Wrexham vs Ipswich Prediction: Tractor Boys can profit from the scheduling

Two teams aiming for promotion from the Championship this season lock horns in the FA Cup fourth round as Wrexham host Ipswich Town at the Racecourse Ground on Friday (19:45 GMT, BBC iPlayer). The two teams played out a 0-0 draw at Portman Road in their Championship meeting back in November.

Below you will find my Wrexham vs Ipswich predictions, aided by the latest match odds and team news.

Team News

In Wrexham's defeat to Millwall last time out, they suffered a double injury blow as Matty James and Liberato Cacace were both forced off during the game.

Boss Phil Parkinson gave an update after the game. He said: "Matty went in for a challenge and he felt he'd broken his toe so we brought him off," Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson said.

"It doesn't look too good but we can just hope that it's not as bad as we fear.

"Libby [Cacace], I haven't spoken to our medical team yet about that but he felt a pain behind his knee and obviously that disruption is never ideal."

Zak Vyner (ankle), Lewis Brunt (thigh) and Aaron James (knee) are also in the treatment room for the Red Dragons.

Football Odds

Conor Townsend remains sidelined for Ipswich because of a cruciate ligament injury. Ashley Young (muscle), Marcelino Nunez (ankle) and Jaden Philogene (knee) are also out of action for the visitors.

Today's Football Fixtures

Wrexham vs Ipswich Odds

Wrexham have won two of their last three matches and they are 12/5 to prevail in regulation time, while 11/8 to win the tie.

If you think these teams won't be separated after 90 minutes for the second time this term, the draw can be backed at 11/5.

Ipswich have six wins from eight games in all competitions heading into Friday. They are 1/1 to win in normal time and 8/15 to claim the tie.

Wrexham's previous two outings, like their stalemate with Ipswich, have produced under 2.5 goals - which is available at 4/5.

Match Result - Ipswich @ 1/1

After winning at Derby County in the Championship last weekend, Ipswich will look to continue building momentum in this cup clash. It is an interesting tie because this exact same fixture is played here in the second tier next weekend, so this gives both teams a chance to size one another up before an even more important meeting.

Both sides are on the hunt for promotion this season and so there may be some rotation on Friday. Wrexham have a game against Bristol City in between their two tussles with Ipswich, while the Tractor Boys have a week to prepare for round two.

Kieran McKenna can afford to go quite strong here, whereas Phil Parkinson might be a bit more reserved. On this basis, I think Ipswich are a good price to win the game inside 90 minutes, as well as the fact that they have won six of their past eight fixtures in all competitions.

Both Teams To Score & Total Goals Over/Under 2.5 - Yes & Over @ 13/10

The Racecourse has played host to many entertaining games this season and I think Friday will be no exception. Both Wrexham and Ipswich have been impressive in the Championship as both of them bid aim to be in the Premier League next season.

They both have plenty of quality in attacking areas, and I think this can lead to a goal-fest in North Wales, the opposite of what we saw at Portman Road earlier in the campaign.

Both teams to score - Yes and over 2.5 goals appeals to me because it has been winning selection in five of the hosts' past seven outings in LL11 across all competitions.

This has also been a successful bet in each of Ipswich's last two away trips and I am predicting this trend to continue when they face the Red Dragons.

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