Nottingham Forest vs Ipswich predictions: Tricky Trees to stand tall
&w=707&quality=100)
- Nottingham Forest sit third in the Premier League table
- Ipswich remain in the bottom three after 27 matches
- Recommended bet: Nottingham Forest to win to nil
Nottingham Forest will hope to continue their fine season when they host Ipswich in the fifth round of the FA Cup on Monday evening at the City Ground.
Nuno Espirito Santo's side are enjoying an incredible campaign and remain third in the Premier League despite a recent dip in form.
The Tricky Trees are 15 places higher than Ipswich, with the Tractor Boys sitting 18th with only 11 games remaining in the top flight.
While Monday's game will be a welcomed distraction for both clubs, Forest will harbour hopes of going all the way in the competition this season.
Team news
While Santo deserves tremendous credit for his man-management and tactics, Forest have benefitted from a lack of injuries this season.
Only Forest goalkeeper Carlos Miguel is expected to miss the encounter, with Santo set to rotate some members of his team to keep competition healthy throughout his squad.
Ipswich coach Kieran McKenna has a few issues to contend with as Wes Burns has been ruled out for the season, while Christian Walton and Chiedozie Ogbene are also set to miss out.
Conor Chaplin, Sam Morsy and Sammie Szmodics have all recently returned from injury and will hope to start to regain some fitness.
The stats
&w=707&quality=100)
Forest have already beaten Luton and Exeter to reach the fifth round, while Ipswich proved too much for Wimbledon and Coventry.
Santo's side have the fifth-best home record in the Premier League, while Ipswich have struggled on the road all season.
The Tractor Boys have only won two of their 13 top-flight games away from Portman Road so far under McKenna.
Forest and Ipswich last met in November, with Santo's men winning 1-0 at the City Ground.
Prediction
Forest have every chance of reaching the FA Cup quarter-finals for only the second time this century.
Ipswich have only won only three away games this season, with only one of these since the turn of the year, and that came against Championship outfit Coventry.
Although the Tractor Boys have scored in five consecutive away games, McKenna is unlikely to field his strongest XI as he prioritises survival in the Premier League.
Forest have kept seven clean sheets in their last 11 home games in all competitions, which includes blanking Tottenham, Brighton and Arsenal.
They have already proven they know what it takes to record a shutout win against Ipswich this season, having done so in November, and Monday's clash should be a straightforward contest for the hosts.
Win up to £250,000 with LiveScore 6!
Win up to £250,000 with our free-to-play game, LiveScore 6!
