Ipswich vs Watford prediction: ENGLAND: Championship betting tips on match 2024-04-09 18:45.
[p]The intense battle for automatic promotion from the Championship took two more dramatic twists at the weekend, as Ipswich Town tasted defeat at the hands of East Anglian rivals Norwich before Leeds went on to lose against Coventry. That ensured that the Tractor Boys remained inside the top two with just five games to go, though they’re plagued by “physical issues” in the squad according to manager Kieran McKenna.[/p]
[p]The roar of the home crowd could be just the tonic his players need as Ipswich are unbeaten at Portman Road in 18 league matches (W14, D4), with only Leeds beating them on their own patch since returning to the Championship. Extending that record looks likely given that Ipswich have won each of the last three meetings with upcoming opponents Watford, including a come-from-behind 2-1 victory in December’s reverse fixture.[/p]
[p]Watford travel east stranded in mid-table and only really chasing a top-half finish after a season of mediocrity at Vicarage Road. Interim boss Tom Cleverley has at least steadied the ship by overseeing a four-match unbeaten run (W1, D3), though even he thought his side were “conservative” in a lifeless 0-0 draw against Preston on Saturday which saw the Hornets register just two shots on target.[/p]
[p]Such have been their struggles, Watford’s measly 51 points is their fewest at this stage of a second-tier season since 2009/10! Travelling has been their strong suit however, losing just two of their last 12 Championship away matches (W6, D4), accruing over half of their seasonal points tally on the road (28/51).[/p]
[p]Players to watch: Flying Ipswich wing-back Leif Davis has had a hand in three of his side’s last four goals (G1, A2) – all of his last four senior strikes have come at Portman Road. Emmanuel Dennis has netted four times in the Championship since signing for Watford, though his side have won just one of those matches (D1, L2).[/p]
[p]Hot stat: Ipswich have won 31 points from losing positions in the Championship this season, comfortably the highest such total in the division.[/p]