Bitesize Prediction: Ipswich vs Bristol Rovers – 09/08/23

Competition: EFL Cup

Market: Ipswich win

Odds: 8/15 @ 1xBet

Looking to extend on their EFL Cup adventure on Wednesday night, Ipswich will welcome Bristol Rovers to Portman Road in midweek.

Starting with the hosts, marking their Championship return with what was a stellar performance on the road last weekend, Ipswich are certainly riding what has been a remarkable wave of momentum. Eventually snatching a 2-1 victory away at Sunderland and continuing to gain a string of plaudits, the Blues suddenly have their sights set on mounting another genuine promotion charge this time around. With the mood around Portman Road at the highest it has been in recent memory, Kieran McKenna’s men will be confident of making another statement in midweek when they open their EFL Cup adventure here. Breezing their way to an automatic second-tier return last season, a huge part of Ipswich’s success has come thanks to their extended performances on home soil. In fact, including a stunning 1-0 pre-season friendly victory against German giants RB Leipzig last month, it should be highlighted that the one-time Manchester United coach has not seen his high-flying squad suffer a single defeat at Portman Road from any of their last 20 straight contests in front of their own supporters across all competitions – a run that stems all the way back to November 22nd.

As for the visitors, while Bristol Rovers might have cruised their way to League One safety last season, Joey Barton’s men are seeking some stability this time around. Opening the 2023/24 campaign with a rugged 1-1 stalemate away at promotion contenders Portsmouth over the weekend, the Pirates will be desperate to spring a real upset here. Failing to win any of their final six third-tier battles last season, the midweek guests also gained a reputation for their extended issues on the road. Knowing that they face a monumental challenge when they open their EFL Cup adventure in midweek, Barton’s men should be worried by a nightmare record against the Championship high-flyers. Including a 2-0 loss when they travelled to Portman Road for a League One showdown last season, it should be noted that the one-time Fleetwood boss has seen his side muster just a single point from their last five straight meetings against Ipswich. Likewise, failing to claim a single win at Portman Road since December 2019, we are expecting a home victory here.

Bet: Ipswich 8/15 to beat Bristol Rovers in Wednesday’s EFL Cup showdown @ 1xBet