Preview: Ipswich Town vs. Exeter City - prediction, team news, lineups

The Blues have been on a fantastic run, which leaves them second in the table, while the visitors are in 14th place, with nothing to play for at this stage.

Match preview

Ipswich have put themselves in a very strong position to win promotion back to the Championship after a five-year absence, currently sitting four points clear of third-placed Sheffield Wednesday, owing to their exceptional recent form.

After a 0-0 draw against Bristol Rovers back in February, the Blues were eight points adrift of the automatic promotion spots, having also played one extra game than second-placed Plymouth Argyle, but they have been seriously impressive ever since.

The Tractor Boys have won 12 of their last 13 League One matches, remarkably only conceding two goals during that entire time period, meaning they now have the best defensive record in the division.

Not only that, but Ipswich also have the best record on the front foot, having scored 93 goals in 44 games, most recently winning 3-0 away at promotion-chasing Barnsley, in what was a fantastic display.

A victory on Saturday would mathematically confirm Kieran McKenna's sides' promotion, however they could go up even if they lose, depending on Sheffield Wednesday's result away at Shrewsbury Town.

Exeter's climax to the season is nowhere near as exciting, however they will be happy with a solid first season back in League One, currently sitting in 14th place, 12 points clear of the bottom four.

The Grecians' recent form may be a little concerning, given that they have lost their last five matches, however all of those games have been against sides currently in the top seven, so they would not have been expecting to take too many points.

It does not get any easier for Gary Caldwell's side, considering just how impressive Ipswich have been all season, and they lost the reverse fixture against the Tractor Boys in pretty disappointing fashion, registering just one shot on target in the entire match.

Exeter are now without an away win since January, and although they fought valiantly against Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough last time out, they lost 2-1, after second-half strikes from Lee Gregory and Callum Paterson.

Ipswich Town League One form:

W

D

W

W

W

W

Exeter City League One form:

D

L

L

L

L

L

Team News

Having both been doubtful heading into the game against Barnsley on Tuesday, Massimo Luongo and Wes Burns both managed to start, and they are likely to keep their places, in what should be an unchanged Ipswich side.

Conor Chaplin's recent form has been nothing short of remarkable, scoring eight goals in his last seven games, and the 26-year-old should get the nod just behind striker George Hirst, in a 4-2-3-1 system.

With his side losing their fifth game on the spin last weekend, Caldwell may choose to make a few changes to his Exeter side, with Sonny Cox replacing Josh Coley at striker, while Jonathan Grounds may come in for Will Aimson in defence.

Top-scorer Sam Nombe has missed the last two games due to injury, meaning Josh Key is likely to continue in an unconventional striker role, after scoring the opener against Sheffield Wednesday.

Ipswich Town possible starting lineup:

Walton; Clarke, Woolfenden, Burgess, Davis; Luongo, Morsy, Burns, Chaplin, Broadhead; Hirst

Exeter City possible starting lineup:

Blackman; Sweeney, Grounds, Hartridge; Chauke, Caprice, Kite, Collins, Sparkes; Cox, Key

We say: Ipswich Town 2-0 Exeter City

Ipswich have been solid all season, but their performances have gone up a level since February, keeping clean sheets in 12 of their last 14 matches.

McKenna's side have proven they have what it takes to win promotion with their recent victories against Barnsley and Peterborough, and we expect them to get over the line on Saturday.

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