FA Cup (R4) - Coventry City vs Ipswich Town Preview & Matchday Thread

[Frosty]

Coventry City v Ipswich Town



Saturday 8th February 2025 – 15:00


FA Cup – Round 4


Coventry Building Society Arena








Pre-Match Thoughts - Mike



Last weekend's defeat at home to whipping boys Southampton was a real body blow to our slim chances of avoiding the drop, it really felt like a knife through the heart. We all went into the game expecting to secure Three invaluable points in our quest for survival and to be honest the way the game panned out it really should have been the win we craved, Southampton were poor from start to finish and looked there for the taking, alas yet again we contrived to grasp defeat from the jaws of victory to send us all home a little bit shellshocked, not to mention bitterly disappointed.

I think it is fair to say but by the time the Saints took the lead midway through the first half they had barely encroached into our half and while we weren't exactly peppering their goal we did look to be well on top and in control of things, the goal was a blow for sure but thankfully we were only behind for Ten Minutes before our talisman Liam Delap once again pulled us level before the half time whistle. In fact one or two chances came our way which should have seen us going in ahead, most notably Nathan Broadhead who really has to score his chance, instead their keeper keeps it out and probably our best chance of the game was gone. This unfortunately is our problem, because of our at times vulnerable defence One, or even Two goals is not enough for us to win games and we have only One real goal scorer at the club who clearly cannot do it all.

As if going in level wasn't bad enough we then huffed and puffed throughout the second half trying to find that crucial Second goal which looked like it would be the winner. I felt disappointed that we didn't exactly create too many clear cut chances after the break, especially when you factor in the dross we were up against. Of course as sure as Eggs are Eggs the inevitable happens and we concede a second in the dying moments of the game once again, it was such a poor goal to concede that it borders on suicide and there was not enough time for us to go and salvage anything from the game.

I have purposely refrained from mentioning the manner of how we conceded the Two goals, suffice to say I, and many many others are far from impressed once again, everyone makes mistakes, especially Keepers but this is getting ridiculous now and in my opinion at least is one of the biggest factors as to why we are going down, it's happened way to often and cost us several points along the way.

I think it is clear to see why we have signed Alex Palmer on deadline day, for me it has nothing to do with Christian Walton being out for a while because we could always have used the emergency loan option for a keeper should we have lost another one to injury, no it is because we need someone in goal who is more dependable and far more secure, sadly I fear it is a little too late, some have said we should have signed this guy in the Summer, I wish to god we had.

Of course we could have done much better in other areas too, I am still awaiting Omari Hutchinson to spring into life, yes he was a little better Saturday but still some way off expectations, I hope to god there is more to come from Jaden Philogene because the jury is still very much out on him, Morsy & Cajuste in the centre also had a bit of a disappointing time of it and need to start grasping control of games again, Delap & Broadhead had good games apart from Broady's poor miss and I also thought Enciso looked a real handful and will only get better so it's not all doom and gloom.

There is no doubt the defeat has made things very hard indeed and with Wolves winning and subsequently strengthening their squad further I feel we are really up against it but hope springs eternal as there are still a few games to go, it wasn't a must win by all accounts so hopefully there is still time to turn it around.

We take a very welcome break from League action this weekend as we head to Coventry City in the Fourth round of the FA Cup, a tricky tie yes but One we should really be looking to take control of and win, the Championship side are no mugs and are showing early signs of improvement under their new manager so they will be up for taking a scalp and progressing, we are the kings of being the victims of acts of giant killing so this will be no gimme at all especially when you factor in the likelihood that we will make Nine or Ten changes to the starting line up but even so we are premier League outfit after all.

I would not be surprised to see the likes of Palmer, Johnson, Godfrey, Woolfenden, Burgess, Townsend, Taylor, Phillips, Luongo, Clarke & Hirst form the team, that won't be too far out I feel and there is enough quality there to get us to the Fifth Round. I think on this occasion it is very important we do win this one to keep the interest alive in the season and thoughts away from relegation battles now and again, and who knows, should we get a favourable draw in the Fifth round we could suddenly find ourselves in the Quarter Finals which would be a real bonus. But first we have to get the job done and it won't be easy but I think Town will edge this One to give us all something to cheer about, and boy do we need it. Town Win. COYB'S.




