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Ipswich Town v Burton Albion


Tuesday 18th October 2016 – 19:45

Portman Road






Jamma's Opening Thought

In what is fast becoming a recurrent theme, there was an air of inevitability about the result of the Blues' latest outing, at Blackburn on Saturday. With Town having failed to score in their previous four matches, and Rovers not boasting a much better record of three goalless games out of four, it didn't take a genius to predict the 0-0 that ensued. We may have been half expecting the outcome, but that isn't to say that it made it any easier to stomach for the 564 hardy travelling supporters, or the thousands of others following from afar. The difference with respect to the contests against Leeds and Huddersfield, when we looked like we could have played all day without scoring, was that we did carve out some very presentable opportunities against Blackburn. On another day, we would have scored one of the chances that came the way of Luke Chambers, Adam Webster and Tom Lawrence, and clinched the 3 points that our all-round performance merited. But the lack of confidence that has been a feature of Freddie Sears' game now seems to be blighting the rest of the team in front of goal. Even looking beyond the headline statistic of eight hours without a goal, Town have only found the net twice from open play in the eight matches since Daryl Murphy's departure, surely not a coincidence. But, as much as the Irishman's absence has been a major factor in our blunted attack, it is something that the whole team has to step up and take responsibility for. You can talk all you like about formations and tactics, but the fact remains the same: we have not scored enough from all areas of the pitch, with the front six which took to the pitch on Saturday having just four between them in 2016/17 (all to the name of Grant Ward, and in the space of two matches). With no one having conceded fewer than the Blues, it isn't hard to see where we need to improve if we are to turn our season around.

While it's been hard to take any positives out of recent displays, Saturday at least provided something to build on. The question is how much longer can we continue to say this before we are left too far adrift? Working on the basis of the 7 points that both Mike and I were targeting from this four-match run - and assuming that we will do well to get anything from next weekend's trip to St. James' Park - Burton at home is certainly a fixture that we should be looking to get a maximum return from. Like just about any assignment in the Championship, this will be anything but easy, especially given the way in which the Brewers have acquitted themselves at this level so far. This really is a game where the fans could have a crucial part to play. Stick with the team even if things don't all go our own way and we may get our rewards. But if we find ourselves having to endure another frustrating 90 minutes, the tension in the crowd could end up transmitting itself onto the pitch and Burton will in turn look to feed off that nervous energy. On a personal level, I am looking forward - albeit with a degree of apprehension - to seeing how Town stand up to the test, having not seen us live since the Aston Villa game. We have generally fared well against the division's new sides this season, with the 5 points gleaned against Barnsley, Norwich and Villa coming from arguably our best performances. Unfamiliarity will be no excuse, then, as we welcome Burton to Portman Road for the first time.



The Opposition – Burton Albion





Burton Albion can claim lineage from four now defunct clubs: Burton Swifts, Burton Town, Burton United and Burton Wanderers.

Burton Albion were formed in 1950, and joined the Birmingham & District League. They finished the 1953–54 season as runners-up, and in 1958–59 joined the Southern League North Western zone. In 1965–66, Burton missed out on the runners-up place on goal difference, but were still promoted to the Southern League Premier Division.

They avoided relegation in 1968, thanks to Stevenage Town folding, but were relegated to Division One after an unsuccessful 1969–70 season. Burton missed out on promotion on goal average in 1970–71, but finished as runners-up the following season and were promoted back to the Premier Division.

The next two seasons saw them relegated and then promoted back to the Premier Division again. They stayed in the same division until being relegated once more at the end of 1976–77.

League rearrangements saw Burton moved to the Northern Premier League, because of their location in the central Midlands, and then back to the Southern League in 1987–88, the season after losing in a replayed FA Trophy final to Kidderminster Harriers.

In October 1998, Nigel Clough was appointed as player-manager and he led the club to two successive runners-up spots, in 1999–2000 and 2000–01.

Burton were again moved to the Northern Premier League Premier Division in 2001–02, which they won by a margin of 15 points, and the club was promoted to the Football Conference for the first time.

The club was brought to national attention when they were drawn at home against 11-time winners Manchester United in the third round of the 2005–06 FA Cup. The Brewers held the Premier League team to a 0–0 draw at home, but lost the reply 5–0 in front of over 11,000 Burton fans, setting a record for number of away fans at Old Trafford.

In January 2009, Burton went on to set a league record for the most consecutive wins, and in February 2009, when the team was 19 points clear at the top of the table, Conference sponsors Blue Square declared Burton the winners of the 2008–09 title in a PR stunt in which they paid out all bets. However, a bad run of form only saw this confirmation take place due to other results on the last day of the season.

