Premier League - Ipswich Town vs Brentford FC Preview & Matchday Thread

[Frosty]

Ipswich Town v Brentford



Saturday 10th May 2025 – 15:00


Portman Road








Pre Match Thoughts - Mike



Our last ever visit to Goodison park actually turned out to be a pretty decent effort all things considered, having fallen Two goals behind the omens did not look good and another hiding looked on the cards at that point. Getting a goal back before half time was crucial and what a goal it was, a contender for Goal of the Month any day of the week from Enciso who struck a beauty from all of Thirty yards out. The strike certainly masked what for me was yet more woeful defending from the defence as a whole, it's happened all season long and continues to do so.

The Enciso strike was the catalyst for a spirited second half showing from Town who for spells were definitely the team in the ascendancy and the longer the game went on it was us who looked the more likely team to win it. the leveller when it came was another decent effort, Hutchinson beat his man before sending over a cross which took a slight deflection before landing perfectly on the head of George Hirst at the back post to nod home from just in front of the goal line. it was no more than Town deserved having created a few openings prior to equalising. Town did have to withstand some late pressure but Alex palmer in the Town goal was not unduly troubled and the game drew to a close with a share of the spoils the right result.

For me it was very pleasing to see Town roll up their sleeves and look to get back into the game as opposed to rolling over at Two Nil down which they could so easily have done. We also played some pretty decent stuff at times although that opening half Hour was not good from a defensive perspective. The point still sees us in the Third from bottom position which now has to be our goal as the season draws to a close.

With games now running out we find ourselves with just Three more to endure, starting this weekend with a visit to Portman Road from Brentford FC, the Bees have it all to play for as they still have an outside chance of squeezing into the European spots so there will most certainly be no end of season feel to this one. Having gone through the season with just One win at home we really should be looking to at least doubling that statistic in our remaining Two home games, in fact I see no reason why we shouldn't be able to beat both Brentford and West Ham Utd on the final day, that would at least ease the embarrassment just a little bit.

This will be the first home game since relegation was confirmed and as such I feel there will be a bit of a sombre mood around the place, in truth it has been that way for a while now even if the inevitable had not been confirmed, the atmosphere has at times been a bit muted to say the least and I think that will be the case for this one too. Hopefully we go out and give us all something to celebrate for a change as we head home from Portman Road.

Some players will no doubt be playing one of their last games for the Town with loanees soon to return to their clubs and others moving on to pastures new. others possibly playing for a place in the squad next season, that alone will hopefully have us fired up for this one too. I have a sneaky feeling Town are going to win this one and erase some of the pain from our visit to their place earlier in the season where we literally threw away the win. COYB'S



The Opposition – Brentford FC - Honours



League


Second Division / Championship

Champions: 1934–35
Play-off winners: 2021

Third Division South / Third Division / League One

Champions: 1932–33, 1991–92
Promoted: 2013–14

Fourth Division / League Two

Champions: 1962–63, 1998–99, 2008–09
Promoted: 1971–72, 1977–78

United League

Champions: 1907–08

Southern League Second Division

Champions: 1900–01


Cup


Football League Trophy

Runners-up: 1984–85, 2000–01, 2010–11



The Manager – Thomas Frank








League Table as at 08.05.2025






Form Guide



Ipswich Town







Brentford FC







Head to Head







Match Referee – Sam Barrott







IPSWICH TOWN 2 BRENTFORD 2

[hallamblue]

We're gonna win this one . Feel it in my water

[arana peligrosa]

Bullshit, we're going to lose. Take a look at their last five scores. Unbeaten, high scoring, you got to admit they're impressive.

Both teams have really nothing to play for. The opposition can't or won't finish in a European qualify place whereas we're down and out and only hoping Leicester don't push us into 19th position. One win at Portman Road since August against an eager highly motivated opposition that can procure victories at will and proven real tough to beat. There can only be one (Highlander) winner

It's not our final home game at top level this season, that arrives final day but all the same would hope to take three points from it if only to give something back to the fans. It's just that we won't, the season has demonstrated that and they've got a desire and consistency we simply can't provide or match.

[marko69]

We're gonna win this one.

Bullshit, we're going to lose.

That's about all you need really. Close the thread.

[hallamblue]

[ITFC2024]

We're gonna win this one.

Bullshit, we're going to lose.

That's about all you need really. Close the thread.

A draw, perhaps?

[Mauswara]

We really are overdue a win.

