Ipswich v Swansea Preview

This game really could be do or die for Roy Keane as the Ipswich manager heads into this outing with a huge amount of pressure on his shoulders. Despite spending big money through the summer months, the Tractor Boys are rooted to the bottom of the table without a victory to their name. Swansea on the other hand are recovering from a slow start to the campaign and Paulo Sousa’s men are unbeaten in their last five and currently sit in 14th position.

When Roy Keane arrived as Ipswich manager many bookies placed the Tractor Boys as one of the favorites for promotion. Having worked wonders at Sunderland in the Championship, similar was expected at Portman Road although that simply hasn’t been the case and Ipswich have struggled immensely. They are yet to record a league win and with that, supporters have grown increasingly frustrated and many want Keane to move on. In their last game they were beaten by Barnsley in the 96th minute which will have only contributed further to supporter’s frustration. What’s more, Keane appeared to lose his temper with a journalist after the game which has led to many asking just how much longer he’s going to be at Portman Road.

Swansea on the other hand are enjoying a resurgence in form after a difficult start to the season. There were doubts that Paulo Sousa could follow in the footsteps of the popular Roberto Martinez but once again, the Swans have drawn the plaudits with an attractive style of football that’s also proving effective at the moment. The loss of several players such as Jason Scotland and Jordi Gomez was always going to have a huge impact on them but in recent weeks it looks as though Sousa’s ideas have started to come through. They haven’t lost in their last five and while only two of those have been draws, it’s been enough to propel them up the table and just three points away from the top six.

As for team news, Ipswich completed the loan signing of Portsmouth goalkeeper Asmir Begovic and he will go straight into contention along with Richard Wright. After a brief absence Alex Bruce is now fit and he is almost certain to replace Tommy Smith at the heart of the Tractor Boys’ defence. Swansea on the other hand have a few problems and Paulo Sousa could be without Gorka Pintado and Joe Allen who are both penciled in for late fitness tests. Guillam Bauza and Albert Serran are also doubts, but Fedde Bessone is likely to feature having recovered from a groin injury.

The international break couldn’t have come at a better time for Ipswich although there’s no doubt that they’re opponents Swansea will provide an extremely stern test. The Swans have been playing some really good stuff recently but with the pressure now mounting, we think that Ipswich could record their first win of the season in 1-0 style here.