Premier League - Ipswich Town vs Crystal Palace Preview & Matchday Thread

[hallamblue]

I totally get what is being said about the players and I accept that. What some of my concerns are is how we are utilising said players, pretty much everyone on here has said they want Hutchinson wide right and not in the central role but again Tuesday he's put back there with a natural number 10 who scores goals sitting on the bench, so surely you all concede that's one mistake you don't agree with McKenna about.

Ben Johnson, premier league experience, looked excellent at Spurs, good enough for the bench but not to get the nod ahead of Harry Clarke who most give a hard time to, that has to be another thing most disagree with McKenna over.

Cameron Burgess, MOTM last time and not in the squad, no mention of an injury but surely with a returning Jacob Greaves being a tad risky you put a CB on the bench ?

The Three at the back worked well at Spurs and yes we won !!!!! Shock horror, so we revert back to the tried and tested 4-2-3-1 which wasn't good enough to beat Southampton, Everton, West Ham, Leicester and Palace, all struggling sides.

The point is we need to vary things up a bit, play form players in their natural positions, change things when it is clear we are struggling, I mean was I the only person who could see after about 30 minutes against Palace they often had 4 or 5 in Midfield outnumbering Morsy and Cajuste? People around me could see it too.

It was also obvious Delap needed support and help, he looked shot to bits on the hour mark, we bloody need him fit at least until the end of December and beyond. I just think there is a element of stubbornness and predictability about us. Fourteen games is a fairly long benchmark to ascertain that all isn't going to plan.

I accept we have inferior players to most and as such have done pretty well but we just seem to make it even harder for ourselves than it sometimes needs to be.

WORD!

[ITFC2024]

I totally get what is being said about the players and I accept that. What some of my concerns are is how we are utilising said players, pretty much everyone on here has said they want Hutchinson wide right and not in the central role but again Tuesday he's put back there with a natural number 10 who scores goals sitting on the bench, so surely you all concede that's one mistake you don't agree with McKenna about.

Ben Johnson, premier league experience, looked excellent at Spurs, good enough for the bench but not to get the nod ahead of Harry Clarke who most give a hard time to, that has to be another thing most disagree with McKenna over.

Cameron Burgess, MOTM last time and not in the squad, no mention of an injury but surely with a returning Jacob Greaves being a tad risky you put a CB on the bench ?

The Three at the back worked well at Spurs and yes we won !!!!! Shock horror, so we revert back to the tried and tested 4-2-3-1 which wasn't good enough to beat Southampton, Everton, West Ham, Leicester and Palace, all struggling sides.

The point is we need to vary things up a bit, play form players in their natural positions, change things when it is clear we are struggling, I mean was I the only person who could see after about 30 minutes against Palace they often had 4 or 5 in Midfield outnumbering Morsy and Cajuste? People around me could see it too.

It was also obvious Delap needed support and help, he looked shot to bits on the hour mark, we bloody need him fit at least until the end of December and beyond. I just think there is a element of stubbornness and predictability about us. Fourteen games is a fairly long benchmark to ascertain that all isn't going to plan.

I accept we have inferior players to most and as such have done pretty well but we just seem to make it even harder for ourselves than it sometimes needs to be.

I've observed we are overwhelmed in midfield during most matches. Most of our goals have been from counter attacks with long passes that bypass the midfield or from scrambles in the penalty box. Rarely have I witnessed the midfield building an attack with several forward passes and connections to the forwards that have resulted in goals.

I will reiterate, the 4-2-3-1 is not a good formation for the strength of our squad. KM should be able to see that by now. To be honest, Omari playing central is the least of our worries. Without a functioning midfield, we'll always be on the back foot.

[Blue Wilf]

I totally get what is being said about the players and I accept that. What some of my concerns are is how we are utilising said players, pretty much everyone on here has said they want Hutchinson wide right and not in the central role but again Tuesday he's put back there with a natural number 10 who scores goals sitting on the bench, so surely you all concede that's one mistake you don't agree with McKenna about.

Ben Johnson, premier league experience, looked excellent at Spurs, good enough for the bench but not to get the nod ahead of Harry Clarke who most give a hard time to, that has to be another thing most disagree with McKenna over.

