Ipswich Town is on a tightrope, and their matchup with Newcastle United on Saturday at St. James' Park could be the end of it.
Since West Ham is also playing and has a big 15-point lead over the 21-point Tractor Boys, the door to relegation could still open even if they pull a rabbit out of the hat and upset Newcastle United. Kieran McKenna's team has run out of lifelines with just five games remaining on the schedule.
Meanwhile, Newcastle are seeking to rebound back after getting their wings clipped at Villa Park. Weariness and a lack of rotation caused the Magpies, who had been playing well, to collapse badly in the second half.
Now that they are back at home, Eddie Howe's team will be fighting to keep the ship afloat and rekindle their hopes of finishing in the top five against a desperate Ipswich team that has everything to lose.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times and the latest lineup news.
Newcastle vs. Ipswich live stream, TV channel
Here's how to watch this Premier League match in Canada:
TV channel: —
Live stream: Fubo
This game is not available for live TV broadcast in Canada. Streaming options are available on Fubo.
Sports fans can enjoy Fubo’s 79-channel lineup, unlimited Cloud DVR and more for as little as $19.25/month.
What time does Newcastle vs. Ipswich kick off?
This Premier League clash takes place at the St. James' Park in Newcastle upon Tyne, England and kicks off on Saturday, April 26 at 3:00 p.m. local time.
Here's how that time translates across Canada:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| Atlantic Time | Sat, Apr. 26 | 11:00 a.m. |
| Eastern Time | Sat, Apr. 26 | 10:00 a.m. |
| Central Time | Sat, Apr. 26 | 9:00 a.m. |
| Mountain Time | Sat, Apr. 26 | 8:00 a.m. |
| Pacific Time | Sat, Apr. 26 | 7:00 a.m. |
Newcastle vs. Ipswich predicted lineups, team news
Fabian Schär’s late equalizer at Villa Park was one of the few bright spots in an otherwise frustrating afternoon for Newcastle — but it came at a price. The Swiss defender hobbled off with a hamstring niggle just before the final whistle. While assistant boss Jason Tindall tried to ease nerves by calling it a precautionary move, alarm bells are still ringing.
Schär’s absence from midweek training snaps didn’t go unnoticed and suggests he’s a major doubt for the weekend clash with Ipswich. It’s the worst possible timing, too, with both Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles still sidelined with knee problems. The Magpies' defensive options are looking thinner than a pancake on Shrove Tuesday.
All signs now point to Emil Krafth being thrown into the fire as a makeshift center-back. On the other end of the pitch, Alexander Isak will be licking his chops — the Swedish striker boasts a jaw-dropping record of 15 goals in just 14 matches against newly-promoted sides. If history repeats itself, he might just be Newcastle’s not-so-secret weapon once again.
Newcastle United predicted XI (4-3-3): Pope (GK) — Trippier, Krafth, Burn, Livramento — Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton — Murphy, Isak, Barnes.
Injured: Sven Botman, Jamaal Lascelles.
Suspended: None.
While Newcastle are crossing their fingers over Fabian Schär, Ipswich already know they’ll be down a man at the back — Leif Davis begins a three-game suspension after seeing red last weekend, pushing Kieran McKenna’s injury list dangerously close to double digits.
Davis’s absence is a real headache, especially with Conor Townsend nursing a thigh strain of his own. That could force Cameron Burgess into left-back duty at St. James’ Park — not exactly his comfort zone — while Ben Godfrey is another emergency option if needed.
As for the rest of the squad, the Tractor Boys’ treatment room is bursting at the seams. Jaden Philogene (knee), Arijanet Muric (shoulder), Wes Burns (knee), Chiedozie Ogbene (Achilles), Sammie Szmodics (ankle), Omari Hutchinson (thigh), Kalvin Phillips (calf), and Nathan Broadhead (thigh) are all stuck on the sidelines. At this point, McKenna might need a roll call just to see who’s still standing.
Ipswich Town predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Palmer (GK) — Tuanzebe, O'Shea, Greaves, Burgess — Morsy, Cajuste — Johnson, Enciso, Clarke — Delap.
Injured: Conor Townsend, Jaden Philogene, Arijanet Muric, Wes Burns, Chiedozie Ogbene, Sammie Szmodics, Omari Hutchinson, Kalvin Phillips, Nathan Broadhead.
Suspended: Leif Davis.
Premier League fixture schedule this week
All times in ET
Wednesday, April 23
- Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace (3:00 p.m.)
Saturday, April 26
- Chelsea vs. Everton (7:30 a.m.)
- Brighton & Hove Albion vs. West Ham United (10:00 a.m.)
- Newcastle United vs. Ipswich Town (10:00 a.m.)
- Southampton vs. Fulham (10:00 a.m.)
- Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Leicester City (10:00 a.m.)
Sunday, April 27
- AFC Bournemouth vs. Manchester United (9:00 a.m.)
- Liverpool vs. Tottenham Hotspur (11:30 a.m.)