Premier League - Ipswich Town vs Leicester City Preview & Matchday Thread

[Frosty]

Ipswich Town v Leicester City



Saturday 2nd November 2024 – 15:00


Portman Road







Pre Match Thoughts - Mike



Just what have we got to do to win a game in the Premier League ! I think it is fair to say we came so close to securing that first Three point haul at Brentford last weekend before shooting ourselves in the foot with the customary individual errors and lapses in concentration to somehow grab defeat from the jaws of victory. Having surged into a Two goal lead courtesy of some fab Football which had our hosts on the back foot it seemed like this was finally going to be the day we got off the mark where victories are concerned. Sadly this is Ipswich Town and as we all know we at times we have a very soft underbelly and this again proved to be the case.

The Two goal lead should really have become Three as Town opened Brentford up several times, unfortunately on this occasion the impressive Sammy Szmodics failed to capitalise on some great team work when he looked destined to score and put the game to bed and oh how we were going to rue that miss. With half time approaching Town were still looking to attack and get forward when surely a more pragmatic approach would have been wiser, much has been discussed on the matter and it doesn't need going over again but suffice to say we were going to regret these Five minutes big time as a Two goal lead was wiped out with some incisive Brentford attacking play which saw the teams go in level, it really was a kick in the teeth having been on top and in control for virtually the entire half.

Clearly things went from bad to worse for Town after the break with ridiculous VAR decisions, Red cards etc etc all going against us, add to that a much improved Brentford performance from a team scenting Blood and we had our backs against the wall. The Bees took the lead from the spot after Harry Clarke was adjudged to have committed a foul in the box when it clearly started outside the area, to compound that the defender was also sent off for a second bookable offence following a good tackle which clearly got the ball, where was VAR here I wonder ?

Despite our numerical disadvantage we conjured up an incredible equaliser to bring it back to 3-3 thanks to that man Liam Delap and what a finish it was, players and fans alike going wild with delight. It deserved a point at least, it felt like we had the point too but what was to follow was heart breaking beyond belief as the home side were yet again gifted the most ridiculous of winning goals. We all have our version of events, personally I know where the blame lies, the same place it lies quite often in truth, to see those players in Blue slumping to the floor in disbelief was hard to take and certainly not what we deserved.

On the day we had a few heroes out there, players had come in to fill the games in the team ravaged by injury and illness, losing Morsy, Hutchinson, Delap and Taylor from the starting Eleven was a big blow but the likes of George Hirst, Conor Chaplin, Jens Cajuste etc came in and played superbly well. it gives hope that even with some players missing we have the quality to cover for a period of time. We also lost Ogbene during the game and that one looks like it could well be season ending, it never rains !!

Once the dust had settled and the inquiries had been undertaken I think very few will argue with the fact defensively we are just not strong enough depth wise, when we have Greaves, Tuanzebe, O'Shea & Davis all fit we look ok but beyond them we are poor and error ridden, it looks like it's a case of limping to January and keeping in touch and then strengthening in the defensive department. The keeper is also a major problem, when you hear seasoned pro's like Mick Mills asking why the hell we signed Muric you kinda know it's not working out, again I think improvement there is imperative if we wish to survive.

Despite all the above regarding errors, VAR, poor decisions etc it came down to very poor game management that cost us the match, it didn't take much change for that to have been a win but we didn't do it, some are happy with it, trust the process I am told, that's the thing, I do trust the process but every team has to be able to switch stuff around at times, this is where I think we fail miserably and sit bottom of that particular League.

We now sit on Nine games without a win and Three defeats on the bounce, and those games were Ones that most thought we'd pick up points in. I read a newspaper article the other day that said "of course Saturday against Leicester City is not must win", what a load of nonsense, it very much is a must win because if we don't and with Spurs and Man Utd up next that could most likely be Twelves winless games, a third of the season, we'll most likely be bottom if that were to happen and teams bottom at Christmas always go down, it doesn't bode well.