Cameron Burgess, MOTM last time and not in the squad, no mention of an injury but surely with a returning Jacob Greaves being a tad risky you put a CB on the bench ?

The Three at the back worked well at Spurs and yes we won !!!!! Shock horror, so we revert back to the tried and tested 4-2-3-1 which wasn't good enough to beat Southampton, Everton, West Ham, Leicester and Palace, all struggling sides.

The point is we need to vary things up a bit, play form players in their natural positions, change things when it is clear we are struggling, I mean was I the only person who could see after about 30 minutes against Palace they often had 4 or 5 in Midfield outnumbering Morsy and Cajuste? People around me could see it too.

It was also obvious Delap needed support and help, he looked shot to bits on the hour mark, we bloody need him fit at least until the end of December and beyond. I just think there is a element of stubbornness and predictability about us. Fourteen games is a fairly long benchmark to ascertain that all isn't going to plan.

I accept we have inferior players to most and as such have done pretty well but we just seem to make it even harder for ourselves than it sometimes needs to be.

Thanks for expressing all of this in a better way than I have.

I so want us to get at least 4 points from the next 2 games and then pick up unexpected ones in the christmas fixtures but I can't really see it I am afraid. Fingers crossed though

[MasseyFerguson]

I am really at a loss to understand much of what has been written in this thread. Do people (AzzuroMark, Charnwood and marko69 excepted) really not see that our squad is threadbare compared to every other team in this league apart, possibly, from Southampton?

When the season began, did anyone seriously think we wouldn't struggle? Really?

Sorry Massey. Hey everyone - I was wrong and McKenna really is a wonderful premier league manager who has never done anything wrong. His decision making is impeccable and the only reason we have one win from 14 games is because our players are not as good as everyone elses. There - lets all agree and close the forum... freedom of speech really is under threat it seems... (none of this is aimed at you in particular, Massey) but just that there are different opinions - that does not make anyone right or wrong (except Charny, Marko and AM of course - JOKE guys...!). All of my posts have just been my opinion if I am allowed to have one.

Interesting. I didn't mention McKenna once in my post.

Your advocacy for freedom of speech is forthright, but it seems from your reply that it is only under threat if an opinion different from yours is voiced.

Of course I accept you have every right to voice your opinion. Just as I have a right to voice my opinion that yours is wrong.

[Blue Wilf]

I am really at a loss to understand much of what has been written in this thread. Do people (AzzuroMark, Charnwood and marko69 excepted) really not see that our squad is threadbare compared to every other team in this league apart, possibly, from Southampton?

When the season began, did anyone seriously think we wouldn't struggle? Really?

Sorry Massey. Hey everyone - I was wrong and McKenna really is a wonderful premier league manager who has never done anything wrong. His decision making is impeccable and the only reason we have one win from 14 games is because our players are not as good as everyone elses. There - lets all agree and close the forum... freedom of speech really is under threat it seems... (none of this is aimed at you in particular, Massey) but just that there are different opinions - that does not make anyone right or wrong (except Charny, Marko and AM of course - JOKE guys...!). All of my posts have just been my opinion if I am allowed to have one.

Interesting. I didn't mention McKenna once in my post.

Your advocacy for freedom of speech is forthright, but it seems from your reply that it is only under threat if an opinion different from yours is voiced.

Of course I accept you have every right to voice your opinion. Just as I have a right to voice my opinion that yours is wrong.

Wrong... in your opinion... not mine!

[MasseyFerguson]

Sorry Massey. Hey everyone - I was wrong and McKenna really is a wonderful premier league manager who has never done anything wrong. His decision making is impeccable and the only reason we have one win from 14 games is because our players are not as good as everyone elses. There - lets all agree and close the forum... freedom of speech really is under threat it seems... (none of this is aimed at you in particular, Massey) but just that there are different opinions - that does not make anyone right or wrong (except Charny, Marko and AM of course - JOKE guys...!). All of my posts have just been my opinion if I am allowed to have one.

Interesting. I didn't mention McKenna once in my post.

Your advocacy for freedom of speech is forthright, but it seems from your reply that it is only under threat if an opinion different from yours is voiced.

