Ipswich are unbeaten in six meeting with Bristol Rovers, winning five of them, most-recently prevailing 2-0 in a League Cup tie last season, with the Pirates winning only one of their 13 visits to Portman Road in the last 67 years.
Ipswich Town vs Bristol Rovers Preview
Will Ipswich Town enjoy a rare FA Cup victory? Since 2011, the Tractor Boys have won only six of 20 FA Cup ties, getting to round four during the last two seasons, having gone no further than the third round for 13 years beforehand, despite entering at this stage on nine occasions during this time-fame. Now a Premier League outfit of course, the Blues will come into this tie full of confidence, following back-to-back results since Christmas that have massively boosted their chances of remaining in the top-flight.
First, Kieran McKenna's team beat Chelsea 2-0 in Suffolk, the club's maiden Premier League home win since 2002, before a 2-2 draw at Fulham last Sunday, leading twice at Craven Cottage through Sammie Szmodics and then Liam Delap, only to heartbreakingly concede a stoppage time penalty in West London. Nevertheless, now Ipswich are only in the bottom three by virtue of goal difference so, before a crucial clash with Brighton on Thursday, will their mini-unbeaten streak continue in this FA Cup tie?
Bristol Rovers meantime were in the same division as Ipswich two seasons ago but, unlike their hosts, have remained an EFL League One outfit, most-recently competing in the second-tier all the way back in 1993. Christmas was a turbulent period for the Pirates, sacking manager Matt Taylor and replacing him with rookie Iñigo Calderón.
The Spaniard lost his first two matches in charge, beaten by Stevenage and Leyton Orient, but it proved to be third time lucky last Saturday, with Luke Thomas' goal enough to down Cambridge United at the Abbey, a result that leaves Bristol Rovers 20th in the third division, one place and five points clear of the drop zone. In FA Cup terms, having dumped out Weston-super-Mare in extra time and then Barnsley via a penalty shootout, the Gas are dreaming of reaching the fourth round for the first time since 2008, getting all the way to the quarter-finals back then, but they'll have to overcome Premier League opposition to continue this cup adventure.
Ipswich Town vs Bristol Rovers Head-to-Head Record
- Matches Played: 45.
- Ipswich Town Wins: 19. Draws: 10. Bristol Rovers Wins: 16.
Ipswich Town Team News
Kieran McKenna is expected to heavily rotate, albeit he is set to be without Axel Tuanzebe, Massimo Luongo, Chiedozie Ogbene, Conor Chaplin, George Hirst and star winger Omari Hutchinson due to injury. Ben Godfrey could make his debut, having arrived on loan from Atalanta, while it'll be interesting to see who's donning the gloves, given that Christian Walton has started the last two Premier League games, with Arijanet Muriç having been dropped. Lastly, Jaden Philogene is poised to arrive from Aston Villa for a reported £20 million, albeit he's unlikely to make his debut just yet.
Ipswich Town predicted lineup vs Bristol Rovers: (4-5-1): Muriç; H Clarke, Burgess, Woolfenden, Townsend; Taylor, Phillips, Burns, J Clarke, Broadhead; Al-Hamadi.
Ipswich Town Player to Watch vs Bristol Rovers
Ali Al-Hamadi has seen opportunities limited this season, largely due to Liam Delap's form, but likely to get a rare start here, can the Iraq international score for the first time since August, when he netted against former club AFC Wimbledon in the EFL Cup?
Ipswich Town vs Bristol Rovers Prediction
We're backing Ipswich to get the job done. The Tractor Boys could be on the wrong end of an upset, just not here, with Bristol Rovers ill-equipped to pull it off: Ipswich Town 2-0 Bristol Rovers.
Ipswich Town vs Bristol Rovers FAQs - FA Cup
How to watch Ipswich Town vs Bristol Rovers FA Cup game on TV channel?
Ipswich Town vs Bristol Rovers FA Cup game will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: This match is not being broadcast live in the UK.
- USA: ESPN+
- Canada: Sportsnet Now Plus
How to watch Ipswich Town vs Bristol Rovers FA Cup game on live streaming?
Ipswich Town vs Bristol Rovers FA Cup game will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: This match is not being broadcast live in the UK.
- USA: ESPN+
- Canada: Sportsnet Now Plus
What is the date and kick-off time for Ipswich Town vs Bristol Rovers in the FA Cup?
Ipswich Town vs Bristol Rovers takes place on Sunday 12 January 2025, with kick off at 15:00 (GMT), 10:00 (EDT) & 7:00 (PST).