Ipswich Town vs. Sheffield United: Match Preview, Predicted Lineups, and a Look Back
Ipswich Town hosts Sheffield United in a highly anticipated Championship clash. Both teams are aiming to improve their early season form and push towards the promotion places. This article provides a comprehensive preview, including predicted starting lineups and a nostalgic look back at a memorable past encounter.
Fan Expectations and Early Season Form
Both Ipswich Town and Sheffield United supporters likely expected a stronger start to the season from their respective teams. Despite the slow start, there are still 42 games remaining in the Championship marathon, offering ample opportunity for both clubs to climb the league table and compete for promotion. Fans are encouraged to share their thoughts on their team's performance using #bbcefl.
Predicted Ipswich Town Starting XI
Here's a predicted lineup for Ipswich Town, analyzing each player's current form and potential impact on the game:
- Goalkeeper: ALEX PALMER - Retains his place as the first-choice keeper after conceding only three goals from open play.
- Right-back: DARNELL FURLONG - Expected to make his debut after his transfer from West Brom, replacing Ashley Young.
- Right-sided centre-back: DARA O'SHEA - Looking to bounce back after a challenging international break with Ireland.
- Left-sided centre-back: JACOB GREAVES - Continues to build his partnership with Dara O'Shea at the heart of the defense.
- Left-back: LEIF DAVIS - A guaranteed starter when fit, posing a significant attacking threat down the left flank.
- Holding midfielder: AZOR MATUSIWA - Improving game by game, aiming to control the midfield and break lines with his passing. Needs to contain Gustavo Hamer.
- Box-to-box midfielder: JENS CAJUSTE - Impressed on his debut against Derby, adding dynamism and creativity to the midfield.
- Right-winger: KASEY MCATEER - Likely to start after playing for Ireland, looking to build on his full debut against Derby.
- No.10: CHUBA AKPOM - Could be unleashed from the start after limited pre-season and cameo appearances, with Conor Chaplin and Sammie Szmodics unavailable.
- Left-winger: JADEN PHILOGENE - Expected to continue on the left wing, despite inconsistent performances, with McKenna likely to persist with the £20m man.
- Striker: GEORGE HIRST - Eager to score his first goal from open play, hoping for more space to run in behind the defense.
A Look Back: Ipswich Town's Victory Over Sheffield United in 2011
Ross Halls revisits a classic encounter between Ipswich Town and Sheffield United from February 2011. Paul Jewell's side defeated Micky Adams' Sheffield United at Portman Road.
Damien Delaney opened the scoring for Town in the 29th minute, heading home a free-kick from Jimmy Bullard. David Norris doubled the lead shortly after the restart, scrambling home a cross from Delaney.
Late in the game, Grant Leadbitter's penalty was saved by Steve Simonsen. To make matters worse for Sheffield United, they ended the game with nine men after red cards for Rob Kozluk and Liam Williamson.
The victory marked Jewell's third consecutive league win, a feat his predecessor Roy Keane never achieved.
Ipswich Town XI from 2011
Fülöp, Edwards, Kennedy, McAuley, Delaney, Leadbitter, Bullard (Healy), Norris, Wickham, Martin (Civelli), Priskin (Scotland).
