“Could Well Be The Unfortunate Outcome” – The Real EFL Pundits Predict Hull City vs Ipswich Town
With the automatic promotion race set to go down the wire, Saturday’s clash between Hull City and Ipswich Town is one of immense proportion as both sides require three points here to keep their respective promotion ambitions alive.
The last time these two met saw the Tractor Boys run out as 3-0 victors in October and they will be hopeful of a repeat. Both Leeds United and Leicester City have proven to be formidable rivals in the race for the top two and this game is a must-win if Ipswich are to maintain competition with the aforementioned sides. Furthermore, with two games in hand on the Yorkshire side following their lacklustre 4-0 defeat against Queen’s Park Rangers, it is essential that Kieran McKenna’s side capitalise on this dramatic capitulation.
As for the Tigers, this is certainly ‘last-chance saloon’ for any hope of snatching sixth place from Norwich City. The home side have found a decent spell of form again, with three impressive wins in their last five games. Before that, Hull were winless in six successive matches, subsequently leaving them with no room for error as they welcome the high-flying Ipswich to the MKM Stadium.
Worryingly for Liam Rosenior’s side, it’s Norwich who look to have the easier fixtures with the imminent arrival of Swansea City and a trip to Birmingham City on the final day; the goal difference appears ominously insurmountable at this point in time, but they do still have a slither of hope.
With that in mind, here’s how two of The Real EFL’s writing team see the game panning out…
Sam Seddon
“With the squad that Hull City have built, this play-off push shouldn’t come as a shock. However, leaving it this late seems almost unforgivable with the additions of Fabio Carvalho, on loan from Liverpool this January, and Jaden Philogene-Bidace returning from an injury setback. Rosenior will have practically a fully fit side ahead of their battle with Ipswich and will hope to remain composed at the back in order to fend off an inevitable Town barrage.
“Under McKenna, the East Anglian side have been the surprise package so far this season and their attacking play has been illustrious. They look seamless in transition from defence to attack and could cause severe problems for Hull with their pace on the counter and their precision in possession play.
“Both sides will be hopeful of heading into the final day with the three points on offer under their belt. A win for the away side would likely highlight Ipswich as an automatic promotion favourite, but the Tigers need a last-gasp result to push Norwich until the end. The Championship is a cruel league and with both teams looking to go stride for stride, a point apiece would help neither, but it could well be the unfortunate outcome.”
