The Tractor Boys host Blackburn Rovers at Portman road on Saturday, with Ipswich the favourites to collect three points. The Rovers have struggled on the road against this weekend’s opponents and haven’t won away against them in 15 attempts.
Ipswich Town
Since Kieran McKenna took over the managerial role, Ipswich have been simply unbelievable. Baring in mind they are a newly promoted team, they have won six out of their seven matches so far, which puts them in third place. They are so defensively sound but also carry an attacking threat that can cause any side in England an issue. The Tractor Boys have conceded seven goals so far, but six of them came across two home games, which is strange considering they have kept four clean sheets.
The 4-3 loss to Leeds at home was the only slip up of the season and it was a ten minute period that saw the game drift away from them. Yet, in their most recent game against another relegated side, Southampton, they won 1-0 and if it wasn’t for poor finishing, they could have scored at least three.
Blackburn Rovers
The Blue and Whites come into this tie as the underdogs, which is due to the opponents strength and Blackburn’s lack of consistency. Jon Dahl Tomasson’s side are in mid table currently, after winning three, drawing one and losing three. On the road, they have picked up four points from three trips, with their most recent away game ending in a 3-0 defeat to Plymouth. That game underlined Blackburn’s biggest problem, which is not being clinical in front of goal, as they have an average goals scored record of nine.
Last time out, they suffered another defeat where they conceded three goals, in the 3-1 loss at home to Sunderland. A lack of game management, missed chances and almost a lack of professionalism were the main causes of the loss. Sunderland took the lead via a Jack Clarke penalty in the 28th minute but Harry Leonard equalised seven minutes later. The visitors reclaimed the lead before the break and despite accumulating an expected goals of 2.89, Blackburn were unable to convert any more chances.
Verdict?
Ipswich are flying at the moment and it would take a terrible performance from them to not continue this win streak. Combine Blackburn’s poor finishing and Ipswich’s solid defence together, and there is only one outcome, although we should see goals.
The final prediction is Ipswich Town 2-1 Blackburn Rovers.
