Premier League - Brighton & Hove Albion vs Ipswich Town Preview & Matchday Thread

[Frosty]

Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. v Ipswich Town



Saturday 14th September 2024 – 15:00


Falmer Stadium






Pre-Match Thoughts - Mike


The game against Fulham saw Town pick up their first Premier League point in Twenty Two years thanks to an impressive display against the side from Craven Cottage who it has to be said are no mugs. The way Town came out of the blocks and then boss much of the second half is reason enough to be even more optimistic than we already were as by the close we had certainly done enough to earn the point but in many peoples eyes, mine included, we had probably done enough to win the game and with it our first Three point haul of the season.

The way Town forged themselves into the lead after Fifteen minutes was a thing of beauty as Leif Davis did what Leif does going forward, a surging run and accurate pass setting the very impressive on his way to goal, there was still a lot to do for the big man but he did it with a aplomb as he charged towards goal evading a couple of Fulham players on route before hitting a stunning strike which the keeper could only help into the net, what a way to get off the mark for the striker.

Town continued to look the better side and I have to admit it wasn't until I watched the replay of the game that I was aware of just how close we came to making it Two nil from a Delap header, it really should have been on target at the very least and had it been it probably goes in given the positioning of the Fulham keeper, sadly on this occasion it was not to be and these are the chances that are going to have to be taken as they are often of a premium in this most challenging of Leagues.

As is often the way not long after the visitors get themselves level as they grew more and more into the game, it's hard to apportion blame for the goal as a few Town players were in and around the move which it has to be said was sharp and efficient in it's execution, after Fulham had picked up the ball in Midfield Axel Tuanzebe was left for dead as the winger got in around the back, the retreating Woolfenden was arriving at the near post but facing goal and could not turn enough to get his boot on it, Jacob greaves came diving in at full stretch to no avail while at the back post Leif Davis was out of position and with his body shape all wrong could only stand and watch as Traore fired home, Muric too was kind of rooted as the cross came in so all in all it wasn't a great goal for Town to concede but for me once again Davis as much as anyone will feel he needed to do better.

While the Second half failed to see Town grab the victory they probably deserved it did much to boost confidence for the long haul, it has been well documented that Town must be competitive and successful against the teams that are expected to be down there in our Mini league for survival, taking into account Fulham are most definitely not one of those this was a pretty good point all things considered. it could be looked at both ways, a point gained against a team who could well be Top half and who Two weeks earlier were unlucky to lose to Manchester Utd, or Two points dropped given that we had edged the game at home and would have been given the victory on points, personally I like to keep positive and view it as a point gained.

I thought we had some excellent performances in our ranks with Axel, Woolfy, Greaves, Phillips, Morsy & Delap all putting in very good shifts, the skipper as KM has said has taken to the Premier league effortlessly and I also want to give a special mention to Kalvin Phillips who really impressed me and looked light years ahead of his first game at Wimbledon Three days earlier, if he continues to improve as we hope he will we have One hell of a player on our hands and the partnership with him and Morsy will be very strong indeed.

I did originally think the International break was coming at a good time for us what with the opportunity for the boss to have Two weeks on the training ground working with all the new arrivals, however it appears that we will have several players away on International duty which is in truth a bit of a hindrance, not to mention the chances of picking up unwanted injuries while playing pointless matches, but it is what it is and we are no different to anybody else so have to make the best of it.

In days gone by a trip to Brighton would be viewed as a very winnable game but as we know we have been away from the top table for a fair few years and while we have been in the doldrums until recently, Brighton have been on a steep upward climb and to be fair they have down incredibly well, so much so it could be argued that they are the benchmark which we aspire to be, they just seem to have everything right these days. Their season has also started very well this time around too and last time out they drew at Arsenal having beaten Manchester Utd the week before so they are really doing well right now and look the part.

