Sticking it to Mick – Ipswich Preview

Mick McCarthy starts his reign at the Tractor Boys with a trip to St Andrews to take on Blues who are on a high after beating Leeds United last weekend. Will the new manager be able to breathe new life into Ipswich Town or will Blues be able to continue their revival?

Ipswich Town

Ipswich sit bottom of the Championship table with just seven points, having won one game all season. That win came in their second league game of the season and the eleven games that have followed it have yielded just three points. Ipswich are the lowest goalscorers away from home with just four and have conceded more goals than anyone else in the division.

With McCarthy having presided over just two training sessions he’s been reliant on information from the coaching staff that preceded him. He is likely to continue with on-loan keeper Stephen Henderson and Carlos Edwards, who used to play under Mick at Wolves and now skippers the Tractor Boys is likely to continue at right-back. There is a chance of a recall from former Blues player Guirane N’Daw in midfield and DJ Campbell may well be in the team up front on his old patch. Ritchie Wellens is a doubt after a bout of tonsilitis in the week although an outburst after the defeat to Sheffield Wednesday isn’t going to win him any favours; Nathan Ellington has also suffered from illness and may well not play.

Blues

Lee Clark has welcomed back Peter Lovenkrands to training and with Nikola Zigic returning from suspension has nearly a full complement to choose from. As James Hurst has now returned to WBA Blues have a choice between sticking with Paul Robinson in the right-back slot or bringing back Jonathan Spector; otherwise I can’t see the team changing significantly due to what was by many accounts a great performance up at Elland Road.

I really, really want to predict us a win but I’m scared of being a Jonah so I’m not going to. The fact is we’re playing a team that hasn’t won in eleven, can’t score, can’t stop conceding and we’re at home. This is the kind of game Blues are going to have to win – and win comfortably in performance if not goals – if they are to convince the fans that they are on the rise.

Tags: Ipswich Town, Jonathan Spector, Nikola Zigic, Paul Robinson, Peter Lovenkrands

tc says:

November 3, 2012 at 12:46 am

if we can’t get 6 points from the next 2 home games then we really are a poor side.I went to leeds and a great result but not a great performance.We looked the better team first half without much effort because i couldn’t believe how awful leeds are.Saying that though we created the better chances and a few better decisions by some players and we would have won comfortably.Good news on the kids for a quid and lets hope for a better crowd because the tractor boys wont bring 500.

Letsby Avenue says:

November 3, 2012 at 4:55 am

MM has had 2 training sessions with Ipswich.
And an unfortunate Press Conference where he praised the fans (naturally) and his employer (obviously)…but

“”What it hasn’t got at the moment is a particularly good team.” (ooops)

Thing is, will that ignite the players to show their skills and ability, or is Wellens right? That too many are not bothered and are just picking up wages?

MM says that he needs 2 weeks before he gives the owner (Evans) a shopping list – also not a very diplomatic thing to say in public, but that’s McCarthy. :-)

I we just turn up and still do ‘average’, we can win I think.

If we are really developing and getting things in synch…we could really win.

Because until MM has his own lower-waged hungry players, I don’t think he has had the time to impress the players.

Here’s hoping anyway.

andy says:

November 3, 2012 at 7:19 am

Well lets hope the half time team talk at Millwall has seen Blues turn the corner. Its time now to give the St Andrews crowd, what there is of it, some home wins!

Paul Carter - The Voice Of Reason says:

November 3, 2012 at 7:34 am

On the basis of what I saw at Milwall 2nd half and at Elland Rd I’m expecting a win.

Al do you go to away games? Are you in the George with Dave today?

almajir says:

November 3, 2012 at 9:23 am

I do when I get chance – which isn’t that often unfortunately.

I won’t be in the George, no. I have to be at the ground for 11:45am this morning

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- Paul Carter - The Voice Of Reason says:
  
  November 3, 2012 at 9:58 am
  
  I could have given you a free lift to the last two as I went on my own in the company motor.
  
  How will I know who the trust members are in the George mate, I’d love to have a chat with them.
  
  Log in to Reply

Tana says:

November 3, 2012 at 8:15 am

Hi tc….Yes I agree…I too was at Leeds and surprised how poor Leeds were in the first half and we did not take advantage by scoring at least one goal…therefore the next two games will I believe will put down a marker for the rest of our season…KRO….

Bluenosesol says:

November 3, 2012 at 10:05 am

I was one who expressed concern at LC’s lack of articulation and motivation. I have to admit that although I am not an LC convert at this stage, I must give him credit for his recent media contributions. He has also constantly praised the club and its profile along with the brilliant fans, who understandably to some extent, do not deserve such praise. (By fans, I mean the total and largely absent fan base, not the ones who have stuck with the club this season).
As for today’s game, well on paper we should win at a canter, but I am fearful because we do very well in our difficult games (Brighton, Cardiff, Leeds, Leicester) and struggle in our “easy” games.
So I expect to win 4-0, but i wont be dumbfounded of we lose 4-0!