changes for the EFL Cup success at Birmingham with Rubin Colwill and Kion Etete each scoring in the game at St Andrew's.

At least one of those players are in line to be recalled in the final third, potentially Colwill in place of Ike Ugbo or Yakou Meite.

Mahlon Romeo is also back in contention in defence after serving a one-match suspension.

Ipswich Town possible starting lineup:

Hladky; Clarke, Woolfenden, Burgess, Davis; Morsy, Luongo; Burns, Chaplin, Broadhead; Jackson

Cardiff City possible starting lineup:

Alnwick; Ng, McGuinness, Goutas, Collins; Siopis, Ralls; Colwill, Ramsey, O'Dowda; Meite

We say: Ipswich Town 2-0 Cardiff City

With successive wins in all competitions, Cardiff appear to be getting to grips with a new head coach and much-changed squad. Nevertheless, this represents a step up in quality, and we are backing Ipswich to get back on track in front of their own supporters.

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