Ipswich have made such a fabulous start to life in League One, that this first-ever encounter with Fleetwood Town could be the one that trips us up. Although it is Town’s longest undefeated run at the beginning of a league campaign since 1980-81 season, all things eventually come to an end and this could be the one.
During the course of a league campaign, there are always highs and lows but so far this term we have only become accustomed to highs so we must ready ourselves for future disappointments along the way, and I have a horrible feeling this could be it!
Now you may say I am being unduly pessimistic here, and of course, you could be right, but all things must come to an end sooner or later and at the moment our hosts are playing well and scoring freely. The Tractor Boys have already picked up creditable draws against Sunderland and Peterborough but that was at the beginning of the season and the pitch tomorrow will test the Blues mettle that’s for sure; and so too will their vociferous manager Joey Barton!
I think manager Paul Lambert will again pick a side that he believes could win this game and this might mean forfeiting technical ability for some grit. I fully expect Cole Skuse and Flynn Downes to be in the side; along with James Norwood and perhaps too, Gwion Edwards.
Fleetwood Town, by contrast, are a battle-hardened League One side who currently sit third in the table, having defeated Shrewsbury Town in the last match 0-3 away so they will be full of confidence going into this one.
If the Blues are to be triumphant in Lancashire, then they must gel well from the offset and look to find a performance that befits 90 minutes of successful endeavour and not just the best part of a half.
Personally, if Town comes away with a draw, then, under the circumstances, I would regard it as a satisfactory result.
F.W. – Editor of Vital Ipswich
