Ipswich Town vs Plymouth Argyle has all the makings of a classic match up, with both sides looking to cement their automatic promotion hopes heading into a frantic second half of the season.
Ipswich are looking to build on their impressive thumping of Rotherham in the FA Cup, whilst Argyle are looking to build after replacing some key assets in January.
Both sides will be fired up for this encounter at Portman Road and, if it's anything like the reverse, this fixture should be full of fire.
Ipswich Town vs Plymouth Argyle
Town may be considered one - if not the best - footballing side in the division, but that status will be tested when Plymouth come to Portman Road.
Argyle are 7 points clear at the time of writing and are a certified winning machine, with their 0-0 draw at Bolton in their last league match far from a bad result.
The Pilgrims defeated Town 2-1 in a feisty encounter at Home Park earlier in the season, with Town almost certain to bite back with heavy blows.
Ipswich are hot favourites with the bookies due to their recent trouncing of Rotherham in the FA Cup, with a 4-1 win certain to boost the confidence.
Ipswich Town Team News
Ipswich are buoyed by the arrivals of George Hirst and Nathan Broadhead, with boss Kieran McKenna confirming that both new signings will be in line for their debuts this weekend.
Adding to a relentless front-line, Town will be hoping that these new additions will help them convert chances into more goals.
There are no fresh injury concerns for Kieran McKenna, with a nasty illness now passing through the camp.
Plymouth Argyle Team News
Plymouth may have had star man Morgan Whittaker snatched off of them at the start of the transfer window, but Steve Schumacher's men haven't shown any signs of slowing down.
With Finn Azaz set to return from injury and all of their five new signings set to feature at Portman Road, there's no doubt that the Pilgrims are brimming with confidence.
Captain Joe Edwards will be absent however, with former Town defender James Wilson set to take the armband.
Predicted Lineups
Ipswich will likely spring a few surprises this weekend, with new arrivals offering a totally new dynamic for McKenna's men.
A return to a 3-back formation is likely, with Town almost certain to dominate possession at Portman Road.
Ipswich (3-4-2-1): Walton, Donacien, Woolfenden, Burgess, Morsy, Evans, Davis, Burns, Chaplin, Aluko, Hirst
Plymouth will likely match Town in terms of formation, with the Pilgrims certainly arriving at Portman Road with nothing to lose.
Plymouth (3-4-2-1): Cooper, Scarr, Wilson, Longwijk, Mumba, Houghton, Randell, Earley, Mayor, Wright, Ennis.
Score Prediction
Whilst it may sound stupid to say, the outcome of this game is entirely dependant on the approach Plymouth take.
If Argyle sit back and look to hold, then it will no doubt be a frustrating afternoon for Ipswich.
However, if the table-toppers look to march on then there's no doubt that Ipswich will take the game and most likely get the win.
Plymouth have a number of top talents in their side who can cause plenty of bother for the Ipswich defence, but with nearly 30,000 set to be packed inside Portman Road, it's hard to look past the hosts.
A fiery encounter certainly awaits, but I'm taking Ipswich to get three points and climb back into the automatic promotion spots.
Score Prediction: 2-0
Matt's Hot Take: Sam Morsy and Jay Matete to be booked
Explore new topics and discover content that's right for you!
Sports