Leicester City and Leeds United sent Ipswich warning ahead of big festive fixtures
Leicester City and Leeds United have been warned that Ipswich will go into a double-header over Christmas with no fear. The Tractor Boys are currently second in the league, three points behind City[1] at the top of the table. They could give their automatic promotion hopes a real boost over Christmas with back-to-back games against third-placed Leeds and then City.
Ipswich travel to Elland Road in Saturday's early kick-off, a game which City fans are likely to be keeping a close eye on ahead of the clash against Rotherham. There are currently 10 points between Ipswich in second and Leeds in third.
After the game against Leeds, Ipswich host City at Portman Road on Boxing Day (7.45pm kick-off).
It's a clash that could be pivotal in deciding where the Championship[4] title ends up at the end of the season. Ahead of the two big games, Sky Sports pundit Andy Hinchcliffe sent a warning to both City and Leeds on how Ipswich will approach the games. The former defender also predicted where the title will end up at the end of the season.
"To me, they [Ipswich] proved what ability they have in the games they have played so far," he told Sky Sports. "They've got nothing to prove in those games with Leeds and Leicester. "I do think the Leeds game is more important because Leicester will probably run away with the title. It's about keeping Leeds a fair number of points behind them.
"I'm going to Elland Road on Saturday and I can't wait for it. It'll be a very exciting game with both sides going for it. But Ipswich, if they were to win or even lose both of them, it would not change my view of them.
"They've followed on from how they played in League One so Leeds and Leicester will be worried about playing Ipswich. Just because they drew with Norwich, there won't be any fear from them." Monday's win over Birmingham City almost guarantees that City will be top of the Championship on Christmas Day.
They are three points ahead of Ipswich with a nine-goal swing needed for the Tractor Boys to overtake them ahead of the Boxing Day meeting.
What are your thoughts on Ipswich's season so far?
Tell us in the comments section[5]
References
- ^ City (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
- ^ Tom Cannon transfer verdict delivered amid Leicester City 'priority' (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
- ^ Leicester City set to lose more players than Leeds, Ipswich, and Southampton combined next month (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
- ^ Championship (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
- ^ comments section (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)