The Opposition – Coventry City FC Honours




League


Second Division / Championship
Champions: 1966–67

Third Division / League One
Champions: 1963–64, 2019–20

Third Division South
Champions: 1935–36
Runners-up: 1933–34

Fourth Division / League Two
Runners-up: 1958–59
Play-off winners: 2018


Cup


FA Cup
Winners: 1986–87

FA Charity Shield
Runners-up: 1987

EFL Trophy
Winners: 2016–17

Third Division South Cup
Winners: 1935–36



The Manager – Frank Lampard








Form Guide




Coventry City FC




4 Jan Norwich City 2 - 1 Coventry City

18 Jan Coventry City 1 - 0 Bristol City

21 Jan Blackburn 0 - 2 Coventry City

25 Jan Coventry City 2 - 1 Watford

1 Feb Swansea City 0 - 2 Coventry City




Ipswich Town



5 Jan Fulham 2 - 2 Ipswich Town

16 Jan Ipswich Town 0 - 2 Brighton

19 Jan Ipswich Town 0 - 6 Manchester City

25 Jan Liverpool 4 - 1 Ipswich Town

1 Feb Ipswich Town 1 - 2 Southampton




Head to Head







Match Referee – Ben Toner







COVENTRY CITY 1 IPSWICH TOWN 2

[Ricco]

Usually I'd bemoan a week away from the league, but I really think the team need a reset/rethink. Things have seemingly become muddled and directionless, perhaps that's just my perception.

This isn't an easy game and the team will likely be slightly weakened, but it is an opportunity to try some things and hopefully get some rhythm back. A win, especially by a couple of goals, could be a needed confidence booster.

[hallamblue]

I think we’ll win, but only if he plays a settled team. No more chopping n changing things round by 4-5 players every game. pick an 11 and stick with them by and large.

[The Odious Mr Rossi]

Depends on how we approach the game.

It's been a week since our last game and a week until our next game. No reason, then, to field a largely 2nd string team.
If KM fields the lineup he has in mind for the next PL game, I think we'll win easily.
Sadly, I don't think he will do this - it will be several changes and nowhere near our strongest 11, and thus I cannot see anything other than a loss and the waste of a golden opportunity to get the strongest 11 to gel. Coventry 2 Town 1

[Ricco]

I wonder what percentage of supporters would accept a FA cup win but with guaranteed relegation at this point. That's a STAT I'd like to know!

[ITFC2024]

We could definitely do with a win at the moment...

[Bluemike]

Yes no matter who he starts with another defeat would indeed be damaging to morale and confidence.

[shabba]

I wonder what percentage of supporters would accept a FA cup win but with guaranteed relegation at this point. That's a STAT I'd like to know!

Right now I’d take winning the FA CUP if it meant us going down (especially as going down is more likely than staying up at this moment).

Wining a cup will be imbedded in the history of the club of ever, moving up a down leagues wouldn’t be. Surely it’s a no brainer if given such a choice?

[Ricco]

Surely it’s a no brainer if given such a choice?

I think pre Brighton I definitely fancied our odds at staying up and would want to keep that alive, but after that game, two thumpings and then losing the easiest game of the season (on paper)... I think I'm inclined to agree with you!

[shabba]

On the lineup I’d agree with Rossi here. Mostly anyway, maybe rear Delap and one or two others but by in large I’d go with a strong line up and try and get some momentum going, gel some new players etc and build the patterns of play in the formation we’ll likely use going forward.

[Dubai Blue]

I wonder what percentage of supporters would accept a FA cup win but with guaranteed relegation at this point. That's a STAT I'd like to know!

Not me. Especially if not winning the FA Cup meant avoiding relegation

[Bluemike]

The double would be nice.

[Ricco]

The double would be nice.

I'm pretty sure the league title is out of our reach this season

[marko69]

Nice preview, ...., but first take from it is the yellowness of Lampard. That just bad light or a case of jaundice? Get to a doctor, Frank.

Cup run would indeed be decent. The relegation battle is always going to be there anyway with very difficult games ahead, so a wee FA CUP distraction would be good.

Hopefully whoever plays can keep Simms quiet and maybe score a couple for a 2-0 away win. That'll be the prediction.

Caption:

Frank: "Ref? WTF? You been watching Musk?"
Ref: "Nein. And you should get to zee doctor!"

