In order to be in the running for automatic promotion, Ipswich Town will need to defeat West Bromwich Albion tomorrow and earn a crucial three points.
Though they were formerly in such a good position in the top two, Kieran McKenna’s team has struggled recently, which has caused the Tractor Boys to drop to fourth place.
Now that Leeds United and Southampton are above them, McKenna’s team will have a difficult time pushing their way back into the automatic promotion zone.
| Championship Table (As it stands February 5th) | ||||
| Team | P | GD | Pts | |
| 1 | Leicester City | 30 | 41 | 72 |
| 2 | Southampton | 29 | 23 | 61 |
| 3 | Leeds United | 30 | 26 | 60 |
| 4 | Ipswich Town | 29 | 15 | 59 |
| 5 | West Brom | 29 | 14 | 48 |
| 6 | Hull City | 29 | 5 | 45 |
| 7 | Coventry City | 30 | 12 | 44 |
| 8 | Sunderland | 30 | 8 | 44 |
Ipswich, who could drop farther down the table between now and the end of the season if they aren’t careful, would make a great statement of purpose if they win against Albion.
The Tractor Boys should be looking up instead of down, though, as the top two are still within sight.
They will not have an easy test tomorrow, though, since West Brom is currently in the play-offs and is managed by the gifted Carlos Corberan, who appears destined to manage in the Premier League eventually.
The Baggies will view this as a challenging task as well as a chance to take advantage of Ipswich’s unimpressive recent performance.
Ipswich Town vs. West Brom prediction by David Prutton
This is a tough game to predict because the Tractor Boys hold the home-court advantage in this matchup.
Despite their good league position, McKenna’s team is currently struggling, even if Albion did defeat Ipswich in the rematch.
For his Sky Sports column, David Prutton, however, has picked a 2-2 draw in this match: “Ipswich are out of the top two looking in for the first time since mid-September.”
Before the Tractor Boys play the Baggies in a pivotal match, we have all the information you need to know.
“Yet, despite their dismal performance, they must be given some perspective as they are attempting to compete with three formidable opponents and have so far had an incredible campaign.
“West Brom managed to hold off the pursuing group for a little while last week thanks to a key late victory over Birmingham.
“Ipswich will fancy their chances at Portman Road given their current form, which may not have been the case a few weeks ago. However, I believe that there will still be a sharing of the spoils.”
West Brom will be confident in their ability to defeat Ipswich Town on the road.
Matt Phillips is among the players Albion is missing, but Daryl Dike’s return is a huge plus for them.
Corberan should get a lot of credit for the team’s current success, which is being maintained in spite of off-field rumors regarding their ownership structure and a possible acquisition.
Honors should also be given to the players because they have performed admirably.
They may go into this game with little pressure since, despite the Tractor Boys’ recent struggles, they might not be expected to win.
That might lead them to three points at Portman Road and make all the difference for them tomorrow.