Ipswich Town vs Middlesbrough Match Preview

[Bluemike]

Yes the real test will come if and when we lose some momentum, as I said I know this team wont panic and they will bounce back pretty quickly. We have already had scenarios of losing a few players to injury at different times but we have coped admirably, we have also had suspensions to Berra, Hyam and Mings which have taken in our stride so I believe we can deal with adversity pretty well. The loss of Williams was deemed as a bad thing but for me it is a blessing in disguise because Bish is blossoming really well.

Just think this good run may be our blip LOL, if it is the Championship trophy is on its way here. One game at a time.

[Shed on tour]

After the Brentford game we will be exactly halfway through the season.
Plenty of time for teams to go on a run or see their season nosedive. We had a bit of a sticky spell in October where we didn't win a game, but the key was we only lost one (Cardiff away). When we hit our next sticky spell, which under the law of averages will probably happen, if we can again come through it with just a single defeat then we will be in a very promising position.
For me the last 10 games is when the pressure really comes into play as the finishing line gets closer and it will be interesting to see which teams can cope with this best.

[herforder]

Key words from M'boro manager: 'They wanted it more than us'. The blueprint for the remainder of the season, whoever wears the shirts!

[arana peligrosa]

After the Brentford game we will be exactly halfway through the season.
Plenty of time for teams to go on a run or see their season nosedive. We had a bit of a sticky spell in October where we didn't win a game, but the key was we only lost one (Cardiff away). When we hit our next sticky spell, which under the law of averages will probably happen, if we can again come through it with just a single defeat then we will be in a very promising position.
For me the last 10 games is when the pressure really comes into play as the finishing line gets closer and it will be interesting to see which teams can cope with this best.

We were top of the league going into the new year in 2005 but fell away after that and dropped into the play-off zone by end of season. I think if you look at the squad players from back then compared to what we have now I.E. Davis, Naylor, Miller, Westlake, Counago, Bowditch, Kuqi etc, we aren't that much worse equipped to achieve, but as McCarthy has mentioned, the key word is momentum. I'm a little worried about the upcoming Southampton game as if a defeat should occur that may leave some of the players off-track for a game or two and we may see one or two of the other automatic promotion candidates taking an advantage. Then again, it may indeed motivate us to greater things as the players will realize there's nothing else to play for and put a more determined effort on a promotion charge.

Took the time to read through some opposition views from yesterday also, and they insisted that Ipswich were hardly the best team they had yet encountered this season and got the win through hard work and determination rather than actual ability. That may be as such but we know we've got a side that can play when it wants to, the position we find ourselves in isn't extensively false, and if we continue as we are, then we'll at least have a play-off place at the end of it all. (Still believe it's too premature to be thinking of an automatic promotion as yet)

(Although) These upcoming fixtures with Brentford, Derby (and Southampton) will be a real indication of what we can really expect by end of season.

[Shed on tour]

After the Brentford game we will be exactly halfway through the season.
Plenty of time for teams to go on a run or see their season nosedive. We had a bit of a sticky spell in October where we didn't win a game, but the key was we only lost one (Cardiff away). When we hit our next sticky spell, which under the law of averages will probably happen, if we can again come through it with just a single defeat then we will be in a very promising position.
For me the last 10 games is when the pressure really comes into play as the finishing line gets closer and it will be interesting to see which teams can cope with this best.

We were top of the league going into the new year in 2005 but fell away after that and dropped into the play-off zone by end of season. I think if you look at the squad players from back then compared to what we have now I.E. Davis, Naylor, Miller, Westlake, Counago, Bowditch, Kuqi etc, we aren't that much worse equipped to achieve, but as McCarthy has mentioned, the key word is momentum. I'm a little worried about the upcoming Southampton game as if a defeat should occur that may leave some of the players off-track for a game or two and we may see one or two of the other automatic promotion candidates taking an advantage. Then again, it may indeed motivate us to greater things as the players will realize there's nothing else to play for and put a more determined effort on a promotion charge.

Took the time to read through some opposition views from yesterday also, and they insisted that Ipswich were hardly the best team they had yet encountered this season and got the win through hard work and determination rather than actual ability. That may be as such but we know we've got a side that can play when it wants to, the position we find ourselves in isn't extensively false, and if we continue as we are, then we'll at least have a play-off place at the end of it all. (Still believe it's too premature to be thinking of an automatic promotion as yet)

(Although) These upcoming fixtures with Brentford, Derby (and Southampton) will be a real indication of what we can really expect by end of season.

SJ

It will be interesting to see what sort of team Mick puts out against Southampton as in the past he has often made quite a few changes when it comes to Cup games.

I certainly don't think he will take any chances with anybody if they have a slight knock or niggle, especially as we have Derby at home the following Saturday. For me it's a game where we should just go out and enjoy the experience and see what happens. I never want us to lose but if we go out I certainly won't be that bothered as a long Cup run could work against us this season. As for the point that I have highlighted I think that thought will continue amongst other fans, but I will be more than happy if we play like we did Saturday for the majority of the remainder of the season as we played really well with some excellent football thrown in for good measure.