Ipswich Town v Wolves Prediction
By: Matt | August 22nd, 2008
Following the away draw at Plymouth and home wins against Accrington and Sheffield Wednesday, the start to our season could be safely described as solid. Arguably tomorrow we face our first real test of the season against an Ipswich side that have invested heavily over the summer and added to an already useful squad. With some new financial backers providing some much needed capital, Ipswich have brought in Ivan Campo, David Norris, Ben Thatcher, Richard Wright, and an in-form Kevin Lisbie. Last week it was also reported that they were in talks with Shola Ameobi and Moritz Voltz.
Surprisingly, after last season’s amazing home record, Ipswich started the season with a home defeat by Preston but have since recovered with a 4-1 home win in the Carling Cup against Leyton Orient and an impressive 3-0 win at Burnley last weekend. For Ipswich, right-back David Wright is close to a return from the ankle injury, but may not be rushed back after Alex Bruce put in a solid performance at Burnley last weekend. Youngster Liam Trotter was a surprise starter in the centre of midfield at Turf Moor but after scoring the opener in a 3-0 win is set to keep his place ahead of Owen Garvan. Midfielder David Norris should again miss out as he looks to return to full fitness after an ankle injury.
McCarthy has pledged that free scoring Wolves will continue to attack at Ipswich tomorrow and not follow last season’s defensive away tactics. It is expected that Chris Iwelumo will keep his place ahead of Andy Keogh, and Wolves will play with two wingers to help provide SEB and Big Chris with plenty of ammunition. Wolves creaky defence will be tested further with the injury of Craddock, who surprisingly could be replaced my transfer listed Darren Ward, as McCarthy has praised his attitude and performances in training
However, I think Ward’s appearances will be few and far between, as it seems certain that McCarthy is very keen to add another centre half to the squad before the transfer deadline. With Sunderland seeming set to complete the signing of Anton Ferdinand, we could be seeing Danny Higginbotham making his way to Molineux within the next week. I expect Neil Collins well start ahead of Ward tomorrow, with the latter having a place on the bench. So with no new reported injuries, expect Wolves to start with the following line-up:
——————-Hennessey———————
Foley——–Stearman—-Collins———-Elokobi
Kightly——Henry—————-Jones——-Jarvis
———–Ebanks-Blake——Iwelumo————-
Despite our good solid start to the season I’m finding it difficult to see Wolves coming away from Ipswich with a win, however, this is just a gut feeling, and Wolves are more than capable of bagging the 3 points. I just can’t see Ipswich losing 2 home league games on the trot, and Wolves defensive frailties scare me, there fore I am predicting a high scoring draw or narrow defeat for Wolves. I’ll plump with 2-2, SEB and Big Chris scoring for Wolves.
I’ll be posting updates via Twitter (www.twitter.com) throughout the game (as I will be all season). Just sign in and request to follow “wolvesfc”. Twitter is also easily viewed on mobiles.
Predictions for the other Championship games:
Birmingham City 3 – 1 Barnsley
Blackpool 1 – 2 Sheffield United
Cardiff City 2 Norwich City 1
Charlton Athletic 1 – 1 Reading
Coventry 1 – 1 Bristol City
Crystal Palace 1 – 0 Burnley
Derby County 2 – 1 Southampton
Ipswich 2 – 2 Wolves
Nottingham Forest 0 – 0 Watford
Plymouth Argyle 1 – 1 Swansea City
QPR 2 – 1 Doncaster Rovers
Sheffield Wednesday 2 – 1 Preston North End
Category: Team News
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