Gary Christie
Predicted Ipswich Town Lineup To Face Peterborough In Pre-Season Friendly
Ipswich Town had their most disappointing season for many a year last time around in the Championship, but I feel they have a quality coach and with a few good signings could still make an impact in an open looking league.
Joe Garner, Bersant Celina and Emyr Huws all look like good purchases and will get time during the pre-season to bed in. McCarthy likes a good old 4-4-2 and may go to Peterborough with the following XI in that formation.
Probable Ipswich XI
GK – Bartosz Bialkowski
The Pole is solid enough and will need to have a great season as the last line of defence if Ipswich are to surprise a few and sneak a play-off place.
RB – Jordan Spence
Quietly efficient, will get his chance at full-back again if Chambers takes up a central defensive postion.
CB – Luke Chambers
The skipper has tons of experience and can line-up alongside Adam Webster in a solid defensive pairing, though the regularly injured Steven Taylor is itching for a chance in this team.
CB – Adam Webster
Did well last year and at just 22, is nowhere near his peak as a centre-back. His progression is steady and will continue over the preseason. No doubt.
LB – Jonas Knudsen
The 24-year-old Dane is another one who is still getting better and these types of players are just as important as good new signings. His gradual improvement will mean he does his bit to move Ipswich on a few percent.
RW – Grant Ward
Likes to play on this side in what looks like a flat, but well-balanced midfield four for Ipswich. An old-fashioned right-winger is a good thing to have when playing a front two.
CM – Emyr Huws
Now that he’s signed a permanent deal, McCarthy’s no.1. target of the summer will provide vital defensive skills to offset the attacking nature of new boy Celina.
CM – Luke Hyam
Owing to injuries and the transfer wish list having not yet been completed, Hyam may get a chance to impress from the midfield.
LW – Bersant Celina
Could also be employed just behind the striker. If McCarthy is ambitious enough, he could be played in the middle, with licence to burst forward and cause problems from deep. For now, a place on the left could be in order.
ST – Freddie Sears
Didn’t quite hit the Premier League heights his early reputation gave, is all cause to think he would. But a thoroughly decent player nonetheless, and is capable of playing in a promotion chasing side.
ST – Joe Garner
Will have to keep Pitman out of the side among others, but is capable of getting back to his best after a disappointing spell with Rangers, albeit done as a fans favourite at Ibrox.