Of course a win can work wonders for morale, confidence, belief and league standing and that is what the aim has to be, anything close to that opening Forty Minutes at Brentford would most probably be enough, no matter who starts for Town needs our support and that includes Muric, Burgess or Harry Clarke, anything else is detrimental in the extreme, we need that Band of Brothers mentality to get us out of this small hole that is now appearing and we most definitely can do it but it has to start with Three points over the Foxes. The hope is that Sam Morsy and Omari Hutchinson return and that Liam Delap has not done his hamstring as some reports are suggesting but if all else fails we know the deputies are more than capable of stepping up, I just hope Walton has a blinder, Oh sorry I mean Muric.
COYB'S


The Opposition – Leicester City FC - Honours


League

First Division / Premier League
Champions: 2015–16
Runners-up: 1928–29

Second Division / First Division / Championship
Champions: 1924–25, 1936–37, 1953–54, 1956–57, 1970–71, 1979–80, 2013–14, 2023-24
Runners-up: 1907–08, 2002–03
Play-off winners: 1994, 1996

League One
Champions: 2008–09


Cup


FA Cup
Winners: 2020–21
Runners-up: 1948–49, 1960–61, 1962–63, 1968–69

League Cup
Winners: 1963–64, 1996–97, 1999–2000
Runners-up: 1964–65, 1998–99

FA Charity Shield / FA Community Shield
Winners: 1971, 2021
Runners-up: 2016



The Manager – Steve Cooper







League Table as at 30.10.2024







Form Guide




Ipswich Town



21 Sep Southampton 1 - 1 Ipswich Town

29 Sep Ipswich Town 2 - 2 Aston Villa

5 Oct West Ham Utd 4 - 1 Ipswich Town

19 Oct Ipswich Town 0 - 2 Everton

26 Oct Brentford 4 - 3 Ipswich Town






Leicester City FC



21 Sep Leicester City 1 - 1 Everton

28 Sep Arsenal 4 - 2 Leicester City

5 Oct Leicester City 1 - 0 Bournemouth

19 Oct Southampton 2 - 3 Leicester City

25 Oct Leicester City 1 - 3 Nottm Forest




Head to Head







Match Referee – Tim Robinson







IPSWICH TOWN 2 LEICESTER CITY 1

[The Odious Mr Rossi]

Leicester are no mugs, and arguably stood a better chance of survival than us at the start of the season. 9 games down the line thay have achieved a couple of wins, so thus far that initial supposition appears to be justified.

The majority seem to be of the opinion that a slight tweak to approach - from what was so successful the past 2 seasons - is required. I hope it does happen, but I think we have a few games yet of the same old same old.

I was going to predict a 0-0 for this one, then I remembered that they have a player a class above anything we have - Jamie Vardy who is playing as well as ever and seems to be relishing being back in the PL. So I am going for 0-1 - hope I'm wrong.

[hallamblue]

I've gone for a Town win because I do think it's close. But our biggest achiles heel is the persistent mistakes at the back . Stamp that out and we'll stay up in my humble opinion.
COYBs

[Denny61]

Leicester are no mugs, and arguably stood a better chance of survival than us at the start of the season. 9 games down the line thay have achieved a couple of wins, so thus far that initial supposition appears to be justified.

The majority seem to be of the opinion that a slight tweak to approach - from what was so successful the past 2 seasons - is required. I hope it does happen, but I think we have a few games yet of the same old same old.

I was going to predict a 0-0 for this one, then I remembered that they have a player a class above anything we have - Jamie Vardy who is playing as well as ever and seems to be relishing being back in the PL. So I am going for 0-1 - hope I'm wrong.

I've gone for a town win ..if we can score 1 or 2 like Last day..Leicester will open up even more and we hit them on the counter..for a 3rd .or more .they not as good as Bournemouth. I'm going for 3.1 to us

[MasseyFerguson]

We do need something out of this game. I think we will. We will get better at eking out points as the season progresses. I trust the process.

[marko69]

Nice review....., will highlight this part:

Quote:
Despite all the above regarding errors, VAR, poor decisions etc it came down to very poor game management that cost us the match, it didn't take much change for that to have been a win but we didn't do it, some are happy with it, trust the process I am told, that's the thing, I do trust the process but every team has to be able to switch stuff around at times, this is where I think we fail miserably and sit bottom of that particular League.
End quote

Just going to emphasize that a tad more as these guys really do need to earn their crust ON the field in ALL departments, especially in the last 5 minutes of a half while being 2-0 up WITHOUT manager instruction. They should know to change within the game. They MUST know. And if Kieron McKenna has NOT instructed them to "USE THEIR INITIATIVE" ----->> then, yep, I dunno what to say to that. But like Denny61 & Massey; I am going to continue trusting the process of being able to score goals. Because IF Kieron has indeed instructed them to change with the flow, then the players are basically inept, and a change in process would result in Brentford 4 ITFC 0 instead of 4-3.
Got to trust the process and trust the defenders will go out there deploying a few more brain cells than the week before.
A bit like Gayle at Hibs and his FKING 50PENCE HEAD......., his 50 pence head has Sir David Gray in the stocks......, because its a 3-0 derby win otherwise.

