PREMIER LEAGUE hopefuls Ipswich Town take a break from trying to reach English football's promised land when they have what looks like a penalty kick of an FA Cup tie against non-league Maidstone United.
Ipswich will go into this on a high after a last minute goal from Jeremy Sarmiento gave them what could be a precious point on Monday night at Championship leaders Leicester City.
It was the national cup competition that sparked the Tractor Boys back to life after a ropey period where they went five games without a win over a miserable festive period.
They won at AFC Wimbledon and followed that up with a victory at Sunderland before the draw at the King Power Stadium.
So next up is National League South outfit Maidstone, who are the lowest-ranked team left in the competition being in the sixth tier. The Kent club were briefly in the Football League for three years from 1989 before going out of business.
But they've battled back and, managed by former Wolves defender, George Elokobi, they sold out their allocation of 4,480 in less than two hours.
They warmed up for their trip to Suffolk with a 1-1 against Braintree and currently sit in fourth place in their league.
How the bookies view it
Ipswich Town are as short as 1/20 in places although they can be backed at 1/9 with bet365.
Maidstone United are 22/1 with 10bet and the draw is 9/1 with Coral.
Recent head to heads
The clubs have never met before.
Players to watch
Conor Chaplin has been a crucial player for Ipswich this season and has chipped in with nine league goals including against Sunderland the other week. However, he is 8/11 to score on Saturday lunchtime with bet365.
Sam Corne was the hero for Maidstone when he scored the only goal of the game in a 1-0 win against Stevenage in the last round. He takes the penalties and is 9/1 to score at Portman Road with bet365.
Anything else catch the eye?
There's a gap of 93 league spaces between the two clubs.and it may show on Saturday despite Maidstone's best efforts.
They have beaten Stevenage and Barrow from the Football League to get this far as well as minnows Chesham, but this looks like a step too far.
And it really should be a case of how many for Ipswich.
Maidstone shipped nine goals in two games last month at Barnet and Worthing and you have to fancy the hosts to cover a handicap of two goals at 5/6 with Paddy Power.
The same firm offers 7/5 on over 4.5 goals and an Ipswich win. There's been plenty of times the so-called lesser sides have managed to contribute to the scoreline, so let's go for that too.
This FA Cup match between Ipswich Town and Maidstone United will be played on Jan 27, 2024 and kick off at 12:30. Check below for our tipsters best Ipswich Town vs Maidstone United prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.