Of course I accept you have every right to voice your opinion. Just as I have a right to voice my opinion that yours is wrong.

Wrong... in your opinion... not mine!

Did you think that was a good comeback? You literally just repeated what I said in the last sentence of my reply.

[mendipblue]

I guarantee you that if we are relegated McKenna will 1000% be gone, he simply won't stay so I feel as a club we have to do what's right for us, IF this poor run goes into 19+'games which it quite easily could do.

I really do believe he won't be. Here's hoping it doesn't come to this .

[hallamblue]

I said to Mike today at the game, that if we do get relegated ( which is looking more and more likely with each passing game now), that this club won’t sack McKenna, but it wouldn’t surprise me to see him walk. If he does, he does. I’m past caring now and this club is bigger than him. He lacks game management at this level and HIS decision making is becoming more and more questionable to me with each game frankly.

[marko69]

I said to Mike today at the game, that if we do get relegated ( which is looking more and more likely with each passing game now), that this club won’t sack McKenna, but it wouldn’t surprise me to see him walk. If he does, he does. I’m past caring now and this club is bigger than him. He lacks game management at this leveland HIS decision making is becoming more and more questionable to me with each game frankly.

Whereby that may be true, he wasn’t supposed to be at this level in 2024. He was too good for what the English pyramid could offer him as a challenge.


Everyone needs to see that the pre-season chat on this board has become nonsense.
The thinking of : “Whatever happens in the EPL season after a 22 year absence, we must stick together as fans of the board, manager and the team.”

That ^^^^ may be wearing thin.

You are all entitled to be extremely peed off, definitely as paying season ticket holders etc etc.
I’ll stick to what i believe and say he’ll find a way to negotiate a season of survival.
The thought of another supposed “football brain” coming in at this stage fills me with fear. Not because of a downward trajectory from the EPL….. But from a downward trajectory beyond that.

[Blue Wilf]

I said to Mike today at the game, that if we do get relegated ( which is looking more and more likely with each passing game now), that this club won’t sack McKenna, but it wouldn’t surprise me to see him walk. If he does, he does. I’m past caring now and this club is bigger than him. He lacks game management at this leveland HIS decision making is becoming more and more questionable to me with each game frankly.

Whereby that may be true, he wasn’t supposed to be at this level in 2024. He was too good for what the English pyramid could offer him as a challenge.


Everyone needs to see that the pre-season chat on this board has become nonsense.
The thinking of : “Whatever happens in the EPL season after a 22 year absence, we must stick together as fans of the board, manager and the team.”

That ^^^^ may be wearing thin.

You are all entitled to be extremely peed off, definitely as paying season ticket holders etc etc.
I’ll stick to what i believe and say he’ll find a way to negotiate a season of survival.
The thought of another supposed “football brain” coming in at this stage fills me with fear. Not because of a downward trajectory from the EPL….. But from a downward trajectory beyond that.

You clearly havn't seen enough of him and us, Marko. You are deluded in my view but are entitled to be so.

[Blue Wilf]

Sorry - also, what do you mean by he wasn't meant to be at this level in 2024?

[marko69]

Sorry - also, what do you mean by he wasn't meant to be at this level in 2024?

And i’m deluded? What’s going on?


And err…….. i’m quoting the forum regarding “whatever happens” this season

[Blue Wilf]

Sorry - also, what do you mean by he wasn't meant to be at this level in 2024?

And i’m deluded? What’s going on?


And err…….. i’m quoting the forum regarding “whatever happens” this season

Ah, I see - I wasn't aware that 'the forum' had a single view that spoke for us all..? Starmer's Britain - why am I not surprised!

[Bluemike]

I'm all for what happens happens but that does not give someone license to continually get things wrong and not learn from it, its a sign of madness to keep doing the same things that have continually failed. And worst of all, anyone who can sign that pr*ck Muric and keep playing him after a plethora of f*ck ups shouldn't be anywhere near Suffolk in my opinion

[marko69]

Sorry - also, what do you mean by he wasn't meant to be at this level in 2024?

And i’m deluded? What’s going on?


And err…….. i’m quoting the forum regarding “whatever happens” this season

Ah, I see - I wasn't aware that 'the forum' had a single view that spoke for us all..? Starmer's Britain - why am I not surprised!

