Ipswich Town host Everton in the Premier League on Saturday as both sides look to take a step further away from the relegation zone. It’s 16th vs 17th at Portman Road and an early battle between two teams who are likely to be battling near the bottom of the table at the end of the season. The Tractor Boys are coming off the back of a disappointing 4-1 defeat against West Ham United, while Everton drew 0-0 at home to Newcastle United last time out.
It’s the first meeting between the two sides in any competition since 2002, a game where Ipswich came away with a 2-1 win at Goodison Park. The last time Ipswich and Everton went head-to-head at Portman Road, the sides couldn’t be separated as they drew 0-0
Kieran Mckenna will be forced to deal with a host of injury problems ahead of the important clash with Everton. Axel Tuanzebe is set to miss the game after McKenna confirmed that he suffered a hand injury that required surgery, suggesting that he could be out for months rather than weeks.
The Ipswich boss also confirmed that he expected Jens-Lys Cajuste to be back after the international break after picking up a knee problem. The loss of Tuanzebe will be a significant blow for the Tractor Boys after already starting six Premier League games this season.
With Branthwaite returning to training this week, it would be no surprise to see the England international return straight to the starting XI. Everton’s only win of the campaign came when Branthwaite made his only start against Crystal Palace, so if he’s fully recovered then he’s likely to partner James Tarkowski in defence.
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