The Magpies travel to Portman Road for their first Premier League game against the Tractor Boys since March 2002, aiming for a third successive win in all competitions following wins against Leicester City and Brentford, scoring seven goals in the process.

United, drawn against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup semi-final, are aiming for a second win in their last seven Premier League away games before facing the newly promoted team, who are in 18th place.

Here are some of the manager’s key talking points from Friday morning’s pre-match media briefing at the Newcastle United Media Centre…

On the draw against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup semi-final, with United playing the second leg at St James’ Park:

“I think we were guaranteed a tough game no matter who we played. We’re playing against Arsenal and we’ve had some good games against them in recent years so we’re looking forward to it.”

“I don’t think there’s much in it, but I think (playing at home in the second leg) would have been our preference. Every game against Arsenal, home or away, is difficult. We really had some competitive games and it was really close.

“That’s something we can really look forward to and we’re really excited about these two games. It’s unique that they are so far apart but the focus turns to Ipswich very quickly after the game against Brentford.” ”

On Joelinton, who is suspended for this weekend’s trip to Ipswich and was substituted at half-time in Wednesday’s 3-1 win over Brentford:

“He’s fine. “He’s a bit battered and bruised, with a few stitches in or around his ear that were quite tender.”

“He had a cut on his mouth so being unavailable this weekend is probably a good thing for him because it allows him to rest his bruises and wounds and then hopefully be back to full fitness for next week.”

Ahead of Ipswich still seeking their first Premier League win on home soil:

“There is a very good feeling in the team at the moment. I think we performed very well and I would like to think we can build some momentum.”

“We know it will be a difficult game at Portman Road against Ipswich, a really competitive side and Kieran did an incredible job there.”

“Even the games they lost this season, they were there, so we have to be extremely vigilant.”

On the team celebrating Sandro Tonali’s second goal in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup quarter-final win over Brentford:

“I think anything that makes the player feel special and important in that moment is a great thing. You can tell a lot from how you celebrate a goal. You can see a lot in the harmony and spirit of the group.”

“I love seeing the players celebrate together and seeing the whole team together, sharing that moment with whoever scores or assists.”

“You need that feeling and connection between the players and whoever is receiving the applause at that moment. You do it together and try to develop each other further. It’s such an important part of the team’s identity.”

On the relationship between Bruno Guimarães and Tonali:

“They were friends off the field from a very early age. It’s not just about these two players to create a working midfield dynamic. We play with three midfielders most of the time, so the third has to work too.”

“I think it’s something that will never stop, having to try to find solutions from my side, whether it’s Sandro and Bruno or other areas of the team with certain players and finding the right chemistry.”

“It happens in the space between our midfield and it has looked really good in the last few weeks. The relationship building comes through the games, but of course we didn’t have Sandro in that regard for that long, so it was difficult to build those relationships.”

On the legacy of Sir Bobby Robson, who led both sides:

“It is not lost on me the relationship Sir Bobby Robson had with Ipswich. It surprises me how long he was a manager there (13 years).”

“He has a stand there named after him and to have that relationship with two clubs is very special and shows what kind of man and manager he was. I am aware of that connection and we want to try to make his legacy proud.”