Match Preview: Newcastle United vs Ipswich Town
Date: Saturday, April 26, 2025
Venue: St James’ Park, Newcastle
Watch: Live on Peacock
This weekend, the Premier League narrative takes center stage in the Northeast as Newcastle United hosts a desperate Ipswich Town side clinging to their top-flight status by the thinnest of threads.
Newcastle’s Champions League Ambitions
With Eddie Howe returning to the technical area, Newcastle are eyeing a strong finish to cement their spot in next season’s Champions League. Despite a recent 4-1 stumble against Aston Villa, the Magpies are still in pole position for fifth place, with a two-point cushion over both Chelsea and Aston Villa.
St James’ Park remains a fortress, where Newcastle has netted 13 goals in their last three home matches. Aiming to become the first Newcastle team since 1995 to score four or more goals in three consecutive home games, the attack led by Alexander Isak is primed to thrive once more.
However, defensive injuries remain a concern. With Fabian Schar, Sven Botman, and Jamaal Lascelles all doubts, Emil Krafth could be forced into a makeshift center-back role, flanked by experienced campaigners like Kieran Trippier and Dan Burn.
Ipswich’s Relegation Reality
Ipswich arrive in Newcastle needing a miracle. Sitting 15 points adrift of safety with five games to go, their only mathematical hope for survival involves a flawless finish to the season paired with a complete collapse from West Ham.
Their recent 4-0 defeat to Arsenal, marred by Leif Davis’s red card, typified their struggles in the top flight. Davis now begins a three-game suspension, adding to an already massive injury list. Ipswich’s depth will be tested with key players like Jaden Philogene, Kalvin Phillips, and Chiedozie Ogbene all sidelined.
With three of their four league wins this season coming away from home, the Tractor Boys will look to defy the odds, though memories of Newcastle’s 4-0 demolition at Portman Road in December loom large.
Tactical Outlook
Expect Newcastle to dominate possession and territory, leveraging their fluid midfield and relentless pressing. Ipswich will likely sit deep, hoping for counterattacking opportunities through pacey wide players, though their depleted squad and lack of defensive cohesion present a massive challenge.
Prediction: Newcastle United 4 – 0 Ipswich Town
With fresh legs, home support, and everything to play for, Newcastle should comfortably dispatch Ipswich and push closer to Champions League qualification, while simultaneously confirming their opponent’s relegation.