This was one of the games that I had suggested pre season we could go and nick a point from but in truth that in itself would be a fantastic result and a bit of a shock, this game really falls into the "free hit" category but that said as we know McKenna's Town team go out to win every game and this One will be no different but I suspect we will have to get everything pretty much spot on on the day. The style that Brighton employ will certainly suit us and I feel going forward we can indeed cause them some problems, defensively we need to be just that little bit more tighter and compact as they have some excellent individuals who can punish any lapse.

I think it is key that we keep it tight for the first 20 Minutes or so and keep ourselves well in the game, our confidence will grow and they could get just that little bit impatient which will suit us, by the time this game comes round it is hopeful that the boys will know just that little bit more about each other and the understanding of partnerships etc could be more beneficial to us as a team.

knowing who we start with is anyone's guess but I do not see to much deviation from the starting line up that we went with against Fulham, I would however like to see jack Clarke in for Ogbene with Hutchinson switching to the Right and szmodics down the centre behind Delap, that just feels like our best options in my opinion. Let's just hope the players that are away with their respective countries come back fit and healthy and we do ourselves proud and give everything on the day, you just never know what can happen on any given day. IPSWICH TIL I DIE.



The Opposition - Brighton & Hove Albion - Honours



League


Second Division / Championship

Runners-up: 1978–79, 2016–17

Third Division South / Second Division / League One

Champions: 1957–58, 2001–02, 2010–11

Fourth Division / Third Division

Champions: 1964–65, 2000–01

Southern League

Champions: 1909–10


Cup


FA Cup

Runners-up: 1982–83

FA Charity Shield

Winners: 1910

Sussex Senior Challenge Cup

Winners (15): 1942–43, 1987–88, 1991–92, 1993–94, 1994–95, 1999–00, 2003–04, 2006–07, 2007–08, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2012–13, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2021–22




The Manager – Fabian Hürzeler








League Table as at 10.09.2024







Form Guide




Brighton & Hove Albion FC



17 Aug Everton 0 - 3 Brighton

24 Aug Brighton 2 - 1 Manchester Utd

31 Aug Arsenal 1 - 1 Brighton





Ipswich Town



17 Aug Ipswich Town 0 - 2 Liverpool

24 Aug Manchester City 4 - 1 Ipswich Town

31 Aug Ipswich Town 1 - 1 Fulham





Head to Head








Match Referee – Sam Barrott








BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION 1 IPSWICH TOWN 1

[RRanger]

This is as tough an away fixture as we are likely to have to play this season. Brighton have done extraordinarily well since getting into the Premier League and I would be very surprised if they are not at least top 6 by the end of the season. It was rumoured that they approached KMc in the close season and when they couldn't get him went for an even younger manager who looks to be an excellent choice.
I will be ecstatic if we manage to get a point on Saturday and ,to be honest ,won't be expecting it but football is a game that always throws up surprises so you never know!!
COYB

[shabba]

Very tough match this one as said above.

A point would be great.

[Blue Wilf]

A point would indeed be great. It is so hard to see where you can take points in this league!! Getting to 35 of them, even after spending £100m is not going to be easy... COYB's!

[Mauswara]

A point would indeed be great. It is so hard to see where you can take points in this league!! Getting to 35 of them, even after spending £100m is not going to be easy... COYB's!

like three million quid a point

now there's a thought

[shabba]

A point would indeed be great. It is so hard to see where you can take points in this league!! Getting to 35 of them, even after spending £100m is not going to be easy... COYB's!

Indeed! Even the next 4 games, if we can get 3-4 points we'd likely be happy?

- Brighton (A)
- Southampton (A)
- Villa (H)
- West Ham (A)

[Charnwood]

A point would indeed be great. It is so hard to see where you can take points in this league!! Getting to 35 of them, even after spending £100m is not going to be easy... COYB's!

Indeed! Even the next 4 games, if we can get 3-4 points we'd likely be happy?

- Brighton (A)
- Southampton (A)
- Villa (H)
- West Ham (A)

All I can realistically see there is 3 points at Southampton and even that won’t be easy as they will see us at home as a must win game.
If you look a little further we have consecutive home games against Everton and Leicester City, they will be two must win games for us which could get us back on track with 10 points from 10 games played.

