Ipswich vs Watford Match Preview.
Watford head to Portman Road tomorrow to play Ipswich Town in the Sky Bet Championship in what will be a tough test for the Golden Boys. Portman Road has been something of a happy hunting ground for Watford over the past few years and are unbeaten in nine visits to the Tractor Boys ground.
Watford come into the match in 3rd place after their 2-1 defeat to Birmingham City in the week whilst Ipswich lie in 5th place after an impressive 2-1 win over Wolves in midweek.
During the two matches between the two sides last season, Troy Deeney scored a late equaliser for Watford as they were held to a 1-1 draw with Ipswich at Portman Road in what was Beppe Sannino’s first match as Watford head coach, whilst the Hornets ran out 3-1 winners over the Tractor Boys in April at Vicarage Road thanks to goals from Albert Riera, Gabriele Angella and Lewis McGugan.
The Tractor Boys are managed by Mick McCarthy whom has turned the East Anglian side’s fortunes around in his two year tenure at the club. When he arrived, Ipswich were lounging down in the relegation zone but McCarthy turned them around and the club have proved themselves to be play off contenders so far this season and weren’t to far off in 2013/14.
The clubs key players tomorrow will be strikers David McGoldrick and Daryl Murphy. Former Celtic striker Murphy has started the season off in blistering form hitting 10 goals for the Tractor Boys so far. His striker partner McGoldrick has also been in good form notching so far. The Golden Boys defence will have to keep a watchful eye on Ipswich’s front two, as they have proved that they can be clinical when given a glimpse of the goal.
The Golden Boys will be hoping to recover from their defeat in midweek and will have to be at their best if they want to beat a good Ipswich team who are difficult to beat under Mick McCarthy.
Team News.
For Ipswich, first choice goalkeeper Dean Gerken remains injured so Bartosz Bialkowski will deputise. Luke Hyam is suspended whilst Jonathan Parr, Johnny Williams and Teddy Bishop are all fit.
For Watford, Gianni Munari and Sebastian Bassong are both doubts and will be assessed prior to kick off. Almen Abdi and Gabriele Angella are all although the Hornets hope to have them fit after the international break.
Predicted Team Line-ups
Ipswich – Bialokowski (GK), Chambers, Smith, Berra, Mings, Bishop, Tabb, Williams, Hunt, McGoldrick, Murphy.
Watford – Gomes (GK), Paredes, Cathcart, Ekstrand, Pudil, Andrews, Tozser, McGugan, Vydra, Ighalo, Deeney ©.
Referee – Eddie Ilderton.