[arana peligrosa]

This will be tough, no two ways about it. Voted to win because only want to see another Cup win in a lifetime, what you got left if we go out, a fight to avoid relegation, to hell with that.

McKenna may or will play a weakened squad. Palmer may get a first start but guess could be ineligible so that leaves Muric or Slicker. Either name don't fill you with confidence so whatever defense we put out had better raise their game when the time arises. Leading names like Delap, Morsy, Hutchinson etc may be rested or play a limited role while the opposition can see the opportunity here and will likely go for it straight from the off.

Should we be eliminated hope no jackass labels it an upset or shock result. It won't be. True they're a league below now but an upset if they win ?, somehow you don't think so. Every year now, but haven't seen a Town F.A. Cup run since when John Lyall was manager. A victory here and one more in the Fifth Round and you can revert back to how is was once before. I'd take staying in the EPL over winning the damn thing though, that's the greater eventual prize.

[marko69]

Got to think that the people who were thinking the entire season was a tall order anyway —->> an FA Cup win would be the massive bonus.

Opposite of the 2016 Scottish Cup with two Championship teams in the final. The Sevco Rangers v Hibs.
The exact same conv happened on the forums ——>> Cup win & another season in the Championship……. Or promotion.
Think it was a 92% to 8 vote for the Cup. Which came to fruition.
The “114 years” jibes were the reasons for the SPL snub.

Edit: Thought i’d add useless Coventry FA Cup stuff. Keith Houchen who scored to win the cup in 87 for Cov ——>> moved to Hibs ——>> then moved away in 91, JUST before the 91 League Cup win.
Nae luck, Keith.

[shabba]

Is there any way to watch the game tomorrow? Even if abroad etc.

[ITFC2024]

Is there any way to watch the game tomorrow? Even if abroad etc.

I believe ESPN airs FA Cup matches in certain parts of the world.

[ITFC2024]

Any forum members going to the match?

[osborne77]

Sure I remember Coventry turning up at PR wearing a brown kit about 40 years ago or did I dream it?

[hallamblue]

It was the shittiest kit I think I've ever seen lol

[Frosty]

Is there any way to watch the game tomorrow? Even if abroad etc.

I believe ESPN airs FA Cup matches in certain parts of the world.

Its on Sky NZ at 3:50am our time (FYI Channel 057 Mauswara) which is cool, not many FA Cup ties being shown live his weekend.

One advantage of being at the bottom of the world we get to see every Town match on telly in the EPL.

[MMJR67]

Is there any way to watch the game tomorrow? Even if abroad etc.

. https://thedaddy.to/

[Charnwood]

Is there any way to watch the game tomorrow? Even if abroad etc.

Tomorrow I’ll be in Penang Malaysia where it will be an 11pm
Kick off. Hopefully I’ll be able to find some way to watch it, if not I’ll be missing only my second game of the season.

Hard to predict a result but if Lampard plays his strongest team as he did in the last round and we play a second X1 then we could struggle. However with no midweek game coming up McKenna could look to play his best team available which would surely give as a big advantage and a place in the 5th Round.

I guess we’ll soon find out.

[hallamblue]

Can see us tripping up unfortunately as McKenna ( judging by his interview) looks likely to yet again make wholesale changes to the team do the peripheral players " get some mins". I suspect he'll field "an11" which is not a "team".

He's doing nothing to build continuity in the team to help us going forward into league games. Mr Tinkerman .

[Charnwood]

Can see us tripping up unfortunately as McKenna ( judging by his interview) looks likely to yet again make wholesale changes to the team do the peripheral players " get some mins". I suspect he'll field "an11" which is not a "team".

He's doing nothing to build continuity in the team to help us going forward into league games. Mr Tinkerman .

It’s starting to drive me nuts Liz. I think by now he should have a good idea what his best starting X1 looks like and that’s how we won promotion last season although again it took him almost half a season before he stopped tinkering.

[Bluemike]

Yes it is a bit frustrating for sure, I said last week the defence is shuffled every game like a pack of cards and it cannot help.

[Ricco]

I feels like we haven't had the same defensive line up for 2 games in a row this season?

[The Odious Mr Rossi]

KM says that "Changing the teams in Cups has been an important part of our success". What a load of old pony.

[JohnnyB]

KM says that "Changing the teams in Cups has been an important part of our success". What a load of old pony.

But we have been succesful in the last couple of years and he has changed teams in the cups, no?