[shabba]

We really are overdue a win.

Yeah but it’s not luck, sadly.

Very difficult game today, Brentford are in the grove, chasing Europe and have 2 players who between them have scored more than the entire Ipswich squad this season.

3-1 Brentford.

The line up will be interesting though.

[hallamblue]

Well, the usual shower for officials the ever inequitable VAR. I can't thinking a single VAR descion being given for us this season.
Why wasn't the trip on Hirst even reviewed? He was clean through and the Brentford player took his shooting heel away.

Enciso an absolute masterclass in guts, determination and skill trying to drag the team up the pitch and be a threat. Oh, how I wish we could sign him.

However the same problems exist. Gutless in midfield. No physicality throughout the team, and minimal threat up front, and no changes to approach by McKenna, ( are we even surprised)? We looked more of a threat once the subs came on. Make of that what you will.

I just hope Leicester don't beat us. We deserve to be top of the bottom three pile, given our efforts this season and basically a League One squad with a smattering of youngsters.

Bring on next season. It can't come soon enough for me.

A big shout out to the loyal Town fans. ....
COYBS

[shabba]

Good game, another real contest today - enjoyed it.

Not quite quick enough on the ball - but that’s always been a challenge this season, lacked a bit of cutting edge, the half yard, the killer moments etc but we worked hard - gave it a real go and could have got something from the game.

We aren’t getting pumped, we have fight in us despite being down and I personally see that as a positive. Nobody has thrown the towel in.

[Mach_Polish_Blue]

No wonder we looked a bit better in the last 15-20 mins of the game after Taylor and Chaplin had been subbed.

Them two and Morsy don't offer anything at this level. Totally empty midfield particularly in the first half. Taylor was glaringly useless.

Moreover we again looked better as a team with Hirst.

Central midfield needs an entire re-building before next season. Luongo will go and I wouldn't be disappointed if we sold Taylor as he wasn't even great in Championship.

[Frosty]

Really good match, not far away from what’s needed at this level.

Delap was disappointing today, maybe has checked out already.

Hirst should have put his header away

[arana peligrosa]

This could be the shortest most uneventful game day thread ever witnessed in 18 years of participation - where's the replies - but guess people stayed away as there wasn't really much to play for and a relegation had all but been confirmed.

In any event that weren't a soccer game it were MMA fighting and all-in wrestling, spent more time watching fouls and obstructions and players heaving each other to the floor than any real action. Used to admire Brentford, thought what they've built up after 100 years of obscurity was to be admired, but having gained response from one of their 'leading' message boards and their actions today, they've kind of gone down in estimation.

We showed the right character particularly second period but the opposition were in command for the best part - when they weren't up to some level of indecency - and caused us no end of trouble. Somehow thought we'd see defeat here and it came to pass, truth is when they (Brentford) play fair they're indeed a useful team that can take a result from most in this league but today was just marred by a whole succession of unsavory incident and unnecessary foul action.

A once again near 30,000 crowd was real commendable, you got to applaud those that attend and keep the numbers up now we're down, although it were far from the greatest exhibition you could hope to see. Our home record this season - games to win ratio - is bizarre if not embarrassing and simply can't provide an answer as to why we've failed to make use of it or gain far more points and victories since August than just one lousy win all season.

[Charnwood]

I think we need a new set piece coach. Our defence of set pieces particularly corners is shocking. We didn’t more time grappling with opponents and absolutely nobody apart from Palmer watches or follows the ball, no surprise we look so chaotic every time we have to defend one.

[Charnwood]

Another observation from yesterday is that Brentford play with a far more settled consistent group of players than we have which must make it so much easier to get them to play as a team.
Sometime today I’m going to look to see if there’s any link between the numbers of players used and success.

[hallamblue]

What people may not have seen as we saw at the game right in front of us, was Brentford players making a mockery of the game in the box at corners. The immediately turned it into a free for all wrestling match and rugby style holding/ grappling to which the ref did nothing.

Strange how the merest of touches out in the general field of play sees players ( mostly the opposition) go down like they've been shot, and commence to roll around holding their face....yet in the box at corners they are literally throwing our players to the ground and NOTHING is called....why is that, have the rules of the game changed for corners in this sh*t league?

No VAR check for Wissa's HIGH overhead kick on our defender who i believe was even JUMPING to header the ball away yet still got kicked in the head!! How is that not dangerous play? No VAR check. No Brentford player booked or even spoken to. Why not?