Burton finished in 13th place in their first campaign in the Football League.

During the 2014–15 season, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink took over the managerial position at the Brewers and led them to the League Two title, which meant promotion to League One for the first time in their history. Hasselbaink left by mutual consent in December 2015 to join Queens Park Rangers as manager.

Nigel Clough returned to Burton to replace him for his second spell as manager and led the club to a second-place finish in the league, earning promotion to the Championship, another first for Burton, in the 2015/16 season.



The Gaffer – Nigel Clough








Past Match - Video Highlights - Trev

As there is no competitive history between Ipswich and Burton, let's go back to opening day and enjoy a few goals:





Media Watch - K L Blue

MM on changing people's minds:
http://www.twtd.co.uk/ipswich-town-news/30434/

Douglas interview:
http://www.twtd.co.uk/ipswich-town-news/30435/

MM on Williams and McGoldrick:
http://www.twtd.co.uk/ipswich-town-news/30433/

MM on winning back the supporters:
http://www.sudburymercury.co.uk/sport/m ... _1_4735162

Daryl Horgan:
http://footballleagueworld.co.uk/ipswic ... idfielder/



Form Guide



Ipswich Last 5 Matches – currently in 17th place with 14 points



Blackburn Rovers 0-0 Ipswich Town

Ipswich Town 0-1 Huddersfield

Ipswich Town 0-0 Brighton

Leeds United 1-0 Ipswich Town

Ipswich Town 0-0 Aston Villa




Burton Albion Last 5 Matches – currently in 16th place with 14 points



Wigan Athletic 0-0 Burton Albion

Burton Albion 2-0 Cardiff City

Burton Albion 1-1 QPR

Norwich City 3-1 Burton Albion

Burton Albion 0-1 Brighton



Fixtures of Interest



READING VS ASTON VILLA

DERBY VS BRENTFORD

LEEDS VS WIGAN



Match Referee – Oliver Langford






Final Thought - Bluemike

And so it goes on - that's now five games without a win or even a goal to our name. Following the trip to Blackburn, it is incredible to think that a game in mid-October against Burton Albion is a real must-win affair, not so much in the context of play-off aspirations or relegation battles but more for the general feel and situation of all things ITFC at this moment in time. I expect I will always be forever the optimist but even I am struggling with each passing week to pluck positives from the current run we are on. I suppose the fact we have been on a dire run and still find ourselves a mere six points off the final play-off play says much about the Championship and everything it stands for. A Town win on Tuesday night coupled with defeat for either Birmingham or Bristol City, who currently sit 5th & 6th respectively, would see us just three behind them, so it is far from a terminal crisis just yet, although the style and effectiveness of our performances lately is a totally different topic.

Back to Blackburn, yes there was improvement in the general play but we lack any sign of a cutting edge. Chances were created but none taken and we continue to huff and puff around the opponents' box without any belief we can blow the door in. It really is crying out for MM to mix it up now. You can only go so long with the same old, same old. For me it is time for the likes of Bishop, Grant, Williams and Emmanuel to step in and bring some freshness to the team. Even Varney up top in place of Best would not be a bad move, although the chances of this happening are probably less likely than me dating Nicole Scherzinger.

It is the law of averages - we have to score and we have to win. Sorry Burton, it is our night - three points in the bag and a turning of the tide at last. The noose is round MM's neck but Albert Pierrepoint is not opening that hatch just yet. A stay of execution as we move on to Newcastle next weekend. Town win 2-1 for me.




IPSWICH TOWN 2 BURTON ALBION 1

Great preview guys as per usual.

Ive gone again ( against my better judgement ) for a Town win. Mor out of a NEED for us to get that win, than anything else. There is pressure on the players now to up their game again like they did on Saturday and finanlly come up with the goods.

Score 1-0 ANYONE !!

Cloughie looking more like his old man each passing year.

Another decent preview. It's basically a must win game. Not because of league placings or relegation fears, (way too early for that) but just to get some morale back in the dressing room. If there are rumours that he's lost the dressing room, then Fk it -----> lose and walk or be sacked. League One is way too frightening a prospect to have players and managers playing mind games.

ITFC 1 BAFC 1

Ref caption:

Linesman: Hey Oliver, that's a bye kick buddy, NOT a corner.
Ref: (thinks) Deary fkn me. Still can't believe my name is Oliver.
Linesman: Oliver?? Olly?..... You there?