Reminds of an unfortunate flat tyre. Told a young employee to hang the radiators and put the valves on them while I went to quote another job. Got the flat tyre, couldn't get the wheel off as a nut sheared ...., had to call the AA....., was away from the job 4 hours. Was expecting the radiators on the wall, valves on, maybe floorboards lifted, maybe a few radiators piped....... NOPE. He done what I asked then sat on his arse. Showed zero initiative to seeing the job out. Am I to spoon feed this guy?
Does Kieron spend too much time on his process of blowing teams away in the first 30 minutes (and should be 5-0 up as some say), and FORGETS to remind them to not be thick and use their football brains?
The employee was relieved of duties a few months later......., and if some think it was my fault?? Well, I can't sack myself!

Home win in this one for me. 3-1 as well. Suppose if Muric is as shyte as you all say and Vardy is getting better with age as Rossi says, then lets give them a goal.

REF Caption: (Simon & Garfunkel)

Go to the screen, Mr Robinson,
You say goal but VAR says Offside
OFF OFF SIDE

So here's to you, Mr Robinson
Jumpin' Jamie needs to be sent off.
OFF OFF OFF

[ITFC2024]

When you look at our record for conceding goals (mostly due to bonehead errors) I can’t predict a clean sheet. We’re weak in the back due to injuries, so for me Leicester will score. Where does that leave us? Well inevitably we’ll have to score more goals to win (stating the obvious).

We really need the win and I’m fine if it’s a goal fest as long as we win. I suppose a draw will be ok, but in all honesty if we have any chance of survival we have to win these type of games at home.

Prediction 2-2, but hopefully 3-2 in our favour.

[ITFC2024]

Didn’t want to create a new thread for this, but I’ve noticed Charnwood hasn’t posted lately. I’m sure you are aware, Spain has been experiencing historic flooding. I certainly hope Charnwood and family have not been significantly affected by the floods. Prayers and thoughts for Charnwood and family.

[Bluemike]

I think Andy is fine, he was online a few minutes ago.

[shabba]

HUGE game!

I'm thrilled as I managed to get tickets for this and will be taking my son for his first match, will make a full day of it and get him a shirt etc.
I really hope we don't lose and also score a goal, want to get him hooked on town asap!

WIll be taking my dad so three generations going! Proud moment.

The injury list seems huge, so will be a hard game due to lack of options.

[ITFC2024]

Line up for Leicester match: I’ve just read a report Morsy & Greaves will be fit.

Muric

Johnson O’Shea Greaves Davis

Phillips Morsy

Hutch Chaplin Szmodics

Delap

[marko69]

Re Charnwood, (glad he's ok) ....., and that whole weather thing happening in Spain.......,

Valencia is 127Kms further north than what Charnwood has as his location, (Moraira) ...., which is fair enough. But there was one storm related death in Malaga ---->> Valancia is 662Kms north of Malaga.

Makes no sense. What about all the other places in between?

Got to assume that even though Charnwood is ok, has to be a tad wet in Moraira?

[Charnwood]

Didn’t want to create a new thread for this, but I’ve noticed Charnwood hasn’t posted lately. I’m sure you are aware, Spain has been experiencing historic flooding. I certainly hope Charnwood and family have not been significantly affected by the floods. Prayers and thoughts for Charnwood and family.

Thanks for thinking of us mate. Here in Moraira which is in the heart of the Valencia Region we were extremely lucky given the huge disaster just 50 miles further north. We had the torrential rain and high winds but nothing on the scale of that experienced less than an hour away. All the deaths and extreme damage was caused where flooded rivers burst their banks as the excessive rain water ran off the mountains behind us. Fortunately we have no river running through our town. According to tonight’s news we now have 155 deaths in Valencia with dozens more still missing. It’s really sad here at the moment as we join in three days of mourning.

[Charnwood]

Re Charnwood, (glad he's ok) ....., and that whole weather thing happening in Spain.......,

Valencia is 127Kms further north than what Charnwood has as his location, (Moraira) ...., which is fair enough. But there was one storm related death in Malaga ---->> Valancia is 662Kms north of Malaga.

Makes no sense. What about all the other places in between?

