Alan Shearer and Chris Sutton disagree over 'very hard' Ipswich v Everton prediction for tomorrow

Ipswich Town and Everton are set to lock horns in the Premier League on Saturday, with both sides desperate to pull away from the danger zone.

The Tractor Boys currently sit 17th in the Premier League table and, though they’ve drawn four games this season, they’re yet to get a league win on board.

Meanwhile, the Toffees are just a point and a place ahead of Ipswich, though they’ve steadied the ship of late with two draws and a win.

Alan Shearer and Chris Sutton, two pundits who regularly predict the Premier League’s upcoming fixtures, have had their say on the Ipswich v Everton clash.

They disagree over the result, with one pundit backing Kieran McKenna’s side to win and the other saying he thinks Sean Dyche’s side will triumph.

Alan Shearer backs Everton to win while Chris Sutton tips Ipswich to triumph

Shearer, writing on Metro, believes Everton’s set-piece prowess could make the difference in terms of the final score at Portman Road, and has backed the visitors to win.

“This is already a huge game for both clubs in terms of where they will want to be at the end of the season,” said the former Newcastle United striker.

“Both managers will be thinking this is a real opportunity to get some points on the board.

“I’m not sure if we’ll see a load of goals in this one, so I’m going to go for an away win for Everton, because I think they’ll be dangerous from set pieces, which could be the difference on the day.”

Meanwhile, Sutton – writing on BBC Sport – believes Ipswich will finally get their first win of the season on board, backing the hosts to run out 2-1 winners.

“This one is very hard to call,” said Sutton. “Ipswich are still winless but, performance-wise, they might still be strangely happy because they have shown they can compete in the Premier League.

“Everton have some reasons to be cheerful too. They are only a point and a place above Ipswich in the table but their results have picked up recently, and they are unbeaten in three league games now.

“So, I have been scratching my head here about what to go for… and I am going to go against all my instincts and say Ipswich are going to get their first win of the season.

“Kieran McKenna’s side deserve a break, and maybe they will get it here.”

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Ipswich v Everton team news

Ipswich defender Axel Tuanzebe is likely to be out for several months after sustaining a deep cut to his thumb while washing dishes.

Dara O’Shea is set to undergo a late fitness test, with his back problem assessed closer to kick-off.

Meanwhile, Ali Al-Hamadi is available despite an ongoing groin issue, while Massimo Luongo and Jens Cajuste are both out.

Everton pair James Garner is out with a back problem, while Tim Iroegbunam has a foot issue that also makes him unavailable.

Vitalii Mykolenko and Seamus Coleman are set to return, while Jarrad Branthwaite is nursing a muscle strain and will undergo a late fitness term.