Preston North End vs Ipswich Town Prediction: Ipswich's new year has been worryful

Preston North End will welcome Ipswich Town at Deepdale Stadium in Game Week 30 of the English Championship. Ipswich did not start the year like they would have hoped for. Who will come out on top after 90 minutes?

Preston finds themselves in 12th place and must make improvements if they want to have a chance in the remaining 17 matches of the season. With only four wins in their last 15 games, Ryan Lowe's side is currently five points away from the top six. Although three of their wins have come at home, Preston has earned a total of 23 points from 14 games at Deepdale. In their most recent match, Preston drew 1-1 against Millwall, earning them seven points from their last six league games. Lowe is aware that improvements are necessary if he wants to remain in his position as the season progresses.Assuming there are no further injury concerns, it is likely that Lowe will stick with the same Preston lineup that played against Millwall. However, there is a possibility of Robbie Brady returning to the left flank or Alan Browne making a comeback in midfield.

Woodman; Storey, Lindsay, Hughes; Potts, Frokjaer-Jensen, Whiteman, Ledson, Millar; Riis, Keane

Despite Ipswich's recent drop in form, Kieran McKenna was satisfied with his team's progress leading up to their FA Cup match against Maidstone United last weekend. However, the team's unexpected 2-1 defeat at home to the National League South side raises concerns about their ability to compete in the Championship. Maidstone had luck on their side, as Ipswich only managed to score one goal out of 38 attempts. This loss adds to Ipswich's recent struggles, as they have only won two out of their last nine games in all competitions. 

With just one win in their last seven Championship matches, Ipswich currently sits two points ahead of Leeds United, who can overtake them with a win against Bristol City. McKenna will want his players to focus on their own performances, especially considering their lack of success in away games since December 12. 

After making several changes in the Maidstone match, McKenna is expected to return to a lineup similar to the one that drew 1-1 with Leicester. Sam Morsy will feature in the Ipswich midfield after completing a two-game suspension, and Jeremy Sarmiento may be included in the attack after scoring in back-to-back games.

Hladky; Clarke, Woolfenden, Edmundson, Davis; Morsy, Luongo; Burns, Chaplin, Sarmiento; Jackson

Knowing that Ipswich is currently vulnerable, Preston recognizes the opportunity to reenter the playoff race. However, considering Ipswich's recent lineup changes, it would not be surprising if they respond with a hard-fought victory.