Ipswich vs Maidstone predictions: Tractor Boys to ease past Stones
- Both teams have scored in nine of Ipswich's last 10 victories at Portman Road
- Maidstone have conceded 17 goals in their last six away matches
- Recommended bet: Ipswich to win 4-1
Promotion to the Premier League is the priority for Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna, but his charges have a great chance to reach the FA Cup fifth round by beating National League South side Maidstone at Portman Road.
The Tractor Boys scored a late equaliser at Championship leaders Leicester last time out and they look set for a battle royale with the Foxes, Southampton and Leeds for the two automatic-promotion spots.
Leeds are the only team to have beaten Ipswich on their own patch in the league this term, so it would be a huge shock if Maidstone – fourth in their division but 15 points behind table-topping Yeovil – avoid defeat in Suffolk.
Team news
Ipswich's Massimo Luongo returned to the starting line-up at Leicester after an ankle injury and Sam Morsy is available after suspension.
Defender Cameron Burgess is on international duty with Australia and forward George Hirst (hamstring) is sidelined.
Maidstone forward Sol Wanjau-Smith has been ruled out due to ankle ligament damage and defender Raphe Brown is suspended after being sent off against Slough.
Strikers Matt Rush and Timmy Abraham are cup-tied so Lamar Reynolds could start up front.
The stats
Ipswich have drawn five of their last eight matches, while both teams have scored in nine of Ipswich's last 10 victories at Portman Road.
Five of the Tractor Boys' last six FA Cup ties have produced over 2.5 goals .
Maidstone have lost five of their last six away games in all competitions and have conceded 17 goals in their last six away matches.
There have been goals at both ends in 10 of Maidstone's last 14 league and cup games.
Prediction
Both teams scored in the first 20 minutes of Ipswich's 3-1 FA Cup third-round win at AFC Wimbledon of League Two and Maidstone may be able to land a blow on the home defence.
Ipswich have kept a clean sheet in only one of their last 10 home wins in all competitions and McKenna is likely to shuffle his pack given the gruelling nature of the Championship promotion race.
The Stones beat League Two Barrow and League One Stevenage at home in the previous two rounds, but they can expect a tough afternoon whoever lines up for Ipswich.
Maidstone's defence has struggled on the road in recent weeks. They have lost five of their last seven away games in the league, by 5-2, 3-2, 5-1, 2-1 and 2-1 scorelines, and were also thumped 4-0 at Barnet in the FA Trophy last month.
Those results do not bode well for a trip to Ipswich, who average 2.5 goals per home game in the Championship this season and who came from 2-0 down to beat Premier League Wolves 3-2 in the EFL Cup in September.
A wide-margin home win with both teams scoring is worth a bet so the 4-1 Ipswich victory appeals in the correct-score market.
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