Marko, what are theses rumours that he has lost the dressing room ? First I have heard of it, I would say that is wider of the mark than a Freddie Sears shot.

This game will really give us a clue where the fans really stand,it will be the real diehards there as I can't see many walk ups,if it does go tits up then the reaction should be interesting to say the least

I think a draw is the best we can hope for.

I was trying to think what my team would be and I honestly don't know.

I'd keep Bialkowski;

Defence: Emmanuel; Webster; Berra; Knudsen
Emmanuel has potential, Chambers has experience. Neither is great but Emmanuel might improve with opportunities. And we can play an narrower midfield with full backs who get forward.

Midfield is a real problem. Skuse would never make my team. I think today's EADT summed it up saying he breaks up play but does nothing else. I'd probably keep Douglas for the work he gets through. God know who else.

It's really hard to pick an effective midfield. I wouldn't mind seeing Lawrence, Williams, Dozzell, Grant, Bishop...but you can't play them all.
Maybe Bishop , Douglas, Williams, Lawrence.

it'd be nice to try Lawrence or Williams behind a front 2 of.... who is there? I think I'd start Varney if he's fit. . Maybe Sears alongside...or start McGoldrick and replace him with Sears when he tires.

So that's my choice. But we know Chambers will start. And Skuse. And Best. And Ward.

0-0 draw anyone?

0-0

This game will really give us a clue where the fans really stand,it will be the real diehards there as I can't see many walk ups,if it does go tits up then the reaction should be interesting to say the least

Ipswich Town 2 -Burton 1. It has to happen sometime and i think it's tonite.

Ref Caption That meatloaf really tasted good, oooh there's a bit left on the corner of my mouth.

Assuming no new, undeclared, injuries, anticipate MM starting with same 11 as for Blackburn. Similar with the bench. We'll see!

Nothing more needs to be said, a win and goal(s) minimum required. Whoever starts need to deliver big time, or risk further loss of confidence and belief. But, I don't believe MM has in any way lost the dressing room; those of us who make the effort to turn up tomorrow night can play a positive part during the game. Daft not to, really.

Town 2 - Burton 0

hallamblue wrote:Great preview guys as per usual.

Ive gone again ( against my better judgement ) for a Town win. Mor out of a NEED for us to get that win, than anything else. There is pressure on the players now to up their game again like they did on Saturday and finanlly come up with the goods.

Score 1-0 ANYONE !!

As much as I want town to win, I just think that the pressure on them to win will be too much!!!
I might be wrong!! Burton will be hard to breakdown and they play attacking football.
Town will have their work cut out just defending!

Score: 0-1

I cant see ipswich winning. Going for ipswich 0 - 2 burton.
Micks team selection will remain the same. Really feel for fringe players like emmanuel and kenlock, both been excellent when called upon but dropped like a brick when mick can pick his out of form favorites. Ok we have been keeping clean sheets but so we should when mick sets out to play 4 defenders and another 2 in midfield. It will be the same tomorrow and i will not be going to watch it, even at a reduced price.

bluemike wrote:Marko, what are theses rumours that he has lost the dressing room ? First I have heard of it, I would say that is wider of the mark than a Freddie Sears shot.

Mike, if you see, I wrote, if there are rumours........, I basically read somewhere that there were rumours that there were rumours! I'm guessing total bullshit if you've not heard about it!

Watership Down wrote:Ref Caption That meatloaf really tasted good, oooh there's a bit left on the corner of my mouth.

Nice one.

marko69 wrote:

bluemike wrote:Marko, what are theses rumours that he has lost the dressing room ? First I have heard of it, I would say that is wider of the mark than a Freddie Sears shot.

Mike, if you see, I wrote, if there are rumours........, I basically read somewhere that there were rumours that there were rumours! I'm guessing total bullshit if you've not heard about it!

Ive just read that six times LOL, I think I get what you are saying now haha.

When that Mr Bumble comes back i’m gonna ask for MORE of that gruel,I'm sure he wont mind ?

Ipswich 3 Burton 1

Brighton 0 Wolves 3

Ref caption:

Ref Rule 69 clearly states: No tongues!

Got to be tongues with "rule" 69...... What else could you do? Stare? Not a pretty sight!

No doubt they'll let me down again, but went in favor of a home win. Even if a victory were to occur it's merely papering over cracks in this season thus far and buys McCarthy some added time.

Team's got to score a damn goal sooner or later after several weeks without, and truly believe it will come to pass in tomorrow's encounter.

Ipswich 4 Burton Albion 1

Back at McDonald's this morning trying to grow two new tits. The other two fell off out of sheer boredom watching the Liverpool game last night. Holy sh*t, that was bad.