You getting yourself off on being obtuse, Wilf? You’re a bit of a pain when things aren’t going great eh? And all the disloyal stuff?

I’m saying there was chat ON THIS FORUM about the season ahead, and the general consensus was that “we stick by the regime” or words to that effect. People with that view are on their soapboxes possibly creating chaos.
FK ALL to do with Starmer or Politics ok?

And the only team NOT to win at home? Maybe some should stay the fk away from Portman Road and a win will come around? Maybe???

THAT SAID……..

Since witnessed highlights. Muric doesn't trust his defence eh? No idea why he “Alan Rough-ed” it, but that was a disastrous decision.
With Charnwood though in the sense that, even though Walton should get the nod due to Muric’s incapabilities…….. he could potentially be another horror show in the waiting.

GK in Jan has to be top of the list.

[marko69]

I'm all for what happens happens but that does not give someone license to continually get things wrong and not learn from it, its a sign of madness to keep doing the same things that have continually failed. And worst of all, anyone who can sign that pr*ck Muric and keep playing him after a plethora of f*ck ups shouldn't be anywhere near Suffolk in my opinion

I genuinely think it’s partly both. Mixture of manager enduring his first season in the EPL ……. but more so the players not doing their jobs. Muric being a class example of that over various games now.
I do not think (imo) anyone else would have that team miraculously climbing the table.

I’d hate to be Mashton at this moment in time. Hope he doesn't buckle to fan pressure.

[Blue Wilf]

Me being obtuse? Don't make me laugh. You have been persistent in your pursuit of making a point that you think I am making things up but in reality, I only ever say what I believe and see with my own eyes. If it does not match your view then why try and be clever and call me out? If that makes you happy then be my guest. I don't want any animosity, Marko I can assure you. I am very live and let live but don't keep digging cos it is very tedious.

So - on the footy, you have my view. Feel free to disagree. You are very welcome to. I will respect your view without trying to make out there is something more sinister in your thinking and ask that you do likewise

[hallamblue]

I'm all for what happens happens but that does not give someone license to continually get things wrong and not learn from it, its a sign of madness to keep doing the same things that have continually failed. And worst of all, anyone who can sign that pr*ck Muric and keep playing him after a plethora of f*ck ups shouldn't be anywhere near Suffolk in my opinion

I genuinely think it’s partly both. Mixture of manager enduring his first season in the EPL ……. but more so the players not doing their jobs. Muric being a class example of that over various games now.
I do not think (imo) anyone else would have that team miraculously climbing the table.

I’d hate to be Mashton at this moment in time. Hope he doesn't buckle to fan pressure.

Ipswich fans don't cause pressure marko. We're not like that shower of shyte up the A140. Town fans tolerate A LOT before they lose their tag, and even then it won't manifest itself to all out demonstration...it's not the Ipswich way. So no fears on that score.

We are in it to the inevitable end as they say. I'd actuallyvwelcome a season bavk in the championship tbh. I bloody despise the so called Premier League, its sh*t from top to bottom in every aspect of it's existence.

[marko69]

Happy to draw a line under it all, but there are fans on this site who are very much on McKennas side but are choosing NOT to post. Maybe from fear of being labelled “deluded” ? So, i’m on my own in Kierons defence on this site.

Always believed its a free hit season. A learning curve which will happen over the course of a season.
Let’s face it ….. if he was changing things after every game, then he morphs into Lambert.

Certainly hope things start clicking soon. And if i am to hold on to the “deluded” tag, i’ll say the team will raise their game against the real teams over the xmas & NY period.

[marko69]

I'm all for what happens happens but that does not give someone license to continually get things wrong and not learn from it, its a sign of madness to keep doing the same things that have continually failed. And worst of all, anyone who can sign that pr*ck Muric and keep playing him after a plethora of f*ck ups shouldn't be anywhere near Suffolk in my opinion

I genuinely think it’s partly both. Mixture of manager enduring his first season in the EPL ……. but more so the players not doing their jobs. Muric being a class example of that over various games now.
I do not think (imo) anyone else would have that team miraculously climbing the table.

