The season of great expectations started with unexpected defeat against Coventry on the road. Two early strikes by home star Clinton Morrison were enough, although Ipswich were dominating rest of the game, missing a lots of clear goal opportunities and it was a real wonder how they couldn’t avoid at least defeat. But, maybe the bigger blow is a loss of key midfielder David Norris. Keane has confirmed he is likely to be out for around four months after sustaining knee ligament damage. However, good performing continued in Carling Cup. Keano gave a chance to some youngsters who used it on the right way, especially teenager Connor Wickham who scored twice. But, passing weak Shrewsbury after penalties (3-3 regular) was hardly a plus in the chairman Marcus Evans’ notebook and Keane must start collecting the points in Championship. Always dangerous Leicester are coming to Portman Road and there’re no space for new mistake. Keane will order attack from the first whistle and we should watch an open game from the start. Beside mentioned Norris, Ipswich will be without defender Ben Thatcher who won’t face his former club as he still isn’t fit after his own knee injury and forward Pablo Counago is out with a groin problem. Home side obviously has a potential, performance against Coventry was more than decent, but they still need show a first round was just a bad day.
New campaign in the second tier of English football, Leicester started with a win against Swansea at their Walkers stadium. Home fans passed through the torture during the first half, as visitors took a lead and Steve Howard missed to equalize from a penalty kick. Under the guidance of Nigel Pearson, thankfully to excellent physically condition of the players, Leicester became known as a “second-half team”. And once again, they decided a game in the second period with two strikes by two substitutions, Martyn Waghorn and Danny N'Guessan. During the mid-week, Leicester also had a successful appearance in Carling Cup, against League Two side – Macclesfield (2-0 win). It is still far from any kind of euphoria, but though nobody at Walkers isn’t saying loud, play-off became a season objective. Players are full of confidence and all hope they can make a serious impact in the Championship this season. In League One, Leicester used to attack and there’s no doubt, they’re traveling to Portman Road for a win. Beside they don’t know to defend, boss Nigel Pearson will try with attacks to use the holes in Ipswich’s shaky defence line. Right-back Robbie Neilson has served a ban and is likely to make his debut, while midfielder Andy King and defender Aleksandar Tunchev are both pushing for a place after returning from midweek international duty.
In Ipswich, still nobody feels a fire under the feet, but two bad results at the start can judge another season for a middle of the table. On the other hand, after two excellent games in league and cup, visitors got the wings and they surely don’t think about anything less than three points. I can’n give the advantage to any side, but see bet on goals as a very good choice. Pinnacle offer 2.00. Over.
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Considering players’ individual qualities, it’s gonna be another tough season for the Sky Blues. And if we consider previous season, when team showed it’s potential from time to time recording surprising performances and victories, but finished at the 17th place, fans have every right to be concerned about forthcoming season. The biggest strength is surely, talented manager Chris Coleman (ex Fulham and Real Sociedad boss). He faced with budget reducing problems and some players had to leave to balance the books at the Ricoh Arena. Star youngster Danny Fox (sold to Celtic) and skipper Scott Dann (Birmingham City) both had to leave. Beside them, Coleman wrote off French midfielder Guillaume Beuzelin, experienced goalie Andy Marshall and Maltesian Michael Mifsud. But, real shock for the fans came this thursday, when club decided to send key midfielder Michael Doyle to Leeds on one year loan deal. Counted players were the spine of the squad. Instead them, club have brought two midfielders, Michael McIndoe from Bristol City and excellent Sammy Clingan from Norwich and young Chelsea’s defender Patrick van Aanholt who came on loan until the end of the year. Coventry have finished in the bottom half of the table five times in the last eight seasons, but this time I’ll dare to predict even fight for avoiding relegation. For this game, hosts are without midfielder David Bell (ankle), while center-back James McPake is out for two months after breaking his collarbone in pre-season. Only good news for them is statistics which say Coventry have not lost their opening league game since 2000. Their last three campaigns have started with the wins.
As a sign of big ambitions, chairman Marcus Evans brought Roy Keane in the club two rounds before the previous season ended. He started with two wins (second one was against Coventry at the same place, 2-1) and everybody in the club wants to continue where they stopped. Club finished the previous season at 9th place, showing a great potential during the main part of competition and the clubs’ officials think they were victims of complacency. Instead the soundable signings, they mostly relied on Keane’s ability to motivate the lads and raise their limits. However, they brought some decent Championship players who will fight for a place in the first eleven. From his former club, Sunderland, Keane brought midfielder Jack Colback, another midfielder, Colin Healy from Cork City, while striker Tamás Priskin came from Watford. Also, winger Lee Martin (ex Man.Utd.) and defender Damien Delaney (ex QPR) have joined the club. Club left midfielder Velice Sumulikoski and striker Kevin Lisbie. With the expected loan deal of Giovani Dos Santos from Spurs, Tractor Boys will be a serious contender for a play-off spot. Defender David Wright has recovered from a rib injury but forward Pablo Counago misses out with a groin problem.
