Blackpool v Ipswich Preview

Posted on | November 7, 2008 | No Comments

Perhaps the tightness of this division could be typified through these two sides, with both Blackpool and Ipswich level on points yet five places apart. Following reasonable spending in the summer Jim Magilton will be hoping for a play off push from his Tractor Boys side, while Simon Grayson continues to impress and has assembled a mid-table side on a shoe string budget.

It’s no surprise that whenever a managerial position becomes vacant, Simon Grayson’s name is mentioned. The Blackpool boss has worked wonders with the Bloomfield Road side and after getting them promoted a couple of years ago, he’s transformed them into a mid table Championship side. Over recent weeks their form has been impressive having beaten both Watford and Derby while grinded out a draw against Crystal Palace. Looking at their squad you just have to wonder how it’s done, as it doesn’t contain any big names like most sides in the division. However, Grayson has assembled a real team that works for each other and these “journeyman” players are proving everyone wrong. Up front he looks to have two gems with Ben Burgess and Gary Taylor-Fletcher on six and four goals for the season already. Burgess cost just £25k while Taylor-Fletcher didn’t cost much more – showing just how far bargain buys can take you if they’re utilized them correctly.

As for Ipswich, recent weeks have seen Jim Magilton’s side go through a massive upturn in fortunes. They’re unbeaten in five and having recorded wins over Plymouth and QPR, they’re up to 8th in the table. While their home form was something that carried them through last season, it hasn’t been quite the story through this campaign at Portman Road and they’re away form is now balancing things out. Jon Walters was the man that took the headlines last season and while his contribution has still been impressive, the goals have dried up. However, the summer signings of Jon Stead and Kevin Lisbie look to be working out fairly well with the duo on eight goals between them. With the likes of Owen Garvan on five goals from midfield, things are looking up for Magilton and he’ll be hoping for a play off push in the weeks leading up to Christmas.

It’s bad news for Blackpool on the injury front with Simon Grayson set to be without no less than five players. Steve Kabba is doubtful with an ankle injury, while Daniel Nardiello, Steve McPhee, Jermaine Wright and Stephen Crainey are also nursing knocks. There’s not much to report for visitors Ipswich although Jim Magilton may tinker with the lineup that faced QPR. Ben Thatcher is nearing closer to complete fitness yet it’s doubtful that he’ll be selected.

Blackpool’s last minute victory over Watford last weekend will have given them plenty of confidence and we can see them winning this one. They’re a tough side to beat and they’ll come away with the spoils here – 2-1 Seasiders.

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