[Ricco]

Let's not give these teams too much respect and lose the mental battle before stepping over the white line.

Looking at the teams in the league is terrifying, but we can't wait for the easier games, because there aren't any, we have to believe we can pick up points when we're not expected to.

Having said that, 4 or 5 pts out of that lot would be bloomin' marvellous!

[Charnwood]

Somehow we have to average 1 point a game over the season or more if possible. If we can achieve that I’m pretty certain not all our points will come from predictable fixture’s. There will be surprise wins and surprise defeats, that’s the excitement and disappointment of professional football.

[ITFC2024]

Anyone wanna venture a guess at the starting lineup for this one? I’m not sure with the international activity. Those who played for their country may not start.

[shabba]

Has a anyone played midweek? I didn’t play attention.

Might see a start for Clark?

[Mariner67]

Any news on the injured players who might be returning?,Hirst,Broadhead.

[hallamblue]

ALL players at the Club have been in training this week. It's not been ruled out that those previoidly missing through injury could be on the bench for Satirday.

[Mariner67]

ALL players at the Club have been in training this week. It's not been ruled out that those previoidly missing through injury could be on the bench for Satirday.

Will be good to have some more options up front, Delap looks good though.

[Bluemike]

Muric ( If back from nightclub on time)

Tuanzebe
Woolfenden
Greaves
Davis

Morsy
Phillips

Hutchinson
Szmodics
Clarke

Delap

[hallamblue]

Lol

Unsurprisingly, I'd go with

Muric ( If back from nightclub on time)

Tuanzebe ( but think he's only just back off flight ftom internationals so cud be Johnson)
O'Shea
Greaves
Davis

Morsy
Phillips

Hutchinson
Szmodics
Clarke

Delap

[JohnnyB]

I'm going!

Sitting on my hands above the centre circle

Heart says s 2-2 draw. I'd be delighted with that

[Charnwood]

I’m not expecting to get anything out of this game but that said I do think our team will spring a few surprises over the season so it has to start somewhere.

[shabba]

I'm going!

Sitting on my hands above the centre circle

Heart says s 2-2 draw. I'd be delighted with that

Glad you got a ticket. Would you mind writing up how you found the experience etc after. I’d be interested to hear.

[JohnnyB]

I'm going!

Sitting on my hands above the centre circle

Heart says s 2-2 draw. I'd be delighted with that

Glad you got a ticket. Would you mind writing up how you found the experience etc after. I’d be interested to hear.

Sure. I'd far rather be with the town fans of course but I'm still looking forward to the game

[arana peligrosa]

Not expecting much from this trip, you only got to take a look at their first three results to imagine they're going to be a handful. But all things are possible on the day so went ahead and thought a point may come from it. From a neutral perspective it's good to see a club name like Brighton Hove Albion doing well and establishing themselves right now as many can only recall them never being up to much or nearly going out of business some years recent. If they won the league, if it were to happen, I'd allow them all and any plaudits available but somehow know such a particular accolade is going to be beyond them.

Brighton HA 2 ITFC 2

[Mariner67]

Burns & Hirst could be on the bench,I'm feeling positive about today but will miss all the game because I'm at a wedding 0-1 to Ipswich

[Charnwood]

I'm going!

Sitting on my hands above the centre circle

Heart says s 2-2 draw. I'd be delighted with that

Glad you got a ticket. Would you mind writing up how you found the experience etc after. I’d be interested to hear.

I’ve often brought or acquired a ticket in a neutral part of an away ground away from the hardcore end of the ground and always found it ok. Of course you can’t celebrate a Town goal as you would if you were with your own fans but at least you get to see the game. If anyone asks you just say you’re new to the area and just enjoy football.

[JohnnyB]

I'm going!

Sitting on my hands above the centre circle

Heart says s 2-2 draw. I'd be delighted with that

Glad you got a ticket. Would you mind writing up how you found the experience etc after. I’d be interested to hear.

