October 19. 17:00. Ipswich. Portman Road Stadium
English Championship. Day 8
“Ipswich Town” – “Everton” (Liverpool)
Where to watch: Setanta Sports
Injuries and suspensions: None
Hurt : Axel Tuanzebe, Ali Al-Hamadi, Massimo Luongo, Nathan Broadhead, Janoi Donacien – Nathan Patterson, Jarrad Branthwaite (both doubtful), Youssef Shermiti, Armando Broja, James Garner
“Ipswich Town” vs “Everton” : Cotes de paris
The encounter at Portman Road marks the first meeting between Ipswich and Everton in 22 years, with the two sides now seen as rivals in the fight for survival. Currently, both sides sit dangerously close to the relegation zone, with the Toffees slightly ahead of their opponents by a point.
“Ipswich Town”
‘Ipswich Town’ are one of four Premier League teams yet to record a victory this season. However, in September Kieran McKenna’s side produced several impressive performances which gave cause for optimism. The Tractor Boys managed to secure a goalless draw against Brighton away (0:0), take a point against Aston Villa (2:2), salvage a last minute draw against Southampton (1:1) and settling for a draw against Fulham (1:1). However, their second-half collapse against West Ham (1-4 defeat) was particularly disconcerting, with the Hammers taking advantage of the vulnerabilities in McKenna’s rather bold tactics, punishing Ipswich’s weakened defense, hampered by the absence of Tuanzebe.
The 26-year-old Congolese player’s injury is a big blow for the Tractor Boys. However, the newly promoted team strengthened its squad during the summer, notably by consolidating the right-back position. Kieran McKenna has had two weeks to fine-tune his defense organization without Tuanzebe ahead of this crucial phase of the season. Over the next three games, Ipswich will face teams from the bottom half of the table, including two direct rivals in the relegation battle. There might not be a better opportunity for the Tractor Boys to pick up their first win of the season and move away from the relegation zone in the near future.
“Everton”
The Toffees have had a disastrous start to the season, but gradually the team’s fortunes appear to be improving. Several decisive saves from Jordan Pickford, including a penalty save in the match against Newcastle, helped Everton go into the international break on a three-match unbeaten run. Additionally, the match against the Magpies (0:0 draw) marked the first time this season that Everton kept a clean sheet, a remarkable feat for Sean Dyche’s side, whose defense looked like Swiss cheese during the first matches. The importance of this breakthrough is reinforced by the fact that Everton were missing two crucial defensive players – Vitaliy Mykolenko and Jarrad Branthwaite – in the match against Newcastle. Both players are back in training but their chances of playing against Ipswich vary. “Mykolenko looks good, and Branthwaite is slightly behind,” Dyche’s words suggest the Ukrainian will be ready for the match, while the Englishman’s availability will be determined by a fitness test.
“Ipswich Town” vs “Everton”: Author’s prediction
The Tractor Boys’ intense pressing, combined with their attacking intent and desire for a first win, could heavily influence Everton, who continue to rely on long passes and set pieces. The Toffees’ success will largely depend on the presence of Jarrad Branthwaite on the pitch. As evidenced by previous matches, Everton’s defense with the 22-year-old defender looks very different when he is out. In this match, I’m leaning towards a draw, but I wouldn’t be surprised by any of the three possible outcomes. The only thing that might surprise is the lack of goals. My prediction is that both teams score + total greater than (2.5).
