Ipswich v Portsmouth: team news, predicted XIs, betting odds, key stats and more

The Blues returned home from their last meeting to Suffolk in November with an FA Cup win that was secured after extra-time.

But with a chance to leapfrog the hosts in the League One table and keep pace with current leaders Hull, Kenny Jackett’s men will be determined to add to the Tractor Boys’ recent woes.

Despite sitting third in the table and beating Plymouth last time out, the injury-hit home side have been struggling lately.

They’ll be delighted that fans will be back inside Portman Road this afternoon for the first time since March.

But with unrest growing among sections of the Ipswich fan base, their presence could be a hindrance if Pompey seize the initiative.

Here’s all you need to know ahead of kick-off (3pm).

Ipswich team news

Under-fire boss Paul Lambert can see light at the end of the tunnel when it comes to injuries.

But the visit of Pompey to Portman Road has come far too soon for more or less all of his walking wounded.

There’s a chance young forward Aaron Drinan could be included in today’s match-day squad after his recovery from a hamstring injury.

But the Tractor Boys manager will have to wait until Christmas or the new year to see Flynn Downes, James Norwood, Gwion Edwards, Teddy Bishop, Cole Skuse and Kane Vincent Young back in first-team action.

In positive news, Freddie Sears is close to a return – but will most likely have to wait until Tuesday night’s visit of Burton to be involved.

However, midfielder Andre Dozzell is back following his latest suspension.

Predicted line-up

David Cornell, Mark McGuinness, Stephen Ward, Luke Chambers, Aristote Nsiala, Jon Nolan, Jack Lankester, Alan Judge, Andre Dozzell, Keanan Bennetts, Kayden Jackson.

Subs: Tomas Holy, Luke Woolfenden, Corrie Ndaba, Brett McGavin, Emyr Huws, Armando Dobra, Oli Hawkins.

Pompey team news

Michael Jacobs will travel as part of the Pompey squad for today’s game with Ipswich at Portman Road.

The winger has missed the Blues’ past 12 games in all competitions following a knee injury sustained in the 3-1 win at Sunderland in October.

The 29-year-old returned to training at the start of this week, having recovered from the ligament issue he sustained.

Boss Kenny Jackett said he would reserve judgement on when best to introduce the former Wigan ace back into the fray.

However, he has confirmed that today’s trip to the Tractor Boys will have Jacobs being part of his plans.

Ipswich sit a point and a place above fourth-placed Pompey in the League One standings, so the manager is keen to have as strong a squad as possible travelling.

The Blues can report a clean bill of health, with Jacobs having played seven times since arriving on a free transfer in September.

Predicted line-up

Craig MacGillivray, Callum Johnson, Jack Whatmough, Sean Raggett, Lee Brown, Ryan Williams, Tom Naylor, Andy Cannon, Ronan Curtis, John Marquis, Marcus Harness.

Subs: Alex Bass, Rasmus Nicolaisen, Cam Pring, Ben Close, Michael Jacobs, Ellis Harrison, Jordy Hiwula.

Match-day odds (bet365)

Ipswich: 11/5

1-0 8/1, 2-0 14/1, 2-1 11/1, 3-0 33/1, 3-1 25/1, 3-2 33/1

Pompey: 6/5

1-0 13/2, 2-0 9/1, 2-1 17/2, 3-0 20/1, 3-1 18/1, 3-2 28/1

Draw: 23/10

0-0 8/1, 1-1 11/2, 2-2 14/1, 3-3 50/1

First goalscorer: John Marquis 15/4.

Referee

Thomas Bramall

Ipswich stats

Top scorer: Gwion Edwards and Jon Nolan (both 5)

Top assists: Alan Judge (4)

Most appearances: Luke Chambers (18)

Pompey stats

Top scorer: John Marquis (11)

Top assists: Marcus Harness and Ronan Curtis (both 6)

Most appearances: John Marquis (22)

Form guide

Ipswich: P22 W11 D3 L8

Past five games

W 2-1 Plymouth (A) – League One

D 0-0 Oxford United (A) – League One

L 2-0 Charlton (A) – League One

L 3-0 Hull (H) – League One

W 2-1 Shrewsbury – League One

Pompey: P24 W13 D5 L6

Past five games

W 3-0 Cheltenham (A) – Papa John’s Trophy

W 2-0 Peterborough (H) – League One

L 1-0 Blackpool (A) – League One

W 6-1 King’s Lynn (H) – FA Cup

D 1-1 Oxford (H) – League One

Other fixtures (all 3pm kick-offs unless stated)

Blackpool v Oxford United, Bristol Rovers v Plymouth Argyle, Charlton Athletic v AFC Wimbledon, Crewe Alexandra v Northampton Town, Doncaster Rovers v Gillingham, Hull City v Shrewsbury Town, Lincoln City v Sunderland, MK Dons v Burton Albion, Peterborough United v Rochdale, Swindon Town v Fleetwood Town, Wigan Athletic v Accrington Stanley.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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