Ipswich welcome the Swans to Portman Road on Saturday, where they will look to return to winning ways. The hosts are the favourties to win the tie, but Swansea were victorious when the two sides last met.
Ipswich
The Tractor boys have taken the Championship by storm this season and their convincing performances have put them in second place after 15 matches, winning eleven of them and only losing once. Not only have they been ruthless in attack, scoring the most goals with a tally of 33, but they have been rather solid at the back, conceding 1.27 per game on average, which clearly highlights that Kieran McKenna has found the perfect balance. They still remain the only side to have scored in every match this campaign and they have the best home record in the league.
However last time out, they suffered their second 2-2 away draw within a week against 22nd place Rotherham, this was the third consecutive game that Ipswich had conceded two goals. The hosts took the lead within five minutes and opposed a threat on the counter throughout. By half-time, the score was 1-1 and an 87th minute Jack Taylor goal looked like it was going to hand McKenna's side the victory. Yet four minutes later, Rotherham equalised with an unstoppable effort.
Swansea
Over the last eight matches in the Championship, Swansea have tasted victory on five occasions, yet they have only won one of their last four matches which puts them in 14th place. Michael Duff's side have won their last three matches on the road, scoring seven and conceding just once. The Swans do not particularly excel in the final third, netting just 20 goals in 15 matches, but they have proved to be a difficult side to break down at times.
We saw this last time out as Swansea picked up a rather impressive 0-0 draw versus Sunderland. Charlie Patino was sent off on the half hour mark after picking up two yellow cards, but Swansea had the best chance to take the lead before the break via the penalty spot. Unfortunately Jamal Lowe missed and the second half witnessed waves of Sunderland pressure that the Swans managed with confidence and pure resilience.
Verdict?
Ipswich will be desperate to end their small blip and this weekend looks like a great opportunity to do so. Swansea do struggle for goals at times and as long as the hosts can remain focused at the back, they should win this tie on pure firepower alone.
The final prediction is Ipswich 2-1 Swansea, with a home win priced at 4/7.
