Pressure is mounting on Oliver Glasner after a slow start as Forest boss.
Match Details
- Fixture: Ipswich Town v Nottingham Forest
- Date: Friday, October 23
- Competition: Premier League MD8
- Venue: Portman Road
- Kick-off: 20:00
- TV: Sky Sports Main Event & Premier League
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Preview
Ipswich have made an encouraging start to life back in the Premier League, with Gary O’Neil’s side showing plenty of attacking ambition since their promotion last season. The Tractor Boys have already scored freely this term, and despite falling to a 3-2 defeat against Manchester City last weekend, their performance at the Etihad underlined the threat they can pose going forward.
Defensive concerns remain, however, with Ipswich yet to keep a clean sheet this season. That could offer Nottingham Forest a route into the game, with Oliver Glasner’s side creating chances despite struggling to turn their performances into points. Forest have scored in all three of their Premier League away matches this term, including impressive attacking displays at Liverpool and Aston Villa, and Morgan Gibbs-White’s availability should provide an additional boost.
Forest have collected just five points from their opening seven league games and arrive in Suffolk on the back of three consecutive defeats. Nevertheless, there are enough signs of attacking promise to suggest they can trouble an Ipswich defence that has been far from watertight.
The underlying numbers suggest Forest’s attacking play has been better than their points tally indicates. Their expected-goals figure of 12.99 ranks among the highest in the division, highlighting their ability to create opportunities even when the finishing touch has been missing. They will feel particularly unfortunate to have come away empty-handed against Arsenal, and there is every reason to expect them to approach this trip looking for a response.
That record makes it difficult to see Forest being completely shut out at Portman Road. Ipswich’s defensive vulnerabilities should offer the visitors opportunities, particularly if they can make the most of their attacking transitions. The challenge for Glasner’s side will be to convert those chances into goals while remaining disciplined enough to contain an Ipswich attack that has been among the league’s more entertaining.
Team News
Ipswich are expected to have a fully fit squad available, with Sasa Lukic set to return after missing last weekend’s trip to Manchester City.
Nottingham Forest have received a boost of their own, with Oliver Glasner confirming that Morgan Gibbs-White and Nikola Milenkovic are both ready to start. However, Igor Jesus and Nicolo Savona remain long-term absentees.
Predicted Lineups
Ipswich XI (Predicted): Walton; Ouattara, O’Shea, Diop, Davis; Palacios, Lukic; Fatawu, Enciso, Maeda; Emersonn.
Nottingham Forest XI (Predicted): Sels; Diomande, Milenkovic, Murillo; Munoz, McAtee, Schlager, Williams; Gibbs-White, Ndoye; Delap.
Verdict
Ultimately, Ipswich look the more appealing side to back for the victory. Their stronger points return, home advantage and consistent attacking output give them the edge, while Forest’s recent results make it difficult to trust them to take anything from the contest. However, the visitors have shown enough going forward to suggest they can get on the scoresheet.
With Ipswich yet to record a clean sheet and Forest finding the net in every away league game this season, Ipswich to win and both teams to score looks a strong selection for what could be another lively encounter in Suffolk.
Prediction: Ipswich 3-2 Nottingham Forest
Best Bet: Ipswich win & BTTS (15/4)
Ipswich Town v Nottingham Forest key details
When is Ipswich vs Nottingham Forest in the Premier League?
Ipswich vs Nottingham Forest takes place on Friday, October 23, with a 20:00 kick-off time.
Where is Ipswich vs Nottingham Forest being played?
The venue for the game is Portman Road, Ipswich, with a capacity of just over 30,000.
Where can I watch Ipswich vs Nottingham Forest?
Sky Sports Main Event & Sky Sports Premier League is showing the game live in the UK & Ireland.
What are the odds for Ipswich v Nottingham Forest?
2/1 Ipswich Town, 5/4 Nottingham Forest, 5/2 the draw. Full markets.
