Ipswich v West Ham Preview

Posted on | January 31, 2012 | No Comments

Both Ipswich and West Ham were tipped to push for top honours this season, with the former in particular expected to launch a serious bid for automatic promotion. Following the opening half to the season, West Ham are performing exactly as everyone expected as the Hammers occupy top position. Ipswich on the other hand are not faring so successfully, with Paul Jewell’s side lingering just one place above the drop zone after a dreadful term so far.

Having splashed millions of pounds in the transfer market, one could forgive Ipswich supporters for becoming increasingly frustrated with the management of Paul Jewell. The Tractor Boys have been in the lower reaches of the table for the whole campaign and with just four points keeping them away from the drop zone, their appears to be big problems at Portman Road. Unfortunately, recent form suggests that they are not going to improve any time soon. The club approach this clash on a run of seven games without a win, while they have also lost five of their last six. Unlike many teams in the division, the Tractor Boys cannot rely on their home form either, with Jewell’s side recording some extremely inconsistent results having won just one out of their last seven at Portman Road.

West Ham on the other hand have made significant progress over the past week, after the Hammers managed to claim top position following their recent victory over Nottingham Forest. It would be fair to say that the club were somewhat fortunate to get the three points in that clash, yet Sam Allardyce will not be bothered in the slightest after he saw his side notch their third straight league victory. However, while there is no doubt that West Ham’s overall form is very good, recent results away from home have been slightly unconvincing. The Hammers have won just one of their last five on the road, meaning that this fixture is most definitely a banana skin for the league leaders.

As for team news, Ipswich are preparing to be without two players as suspension and injury keeps out Alex McCarthy and Lee Bowyer respectively. West Ham meanwhile have several players returning from injuries, with Guy Demel, Joey O’Brien and Matt Taylor all back following spells on the side lines. Elsewhere, George John could make his debut, but Papa Bouba Diop will miss out through a hamstring injury.

Even though West Ham possess significantly better form than their opponents, this game is difficult to predict due to the Hammers’ poor results away from home. Bearing this in mind, we think that Ipswich will be able to claw at least something from this fixture, with our prediction being a 1-1 draw.

Related posts:

1. Derby v West Ham Preview
2. West Ham v Barnsley Preview
3. West Ham v Nottingham Forest Preview
4. Millwall v West Ham Preview
5. West Ham v Derby Preview

Comments