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Prediction: Ipswich Town vs. Preston North End – Championship – 8th October 2023

Ipswich Town and Preston North End, two leading lights in this season’s Championship, will lock horns in a tantalising encounter on Saturday at Portman Road. With the hosts aiming to cement their place at the top and the visitors seeking redemption, this promises to be a match laden with drama and significance.

Analysis: In the early days of the Championship, both teams have shown immense promise but with contrasting current forms.

Ipswich Town: The newly-promoted side has been nothing short of sensational, sitting pretty in the second place with 25 points from 10 matches, a mere two points behind leaders Leicester City. Their form has been remarkable, with an unbeaten streak of six matches, out of which they’ve clinched five. Their most recent outing was a dominant 3-0 victory against Hull City at home. Conor Chaplin and Nathan Broadhead have been the heart of Ipswich’s attacking prowess this season, both netting four times each. While their solitary defeat in the Championship was against Leeds United in a seven-goal thriller, they’ve demonstrated resilience and quality in subsequent matches. Their fortress, Portman Road, has been challenging for visiting sides, with Ipswich recording four victories and suffering just one defeat in their home matches.

Preston North End: Preston’s journey has been a roller coaster of emotions. After starting on a strong note and maintaining an unbeaten run, they’ve recently faltered, experiencing two heavy defeats consecutively. Their most jarring loss was the 3-0 defeat at the hands of table-toppers Leicester City. Their last victory against Ipswich was a comfortable 4-0 win at Deepdale back in April 2019. The talented Will Keane, with four goals this season, has been their standout performer. Despite the recent downturn in form, it’s essential to remember that Preston has a decent away record, amassing eight points from a possible 15.

The team news suggests potential changes for both sides. For Ipswich, there is a possibility of Cameron Burgess replacing George Edmundson, while the likes of Omari Hutchinson and Freddie Ladapo might stay on the bench. On the other hand, Preston’s manager, Ryan Lowe, has significant decisions to make, especially after the heavy defeat against Leicester. Will Keane may be brought back into the attack, and Ryan Ledson might make a return to the heart of the midfield.

Prediction: Considering the current form and statistics, Ipswich Town appears to have the upper hand, especially when playing at home. Preston North End’s recent wobbles, coupled with the Tractor Boys’ home form, tilts the balance in favour of the hosts.

AD:

Goal.mu predicts: Ipswich Town 2-1 Preston North End.

Ipswich Town’s attacking duo of Chaplin and Broadhead might prove too much for a Preston side that has conceded heavily in their last two outings. However, given Preston’s early-season form, they are more than capable of causing an upset.

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