Just be better than that tonight, ITFC.

marko69 wrote:Got to be tongues with "rule" 69...... What else could you do? Stare? Not a pretty sight!

Ears and ankles!

marko69 wrote:Back at McDonald's this morning trying to grow two new tits. The other two fell off out of sheer boredom watching the Liverpool game last night. Holy sh*t, that was bad.

Just be better than that tonight, ITFC.

Had to laugh as Sky had been giving all their usual BS and hype about this game over the weekend and it turned out to be a complete borefest.

Mike's getting more creative with his Final Thoughts... skimmed through and thought Scherzinger and Pierrepoint were our sexy-sounding new striker partnership. Not to be .. probably Best on his
own up top.

Law of averages says we must win at some point... or even score a goal. I'll go for 3-1 to Town. If so, Mick will gloat like f*ck. Anything less than a win and the pressure is going to ramp up even further.

This game really has a bit of an edge to it and if Town can't approach the game expecting anything else than 3 points - then that says something very worrying. No offence to Burton, but this is a winnable game. Can't just keep turning up trying to live of scraps and opposition mistakes - put out a team that wants to win!!!!

A win tonight and a very annoyingly smug Mick. That's completely based on law of averages and nothing to do with belief in the team. At least a bloody goal, please !!!!

Shed on tour wrote:

marko69 wrote:Back at McDonald's this morning trying to grow two new tits. The other two fell off out of sheer boredom watching the Liverpool game last night. Holy sh*t, that was bad.

Just be better than that tonight, ITFC.

Had to laugh as Sky had been giving all their usual BS and hype about this game over the weekend and it turned out to be a complete borefest.

Yep, we're in good company in the boredom stakes! But that's all about to change tonight - isn't it Mick? (Sorry, didn't quite get the word before "off").

Great preview Again Guys thanks for your efforts.

I cant see us scoring and Burton will come here knowing we could´nt score in a brothel with a face like a young Brad Pitt and a handful of thousand dollar bills whilst smelling of Valentino.

Its going to be another borefest like Liverpool United was.

In the worst case scenario a Burton 0-2 defeat.

I expect a return to the formation/tactics pre Blackburn, in other words 4-2-3-1.

Even so, I think we WILL score tonight, either a really scrappy effort or an own goal.

Problem is, I expect Burton to score twice.

Ipswich 1 - Burton 2

Just been looking at the stats at https://www.whoscored.com/Regions/252/T ... -2016-2017 and noticed 3 stats in particular.

1. I'm not surprised to see that we are bottom of the league for passing accuracy. I think we won that prize last season as well. I'm not convinced that we can't pass or that we aren't trying to this season. I still believe it's our lack of movement off the ball that is the problem. No one demands the ball.

2. Ipswich and Burton have a possession stat of 46%. So tonight we can expect the ref to have possession for 3% and the ballboys the other 5%.

3. We are top of the league for aerial battles won with an average of 31.8 per game. This surprised me for two reasons; first of all we don't appear to be playing long high balls as much this season. But also because we seem to win few up front, and probably not in midfield either. Maybe it's our defence that keeps winning them hence the clean sheets. It probably accounts for the other 2 stats actually as we rarely head to one of our own team, giving away possession and (assuming headers count) lowering our passing accuracy.

Seems to me the multi million pound player for MU hasn't been given his best playing position by the manager and he looks more like another dud. Trying to put a square peg in a round hole

Andym wrote:Just been looking at the stats at https://www.whoscored.com/Regions/252/T ... -2016-2017 and noticed 3 stats in particular.

1. I'm not surprised to see that we are bottom of the league for passing accuracy. I think we won that prize last season as well. I'm not convinced that we can't pass or that we aren't trying to this season. I still believe it's our lack of movement off the ball that is the problem. No one demands the ball.

2. Ipswich and Burton have a possession stat of 46%. So tonight we can expect the ref to have possession for 3% and the ballboys the other 5%.

3. We are top of the league for aerial battles won with an average of 31.8 per game. This surprised me for two reasons; first of all we don't appear to be playing long high balls as much this season. But also because we seem to win few up front, and probably not in midfield either. Maybe it's our defence that keeps winning them hence the clean sheets. It probably accounts for the other 2 stats actually as we rarely head to one of our own team, giving away possession and (assuming headers count) lowering our passing accuracy.

Andy, has it got to the stage where analysing stats is far more interesting than the football.

Maybe we need to give ratings out of 10 for the ball boys (persons for the PC crowd) if they get 5 % possesion.