The Visitors – Ipswich Town

The arrival of Ipswich Town at St. Andrew`s will signify a tough game, as all Championship games are. But the physicality of Mick McCarthy`s Tractor Boys make this encounter as tough as they come.

CURRENT FORM

Blues sit just one place and two points behind tomorrow`s visitors who have won five and drew one of their last six games on the road – Blues, on the other hand, have won their last three at home in the league. Ipswich were a victim of an FA Cup shock though, losing 2-1 at League Two Portsmouth.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM IPSWICH TOWN

Under McCarthy, Ipswich prefer a direct style of play, moving the ball quickly from back to front. While this may suit Blues` counter attacking tendencies, Gary Rowett`s men will have to adapt to the pace of the game.

Town`s style of play has been catered for with the players at the manager`s disposal. Daryl Murphy and Brett Pitman are both hard, physical forwards but Freddie Sears offers an alternative of pace and trickery.

HE`S TOO MUCH OF A PASSER…

Blues midfielder Stephen Gleeson was released from Wolves while McCarthy was at the helm and denies that he has a point to prove. In truth, players of Gleeson`s ilk (with neat, tidy, short distribution) are rarely successful in a McCarthy side.

THOUGHTS FROM VITAL IPSWICH

I see that all our walking wounded have returned to full fitness just in time for our visit to the Midlands. Nice.

I only hope that giving up on the oldest domestic trophy in the world is worth our while though because if we were to lose to Birmingham on Saturday there would be simply no excuse – Frank Weston – editor of Vital Ipswich

THE FANS VIEWS

@tomitfcbanks – proud? Lol all travelling away fans should be given their money back

@222Jon – gotta love mick, never blames the ref or make excuses, says it how it is

@DickTVShow – The first team is better than the performance last night because they’re weren’t playing. They weren’t even in Portsmouth.

@jamiefox83 – can’t understand why @MatthewClarke96 is on loan! Those 2 CB for Ipswich are pony! You need him back! But thanks

Article written by Rob Wildey – @robwildey123