Having won just one of their last seven matches in the Championship, it is fair to say that Kieran McKenna could have been happier with Ipswich’s recent form.
However, as well as the only defeat coming at Leeds United, two draws have been posted against Leicester City, both equalisers for Ipswich coming in the closing minutes.
The reverse fixture took place at the King Power Stadium on Monday, Jeremy Sarmiento netting the leveller to extend Ipswich’s unbeaten streak to five games in the second tier.
As a result of the four draws, though, the Tractor Boys are now just two points ahead of fourth, and a change of competition may benefit them after their efforts in the East Midlands earlier this week.
Ipswich booked their place in the last 32 with a 3-1 victory away at AFC Wimbledon at the start of the month, with McKenna’s side now bidding to progress through to the fifth round for the second campaign in a row.
McKenna is able to call upon midfielder Sam Morsy who has just completed a two-match ban.
However, while the club captain should return, McKenna will likely rotate with squad members elsewhere, with Sarmiento getting a start on the left.
Christian Walton, Axel Tuanzebe, Omari Hutchinson and Nathan Broadhead are also expected to take their places in the Ipswich XI.
Meanwhile, new signing Manny Doku may be handed his first start for Maidstone given the current striker shortage at the sixth-tier club.
Bivesh Gurung was suspended for the third-round win over Stevenage, but he is line to take his place in central midfield.
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Ipswich Town possible starting lineup:
Walton; Tuanzebe, Woolfenden, Ball, Humphreys; Morsy, Taylor; Hutchinson, Broadhead, Sarmiento; Aluko
Maidstone United possible starting lineup:
Lucas; Hoyte, Appiah, Fowler, Kyprianou, Ezennolim; Corne, Gurung; Sole; Doku, Reynolds