Got to assume that even though Charnwood is ok, has to be a tad wet in Moraira?

Believe it or not Marko after Tuesdays deluge yesterday and today were like summer days with wall to wall sunshine and temps in the mid 20’s. The net result, everywhere is completely dry with not a hint of the chaos that prevailed 48hrs earlier. Sadly it’s not like this an hour north where the clean up will take months to complete.

[Charnwood]

Let’s get the topic back on track. I’m hoping we can build on the positives taken away from the game at Brentford and use this to our advantage. Surely our first win has to come soon and when better than Saturday against Leicester.
Another game without Tuanzabe and Greaves is a worry as without them it’s hard to see us keeping a clean sheet. However if Chaplin & Hurst can lead the attack with the same energy and enthusiasm as they did last weekend there’s no reason why we can’t score at least one more goal than The Foxes who also struggle defensively.
Prediction; Town 3-2 Leicester

[ATB]

Biggest weekend of the season so far

A loss could be devastating as with palace playing wolves and Everton playing Southampton if we do lose there a chance we could be 5 points from safety and 8 points from 16.

3 points is a must and I think we’ll do it

[Bluemike]

It most definitely is a must win game for us.

[JohnnyB]

Greaves and Morsy back would be immense.

I think if we can tighten at the back, we've got this. Much has been made of Shearer's damning analysis on MOTD but if you look at goals scored this season we are joint 16th, equal with Toon and ahead of Manure.

2-1 to town.

[Charnwood]

I thought Greaves was out until Christmas ?

[marko69]

I thought Greaves was out until Christmas ?

No, thats the Gringe.

[Mariner67]

If Greaves is back & fully recovered then that's a massive boost,Johnson I'm not that excited by,he's not good enough along with O'shea.If Omari is back & playing on the right, I will go for a win 2-1

[Bluemike]

Greaves out till after the international break

[hallamblue]

O'Shay preferred to play with " severe back injury" in the last game, instead of a fully fit Woolfenden makes a statement from McKenna I think.

[Bluemike]

Nothing between them really

[Ricco]

Greaves out till after the international break

There's another international break?!

[hallamblue]

Nothing between them really

For some fans that may be the conclusion, but that's clearly not the case with the coaches / manager.

I've just read the report ( McKenna interview) on twtd in which he talks about the severity of our injury situation, especially in defence. So if that's the case ( we've all known it is), and yet McKenna still doesn't pick Woolfie. I'd say woolfie has got one foot out the Town door now. Because if you can get picked when every other defender around you is out injured, what message does that send him? If it's not a football reason, then there's something else going on between them potentially.

[marko69]

O'Shay preferred to play with " severe back injury" in the last game, instead of a fully fit Woolfenden makes a statement from McKenna I think.

Well, from memory, Woolfenden wasn't a fan favourite at all....... But didn't realise O'Shea was carrying a "severe injury". He was terrible in the last game. That will explain things.

[ITFC2024]

I think Woolfy has been ok, but clearly he’s not ready for the Premier League. He should have been loaned to a Championship club. O’Shea is not that bad as some have suggested. We have players who performed well in the Championship (Burns, Hutchinson, J. Clarke) but they’re not doing that great so far.

This is where KM needs to earn his money. Personally, I think Chaplin should be the #10. After resistance & ridicule from Rossi, I now agree Hutch should play on the right. Szmodics can play on the left and still be effective.

If Phillips can’t hack it he should be dropped for Cajuste when Morsy is playing. Luongo is another option when fit.

Defensively…your guess is as good as mine. But remember, many of our conceded goals have been due to individual errors. Cut that out and we may have a chance.

I still believe Delap should start over Hirst when fit.

[Bluemike]

Put it this way, I'm definitely not Woolfy's biggest fan by any means and never have been but the performances he put in across the first Three games besides Greaves was way better than anything I've seen from O'Shea who for me is bang average at best.

Having heard rumours from a very good source that there was a difference of opinion between Woolfy and Mckenna a few weeks back it could very well see him depart in January, I just hope Burgess and O'Shea follow him out the door too, bizarrely Edmundson was probably better than all of them.

[marko69]

Having heard rumours from a very good source that there was a difference of opinion between Woolfy and Mckenna a few weeks back it could very well see him depart in January.

Wow, really? If that rumour is true then yep, tatty bye, Woolfy. I hope Kieron sang....... "SIT DOWN , SHUT UP! SIT DOWN, SHUT UP!" in his face.