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

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

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, 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.

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, Maidstone having 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:

W

Ipswich Town form (all competitions):

D

D

D

W

W

D

Maidstone United FA Cup form:

Maidstone United form (all competitions):

W

W

W

L

L

D

Team News

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

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.

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