No VAR check when Hirst is clean through, about to shoot and almost certain to score, and his shooting foot is clipped from behind seeing the ball skew horribly wide. He dudnt miss, he was fouled ffs!! I've never seen Hirst so angry as he chased after the ref. Again NOTHING given. It was a clear foul!

This league is utter sh*t. It's not about"not being at their level." Its about not cheating like your does. Thats what this PL level is this REALLY all about. Its cheating pure and simple as that, , feining injury, shytehousery to con the officials, minimal flowing game time. If this is the so called "premier" league you can f**king shove it where the sun doesn't shine. It's utter crap, has nothing to do with the game of football and is ruining the game. It STINKS!

[hallamblue]

Another observation from yesterday is that Brentford play with a far more settled consistent group of players than we have which must make it so much easier to get them to play as a team.
Sometime today I’m going to look to see if there’s any link between the numbers of players used and success.

playing a settled team will help consistency without doubt. But we've had a full blown injury crisis the whole season ( to which I challenge McKenna's training methods - high intensity)..

But the local rag made this observation ...

McKenna explained: "Conor was sick overnight and felt good enough to start but was struggling on the pitch." ( he was subbed after 57mins)

Axel Tuanzebe returned to the starting XI today after recovering from a slight hamstring issue, while Ben Johnson was available again after serving a one-game ban.

The Blues still had nine players unavailable though in Aro Muric (shoulder), Leif Davis (suspended), Conor Townsend (hamstring), Kalvin Phillips (Achilles), Chiedozie Ogbene (Achilles), Wes Burns (knee), Sammie Szmodics (ankle), Jaden Philogene (knee) and Nathan Broadhead (knee).

Once again, Jens Cajuste (knee) was only deemed fit enough for a cameo appearance.

[Charnwood]

I’m happy to take another look Liz but watching on tv and not being at the game I had the benefit of play back and slow motion rather than seeing it live and at game speed and most of the controversial decisions the referee appeared to get right. In particular the grappling in the box alienated to be as much our fault as there’s which is why it was almost impossible for the referee to award a free kick as it would advantage one team over the other when both were at fault. When Tuanzebe grounded there guy with a full body throw was a typical example of this as there guy wasn’t totally blameless and awarding a penalty to them woukd have been harsh. As for Hirst looking as if he was fouled when clean through on tv in slow motion it looked like he tripped over his own feet. I know we’ve had more than our fair share of injuries which is something that needs looking at, but even without this I do think McKenna sometimes makes more changes than necessary although I accept this is just my observation.

[The Odious Mr Rossi]

I’m happy to take another look Liz but watching on tv and not being at the game I had the benefit of play back and slow motion rather than seeing it live and at game speed and most of the controversial decisions the referee appeared to get right. In particular the grappling in the box alienated to be as much our fault as there’s which is why it was almost impossible for the referee to award a free kick as it would advantage one team over the other when both were at fault. When Tuanzebe grounded there guy with a full body throw was a typical example of this as there guy wasn’t totally blameless and awarding a penalty to them woukd have been harsh. As for Hirst looking as if he was fouled when clean through on tv in slow motion it looked like he tripped over his own feet. I know we’ve had more than our fair share of injuries which is something that needs looking at, but even without this I do think McKenna sometimes makes more changes than necessary although I accept this is just my observation.

I have to agree with this - we were just as guilty of grappling in the box as they were. That's one thing I wish would be stamped out from the game, if I was a ref then the first grappler would see a straight red - they'd soon learn.

[hallamblue]

When someone gets hold of you or pushes you about you're going to respond. I was watching what was going on in that box right infront of me b4 they scored, and Brentford players were physically hold onto our Keeper. How is that not a foul? Let alone the rest of the holding going on in the box. Brentford players constantly instigated it. Of course our players will respond, were trying to defend. Mckenna has already stated Brentford have a decade of using this specific tactic in the box at dead ball situations.

[The Odious Mr Rossi]

When someone gets hold of you or pushes you about you're going to respond. I was watching what was going on in that box right infront of me b4 they scored, and Brentford players were physically hold onto our Keeper. How is that not a foul? Let alone the rest of the holding going on in the box. Brentford players constantly instigated it. Of course our players will respond, were trying to defend. Mckenna has already stated Brentford have a decade of using this specific tactic in the box at dead ball situations.

There will always be somebody who is first to start something Liz - and it wasn't always a Brentford player

[hallamblue]

' course it was .....