MX23RW : Tuesday, December 24 03:39:09| >> :120:27305:27305:
[monks data]
Ipswich logo
FA Cup | Fourth Round
Jan 27, 2024 at 12.30pm UK
Portman Road Stadium
Maidstone United

Ipswich
1 - 2
Maidstone

Sarmiento (56')
Edmundson (76')
FT(HT: 0-1)
Reynolds (43'), Corne (66')
Ezennolim (43'), Hoyte (58')

Preview: Ipswich Town vs. Maidstone United - prediction, team news, lineups

Sports Mole previews Saturday's FA Cup clash between Ipswich Town and Maidstone United, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Ipswich Town take a break from Championship action to square off against Maidstone United - the lowest-ranked team remaining - in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday afternoon.

At a time when the home side sit in third place in the Championship, Maidstone occupy fourth spot in the National League South.


Match preview

Ipswich Town's Sam Morsy celebrates scoring their second goal with teammates on December 12, 2023© Reuters

Having won just one of their last seven matches in the Championship, it is fair to say that Kieran McKenna could have been happier with Ipswich's recent form.

However, as well as the only defeat coming at Leeds United, two draws have been posted against Leicester City, both equalisers for Ipswich coming in the closing minutes.

The reverse fixture took place at the King Power Stadium on Monday, with Jeremy Sarmiento netting the leveller to extend Ipswich's unbeaten streak to five games in the second tier.

As a result of the four draws, though, the Tractor Boys are now just two points ahead of fourth and a change of competition may benefit them after their efforts in the East Midlands earlier this week.

Ipswich booked their place in the last 32 with a 3-1 victory away at AFC Wimbledon at the start of the month, with McKenna's side now bidding to progress through to the fifth round for the second campaign in a row.

Maidstone United's Gavin Hoyte celebrates after the match on January 6, 2024© Reuters

In sharp contrast, Maidstone have already won six matches to get through to this stage, impressively doing so without the need for a replay.

Steyning Town, Winchester City, Torquay United, Chesham United, Barrow and Stevenage have all been defeated by Maidstone, who initially reached the second round with four successive away ties.

George Elokobi is working wonders during his first managerial role and the priority is to earn an immediate return to the National League, a place in the National League South playoffs their best bet with Yeovil Town 15 points ahead of them with two matches in hand.

Nevertheless, with Maidstone playing in the FA Cup fourth round for the first time in their history and 98 places separating these teams in the English football pyramid, Elokobi and his players are focused on achieving arguably the most famous result in their history.

Ipswich Town FA Cup form:


Ipswich Town form (all competitions):


Maidstone United FA Cup form:
  • W
  • W
  • W
  • W
  • W
  • W


Maidstone United form (all competitions):



Team News

Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna celebrates after the match on January 13, 2024© Reuters

McKenna is able to call upon midfielder Sam Morsy who has just completed a two-match ban.

However, while the club captain should return, McKenna will likely rotate with squad members elsewhere, with Sarmiento getting a start on the left.

Christian Walton, Axel Tuanzebe, Omari Hutchinson and Nathan Broadhead are also expected to take their places in the Ipswich XI.

Meanwhile, new signing Manny Doku may be handed his first start for Maidstone given the current striker shortage at the sixth-tier club.

Bivesh Gurung was suspended for the third-round win over Stevenage, but he is line to take his place in central midfield.


Ipswich Town possible starting lineup:
Walton; Tuanzebe, Woolfenden, Ball, Humphreys; Morsy, Taylor; Hutchinson, Broadhead, Sarmiento; Aluko

Maidstone United possible starting lineup:
Lucas; Hoyte, Appiah, Fowler, Kyprianou, Ezennolim; Corne, Gurung; Sole; Doku, Reynolds


SM words green background

We say: Ipswich Town 4-0 Maidstone United

With Ipswich expected to make changes, an upset cannot be ruled out. That said, there is a considerable gulf in class, and we can only see Maidstone's run coming to an end at Portman Road.


For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.




ID:534813:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect10396:
Written by
Darren Plant

Previews by email

Click here to get Sports Mole's daily email of previews and predictions for every major game!


Game History

How you voted: Ipswich vs Maidstone

Ipswich Town
100%
Draw
0.0%
Maidstone United
0.0%
8
Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Chelsea's Raheem Sterling celebrates scoring their third goal on January 6, 2024
Read Next:
Chelsea cruise into FA Cup fourth round, Maidstone shock Stevenage
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!