2022-23 FA Cup: First Round – Bracknell Town vs Ipswich Town

Bracknell Town welcome Ipswich Town to Bottom Meadow in concluding First Round tie of 2022-23 FA Cup.

Victory would see Bracknell qualify for the Second Round for the first time in their history, whilst Ipswich are looking to advance beyond this stage for the third time in four seasons since they were relegated to League One in summer 2019.

 

Team News

Bracknell will be without Liam Ferdinand, Elliot Legg and Sean Fraser due to unspecified injuries.

Joe Grant could feature for The Robins after enjoying a strong return from a serious knee injury.

Ipswich could welcome Panutche Camara into contention as he continues his recovery from a groin injury, with the club managing Camara’s game time to prevent any setbacks.

Gassan Ahadme (foot), Sone Aluko, Lee Evans (both knee), and Greg Leigh (leg) remain absent.

 

Stat Attack

• This is Bracknell Town’s first-ever meeting against Ipswich Town in all competitions.
• Ipswich are visiting Bottom Meadow for the first time across all competitions.
• Bracknell are looking to advance to the Second Round of FA Cup for the first time in their history, having previously lost at this stage in 2000-01 season 4-0 at Lincoln City.
• Ipswich are looking to avoid a second First Round exit in two of last three seasons.

 

Prediction

Despite coming into this game as underdogs, Bracknell definitely can’t be underestimated with just two defeats in 20 games this season and 56 goals to boot, which is something that they need to ensure is on fine form if they’re to have a chance here.

Jordan Esprit in particular will be a player that Ipswich’s defence will have to be wary of given his form this season, yet Bracknell do have plenty of other players who have proven to be a threat meaning that the Non-League club are in a positive position to spring a shock.

Ipswich meanwhile have kept just one clean sheet in their last six matches but despite their defensive leaks, they still have proven dangerous across the pitch like Bracknell have been which actually excites me because it means that we could be in for a tough entertaining contest.

Tactics therefore will be crucial and fitness will also likely play a part in the closing stages once Bracknell’s energy levels begin to drop, of which will play into Ipswich’s hands but the buoyant home crowd should produce an electric spirit to potentially snatch a replay.

Prediction: Bracknell Town 1-1 Ipswich Town

Result: Bracknell Town 0-3 Ipswich Town