Stoke vs Ipswich Town Prediction & Betting Tips - Championship

Prediction published on 30/12/2023, 08:40  by Devesh Jaganath in Championship Predictions

Two sides in need of a win in the Championship will face off on New Year’s Day when Stoke City play host to Ipswich Town. The hosts are currently in 19th place in the league standings, while the visitors are second. Stoke have struggled for consistency this season and will be hoping for a change in fortunes in the New Year as they look to pull away from the relegation scrap. They have managed 28 points in 25 league matches so far this season, which leaves them seven points above QPR, who are the first side below the dotted line. The Potters played out a 1-1 draw away to Watford on Friday night, marking their fifth game unbeaten, though four of those matches ended in a draw result while their sole win came over Birmingham City on Boxing Day. At home, though, Stoke are winless in their last five, including three draws and two losses. They also failed to score in four of those matches and have only found the net 25 times this season, which is the fourth-worst tally of any side in the Championship.

Meanwhile, after making a blistering start to the season, Ipswich have begun to cool in recent weeks and will be looking to refind top gear in the 2024. They played out a 0-0 draw at home to QPR on Friday night, marking their fourth consecutive league match without a win. During that time, the Tractor Boys were held 2-2 by Norwich, 1-1 by Leicester and lost 4-0 away to Leeds United in their last away game. On the road, The Blues have earned 24 points from a possible 36 with a record of seven wins, three draws, and two losses. Notably, they were unbeaten on the road until the end of November. The visitors' major strength this season has come from their attack, where they have churned out 48 goals, just two shy of league leaders Leicester City. Ipswich won the reverse fixture 2-0 back in August and are the marginal favourites in this one.