I’ve often brought or acquired a ticket in a neutral part of an away ground away from the hardcore end of the ground and always found it ok. Of course you can’t celebrate a Town goal as you would if you were with your own fans but at least you get to see the game. If anyone asks you just say you’re new to the area and just enjoy football.

My Ipswich shirt is on but under two layers!

I'm in a pretty neutral part and anyway Brighton fans are maybe not the most vehment. I have been in shed end before with Chelsea fans and that was definitely clamped mouth and hands. Not that there was much to celebrate after we took a short lived lead.

When I was asking around mates who are Brighton fans it seems there is still a bit of beef lingering over the banner of 2012 which tbf was pretty stupid. But really they need to get over that.

Anyway, I will be keeping an eye out to see who's sitting around me and behaving accordingly.

[Charnwood]

Glad you got a ticket. Would you mind writing up how you found the experience etc after. I’d be interested to hear.

I’ve often brought or acquired a ticket in a neutral part of an away ground away from the hardcore end of the ground and always found it ok. Of course you can’t celebrate a Town goal as you would if you were with your own fans but at least you get to see the game. If anyone asks you just say you’re new to the area and just enjoy football.

My Ipswich shirt is on but under two layers!

I'm in a pretty neutral part and anyway Brighton fans are maybe not the most vehment. I have been in shed end before with Chelsea fans and that was definitely clamped mouth and hands. Not that there was much to celebrate after we took a short lived lead.

When I was asking around mates who are Brighton fans it seems there is still a bit of beef lingering over the banner of 2012 which tbf was pretty stupid. But really they need to get over that.

Anyway, I will be keeping an eye out to see who's sitting around me and behaving accordingly.

Enjoy the game Johnny, just hope it’s not too hot down there today and you needing to strip off, especially after we score our 3rd goal.

[JohnnyB]

I’ve often brought or acquired a ticket in a neutral part of an away ground away from the hardcore end of the ground and always found it ok. Of course you can’t celebrate a Town goal as you would if you were with your own fans but at least you get to see the game. If anyone asks you just say you’re new to the area and just enjoy football.

My Ipswich shirt is on but under two layers!

I'm in a pretty neutral part and anyway Brighton fans are maybe not the most vehment. I have been in shed end before with Chelsea fans and that was definitely clamped mouth and hands. Not that there was much to celebrate after we took a short lived lead.

When I was asking around mates who are Brighton fans it seems there is still a bit of beef lingering over the banner of 2012 which tbf was pretty stupid. But really they need to get over that.

Anyway, I will be keeping an eye out to see who's sitting around me and behaving accordingly.

Enjoy the game Johnny, just hope it’s not too hot down there today and you needing to strip off, especially after we score our 3rd goal.

It's a hot day but sweating in delight is definitely the preferred outcome.

[ITFC2024]

Maybe this...

Muric

Johnson
Woolfenden
Greaves
Davis

Morsy
Phillips

Ogbene
Hutchinson
Clarke

Delap

[Bluemike]

Sitting in 36 degrees heat here in Marmaris with cold beers and a bit of food shortly, Town game coming on after the pre cursor of Man Utd v Southampton, Leeds v Burnley and Oxford v Stoke which are all being shown. Leeds fans in here, very quiet lol, 3 Stoke fans, pretty quiet and a few Man Utd tossers giving it large. Great atmosphere though

[Cabanas Blue]

No Wolfie in the squad, KMc said all fit Burns starts Hirst on the bench.

[AzzurroMark]

No Wolfie in the squad, KMc said all fit Burns starts Hirst on the bench.

Hmm surprised about Wolfie, however we know KM likes to tailor his side according to threats that the opponents may possess. Likewise, he doesn't tend to go with a CB on the bench, apparently! That said, there is cover available as both Tuanzebe and Phillips could easily slot in there if needed.

I'm just disappointed that I can't watch this on TownTV, yes I know there are VPNs I could get round this on! Currently off work for another 3 weeks and a Town game today, regardless of result, would've been a real tonic.