I’d hate to be Mashton at this moment in time. Hope he doesn't buckle to fan pressure.

Ipswich fans don't cause pressure marko. We're not like that shower of shyte up the A140. Town fans tolerate A LOT before they lose their tag, and even then it won't manifest itself to all out demonstration...it's not the Ipswich way. So no fears on that score.

We are in it to the inevitable end as they say. I'd actuallyvwelcome a season bavk in the championship tbh. I bloody despise the so called Premier League, its sh*t from top to bottom in every aspect of it's existence.

Yes, but, even though its a “free hit” season…… I am very much in the camp wanting to see Ipswich Town remain EPL.

[Blue Wilf]

Happy to draw a line under it all, but there are fans on this site who are very much on McKennas side but are choosing NOT to post. Maybe from fear of being labelled “deluded” ? So, i’m on my own in Kierons defence on this site.

Always believed its a free hit season. A learning curve which will happen over the course of a season.
Let’s face it ….. if he was changing things after every game, then he morphs into Lambert.

Certainly hope things start clicking soon. And if i am to hold on to the “deluded” tag, i’ll say the team will raise their game against the real teams.

Thats good and lets hope they do. I have been reading plenty from those who think Mckenna will turn it around (am genuinely surprised if you think you are alone as I could name a few - Azurro Mark, Charny (to an extent) to name just two - there are others) - I thought I was in a minority of people on here (Mike, Hallam, Rossi to name three) who think Mckenna is not the messiah! We have a broad section of views as you would expect but all want the same (ie for us to stay up) or succeed again next season. Those different views are fine and we should be vehement in our opinions - nothing wrong in that! I have said many times that I want McKenna to succeed but he is trying my patience! As for Muric, I don't want to crucify the guy but saw he was a liability from the first away day at Man City. Mike called it earlier than that!

These guys want the glory and money and success so need to also be ready for the fall when they don't deliver. At the moment, most are doing their utmost and some are trying but not good enough. As paying fans, we deserve to have a view and voice it. I will back them all to the hilt but when it is not working and they are intransigent, I think we should make our view known.

I really fear the next 6 games. Other than Wolves (and I think we are without Delap?), I can't see anything but 5 defeats. I so hope I am wrong but if I were to place a bet, that would be it! Does anyone else see that scenario too or are we all still thinking it will come right??

[marko69]

Happy to draw a line under it all, but there are fans on this site who are very much on McKennas side but are choosing NOT to post. Maybe from fear of being labelled “deluded” ? So, i’m on my own in Kierons defence on this site.

Always believed its a free hit season. A learning curve which will happen over the course of a season.
Let’s face it ….. if he was changing things after every game, then he morphs into Lambert.

Certainly hope things start clicking soon. And if i am to hold on to the “deluded” tag, i’ll say the team will raise their game against the real teams.

Thats good and lets hope they do. I have been reading plenty from those who think Mckenna will turn it around (am genuinely surprised if you think you are alone as I could name a few - Azurro Mark, Charny (to an extent) to name just two - there are others) - I thought I was in a minority of people on here (Mike, Hallam, Rossi to name three) who think Mckenna is not the messiah! We have a broad section of views as you would expect but all want the same (ie for us to stay up) or succeed again next season. Those different views are fine and we should be vehement in our opinions - nothing wrong in that! I have said many times that I want McKenna to succeed but he is trying my patience! As for Muric, I don't want to crucify the guy but saw he was a liability from the first away day at Man City. Mike called it earlier than that!

These guys want the glory and money and success so need to also be ready for the fall when they don't deliver. At the moment, most are doing their utmost and some are trying but not good enough. As paying fans, we deserve to have a view and voice it. I will back them all to the hilt but when it is not working and they are intransigent, I think we should make our view known.

I really fear the next 6 games. Other than Wolves (and I think we are without Delap?), I can't see anything but 5 defeats. I so hope I am wrong but if I were to place a bet, that would be it! Does anyone else see that scenario too or are we all still thinking it will come right??

Yes, i just meant in the heat of the moment. Azzurro traditionally waits til things cool off after a defeat…….. which is great because his posts are so well written and thought provoking.

Edit: In my opinion!!