Newcastle vs Ipswich prediction, odds, tips & team news | OneFootball

Jacob Murphy to Score Anytime (9/4 with bet365)

Alexander Isak may be going through a lean spell in front of goal, but Jacob Murphy is showing no signs of slowing down. The winger has played a pivotal role this season, contributing to 19 goals overall. His recent form has been particularly impressive, as he has been directly involved in five goals across his last six appearances.

Murphy seems to thrive at St James’ Park too, with five of his eight Premier League goals coming on home turf. He’s also proven himself a reliable performer against lower-ranked sides, scoring both home and away against Leicester, and delivering a goal and an assist when facing this weekend’s opponents at Portman Road just before the festive break.

Newcastle to Win to Nil (21/20 with bet365)

Newcastle’s slip-up at Villa Park might simply have been a rare off-day, especially considering they were riding a five-match winning streak prior to that, a run that included a commanding 5-0 triumph over Crystal Palace at St James’ Park on April 16.

Given the defensive lapse in their last outing, the Magpies will likely be keen to tighten things up at the back and aim for a clean sheet. With their firepower at home, it wouldn’t be a shock to see them put several past Ipswich again. All signs point to a convincing home win.

How both teams go into Newcastle vs Ipswich

Having ended the club’s long 70-year wait for domestic silverware, Eddie Howe is now seeking Newcastle’s return to Champions League football. The Magpies are in a good position after 33 matches played. Only a point separates them and fourth-place Nottingham Forest, with that spot enough for qualification.

Mathematically, Ipswich has a chance to avoid relegation from the Premier League, with 15 points still available to play for. However, they are currently 15 points adrift of safety. While the numbers suggest a possibility, football isn’t played on paper. With the Tractor Boys averaging less than a point per game, it seems likely that Kieran McKenna’s team will fall short and return to the Championship after just one season in England’s top division—a return they had waited over two decades to achieve.

Newcastle team news

Lewis Hall is the only long-term absentee for Newcastle after the England full-back was sidelined for the remainder of the season after sustaining a foot injury. Central defenders Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles could return from their respective knee injuries next month. Anthony Gordon faces a late fitness test after picking up a groin injury while on international duty.

Ipswich team news

Wesley Burns and Chiedozie Ogbene are ruled out until next season, with both dealing with knee and leg injuries, respectively. Samuel Szmodics is also unavailable following his ankle surgery. Omari Giraud-Hutchinson and Conor Townsend will face late fitness tests, while there is no return date for Arijanet Muric, who is currently being assessed after sustaining a shoulder injury.

Newcastle vs Ipswich head-to-head

Ipswich have won only one of their previous eight meetings with Newcastle (five losses and two draws). However, their last win at St James’ Park came in a League Cup third-round replay on 7 November 1984.

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