Newcastle United’s recent defeat to Aston Villa has left them with five crucial matches remaining in their pursuit of Champions League qualification.
Acting head coach Jason Tindall emphasised the importance of these games, especially after the 4-1 loss at Villa Park. The team aims to use this setback as a learning experience and focus on their upcoming match against Ipswich Town.
Newcastle’s next challenge is at home against Ipswich Town, who are fighting to avoid relegation. Despite Ipswich’s struggles, Newcastle cannot afford complacency. The Magpies have had a demanding schedule, playing three matches in seven days, but they now have time to regroup and prepare for the weekend fixture.
Alexander Isak remains a standout performer for Newcastle, having scored 21 goals this season. His ability to score against both top-tier teams and lower-ranked opponents makes him a vital asset. In their previous encounter with Ipswich, Isak netted a hat-trick, contributing significantly to Newcastle’s 4-0 victory.
Kieran Trippier highlighted the team’s determination to qualify for the Champions League. “We can’t use [tiredness] as an excuse,” he stated. “The manager picks the XI, we’ve been unchanged, and that’s it. We focus on the next game, and that’s against Ipswich.”
Ipswich Town faces an uphill battle not only against Newcastle but also in their fight against relegation. Even if they manage a win at St James’ Park, their fate could still be sealed if West Ham secures a point against Brighton. Left-back Leif Davis will miss the match due to suspension, leaving Jacob Greaves to fill in an unfamiliar role.
The absence of Davis is significant as Greaves will need to adapt quickly when facing Jacob Murphy, one of Newcastle’s in-form wingers. Murphy has been instrumental recently with three goals and three assists in his last five Premier League appearances.
Match Outlook
Historically, Newcastle has struggled to complete a league double over Ipswich since the 1973-74 season. However, they have maintained a strong record at home against the Tractor Boys, who haven’t won on Tyneside in 11 attempts. Newcastle’s recent home performances have been impressive, scoring four against Manchester United and five against Crystal Palace.
Despite Newcastle’s strengths, they have shown vulnerabilities by conceding from the first shot faced in ten Premier League matches this season. This statistic might give Ipswich some hope; however, they have attempted fewer than five shots in several games this season.
Probability of Outcomes
The Opta Win Probability suggests that Newcastle has a 73.7% chance of winning against Ipswich Town. The likelihood of a draw stands at 15.5%, while Ipswich has just a 10.8% chance of securing victory.
As both teams prepare for this crucial match-up at St James’ Park, Newcastle aims to solidify their position for European competition while Ipswich fights for survival in the Premier League.