Oxford vs Ipswich Prediction: Tractor Boys set to continue surge

Ipswich Town are looking like the team we expected to see at the start of the season. They were pre-season title favourites but after a slow start have ground to make up on early pace-setters Coventry. 

Ipswich will look to continue their six-game unbeaten run as they travel to Oxford United on Friday night (20:00, Sky Sports Main Event). 

Team News

Oxford United are likely to be without captain Cameron Brannagan again after he pulled his calf against Middlesbrough, with Matt Phillips and Brodie Spencer also still out. Filip Krastev will be  hoping to get a rare start after his 95th-minute equaliser at Carrow Road, while Will Lankshear may come back in to lead the line ahead of Mark Harris. 

Kieran McKenna has a settled goalkeeper and back four, but decisions still need to be made ahead of the defence. Jens Cajuste and Azor Matusiwa look to be the best midfield duo while Ipswich are a better team with Marcelino Nunez playing in the number 10 role behind George Hirst. 

Given Nunez scored at Hull he should keep his place, while Kasey McAteer and Jack Clarke started out wide with Jaden Philogene and Sindre Walle Egeli coming off the bench. Both wingers could change as McKenna looks to keep things fresh. 

Football Odds

Today's Football Fixtures

Oxford vs Ipswich Odds

Oxford are priced at 5/1 to win this game, while Ipswich are 8/13 to take the three points. That gives the Tractor Boys an implied win probability of 63% while a draw is priced at 3/1.

There are several Price Boosts and Bet Builders you can find on the link above, while Hirst is 4/1 to open the scoring. 

Ipswich to win @ 8/13

It’s not a sexy price but it is an obvious pick for this clash between a promotion contender and a relegation candidate. I love Gary Rowett but his squad simply lacks quality in key areas and now Sheffield United have picked up slightly, they are in the bottom three. It is difficult to see how they are going to escape the drop this season if Norwich also improve, while they are winless in their last five. 

Ipswich are flying right now and their squad is exceptional. This run of fixtures up to Christmas could see them make a surge into the top two, and I think they will find some serious momentum before the new year. 

Price Boost - Jadon Philogene to score and assist a goal @ 16/1

I think Philogene is one of the best wingers in the league, and when he is on form, he is impossible to stop. He’s scored six goals this season in 15 Championship appearances but interestingly, he has only registered one assist. 

I think Ipswich could tear Oxford apart in this game, and if they can score four or give goals, I think this Price Boost offers huge value. Philogene can be so influential, let’s just hope he can get a goal and assist on Friday night.

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