Eternal optimists might suggest, we have hit the ground running with some creditable results against top sides. Our only win so far was against Spurs away, but we have had excellent draws against Brighton away and Aston Villa and Fulham at home, and let’s not forget we are due some lady luck after that Foxes match and our very narrow defeat away to Brentford 4-3. Yes, there is good cause to feel hopeful but hope alone they say, is the last thing ever lost. Ipswich pessimists will be inclined to agree.
We are more than a third of the way through the Premier League season but we have registered just one victory. To stand any chance of survival, we will need to win at least another 7 times before the season ends, and given the closeness of the fight at the bottom, perhaps even more. That is why, realistically speaking, our next four encounters could define our season. Winning matches now becomes a no-brainer.
Tomorrow, we play at home to Crystal Palace, who, like us, have struggled to convert draws into wins. A late stoppage-time header from Daniel Munoz rescued a point at home to Newcastle United. The Colombian full-back missed a far easier chance earlier in the game. They have drawn three and lost two of their last six games. Conversely, we have lost three and drawn two, but we have both etched out a single win against Spurs. Those games were away, but it is our home form which will decide it I think.
Football logic tells us we must defeat the Eagles tomorrow night at Portman Road. We have drawn six times so far, so now we must convert draws into wins and without any further delay. Our Premier League survival depends on it, and if all goes well, our next four matches could see us climb out of the bottom three and into relative safety. Home advantage could be key. Another win against Bournemouth on Sunday and our confidence would skyrocket! Wolves away could put another three points on the board, and an out-of-sorts Newcastle at Portman Road, just before Christmas, should provide us with another point or more. This phase of the season could define our destiny.
