Ipswich Town Tipped To Suffer Promotion Setback

Ipswich Town have been tipped to drop points this weekend as they prepare to face bitter rivals Norwich City in the East Anglian derby tomorrow lunchtime.

The Tractor Boys have been the surprise package of the season so far, and they currently sit top of the Championship with just six games remaining. However, there are just two points separating Kieran McKenna’s team and Leicester City in third, whereas the Foxes also possess a game in hand.

After only securing promotion from League One a year ago, the fact that they are now still in with a shout of a place in the Premier League at this late stage of the season is a testament to the job in which the manager and his group of players have achieved. It’s a great position to be in, although any slip up could prove costly.

Leeds United below them have been relentless since the turn of the year. Daniel Farke’s team have not tasted defeat since December and have dropped just four points from 15 games. Meanwhile, Leicester have faltered but are still favourites to earn a spot in the top two.

The Whites face a tough trip to FA Cup semi-finalists Coventry City tomorrow afternoon whilst Enzo Maresca will fancy his chances against a struggling Birmingham City side at the King Power Stadium. Despite beginning tomorrow top of the tree, even a point could see Ipswich slip back into the play-off places.

The last thing they wanted right now was probably a trip to Carrow Road. Not only has it been historically a tough ground to visit for the Suffolk-based team, but the Canaries are also targeting promotion themselves. Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of the clash, pundit David Prutton believes it will be an entertaining affair with bags of goals, although has predicted a draw:

“I cannot wait for this one at Carrow Road. In the reverse fixture Norwich were just trying to halt Ipswich’s progress, but now they have a lot at stake themselves, and a proud record against their rivals to maintain.

“I think there will be goals and drama. 2-2.”

Following the short trip north, Ipswich have a quick turnaround and will welcome Watford to Portman Road on Wednesday night.

Writer’s View

Going back just four months, the Championship looked done and dusted. Both Leicester and Ipswich were so far ahead in the automatic promotion spots that it looked impossible for anyone to catch them. However, that is why this league is regarded as one of the most exciting in world football and it is nicely poised to be a must-watch for the remainder of the campaign.

Ipswich’s rise has been meteoric, and it would be a joy to see them return to the Premier League for the first time since 2002. There are still plenty of twists and turns left in the tale yet though, and all three teams are likely to drop points over the course of the next month.