Ipswich Town has a wonderful chance of closing that eight-point gap between themselves and the play-off front runners if they can overcome AFC Wimbledon tomorrow night. The home side have not won for some time, and after two defeats they have only managed three draws and three points, and this has done little to help them move away from the relegation zone.
Interestingly, however, Wimbledon have lost nine games this season, which is exactly the same as us. In the goals conceded column as well, both clubs have conceded 37 goals but the home side has played a couple of games less. You can of course read too much into statistics, but at Portman Road earlier in the season, The Wombles managed a 2-2 draw, in what proved to be an entertaining encounter.
We really have to maintain our recent form, and although a draw might be seen by some as a creditable result away from home, it would not help us in our quest to close the gap on the leaders. The manager knows this. The players know this. We know this. Only a win will really do tomorrow, and having drawn at home to Portsmouth 0-0 recently, Wimbledon will prove to be a challenging encounter.
I don’t expect manager Kieron McKenna to make many changes from Saturday – although a fit Lee Evans may be considered for this one. That said, I would like to see Tom Carroll keep his place in the team because he grew into the game at the weekend, and needs more game time. Bonne and Chaplin will probably start up front again, with Celina playing just behind them. James Norwood will probably have to do more bench-warming, and the same will probably apply to Kyle Edwards and Joe Piggot.
The entertainment value at Portman Road this season has been excellent. But i think this might be the part of our problems. The team is packed with skillful entertaining players. We haven’t quite got the balance right yet. We need that defensive midfielder sitting just in front of the defence. I dont think the Accrington goal would have occurred if this was the case. Not being able to sign Crooks from Rotherham was a massive blow. So my assessment at the moment is that we are a team of good players but we are not quite a team yet.
I tend to agree Keith, but I get the feeling that our new man at the helm has realised this, and that is why he is still looking to strengthen in the transfer window. It could just be that with time, Tyreeq Bakinson might fit the bill. Yes, he is on loan, but if he keeps his nose clean, then he could become a permanent signing.