Coventry v Ipswich Preview
Posted on | February 4, 2012 | No Comments
Despite the vast difference in budgets between these two sides, one will be surprised to see that Coventry and Ipswich don’t actually sit that far apart in the table. With very little resources to play with, Coventry are matching pre-season expectations as they occupy bottom spot, but many cannot believe the plight that Ipswich find themselves in as they sit just several places higher in 19th.
With seven points already keeping them adrift of safety, some people have already started to write Coventry’s chances of survival off. Moreover, with the transfer window now closed, the Sky Blues cannot rely on any big name signings to pull them out of this predicament should they be taken over. The story of the Ricoh Arena outfit really has been ‘one step forward, two steps back’ as inconsistency has blighted their campaign. Having comfortably beaten Middlesbrough 3-1 a couple of weeks ago, many thought that Andy Thorn’s men were set to turn a corner. However, after conceding two goals in the last three minutes against Blackpool last week, Coventry threw away their 1-0 lead and also threw away a big chance to pull away from bottom spot. However, the club approach this game with some relatively good home form, having won three from their last four at the Ricoh Arena.
Even though Ipswich are just a handful of places above their opponents, you would have to think that relegation is not an issue with seven points currently separating them from the drop zone. However, the club are certainly not matching their expectations and many believe it is just a matter of time before Paul Jewell is relieved from his duties. Still, there is at least some hope, after the Tractor Boys recorded a triumphant 5-1 victory over league leaders West Ham last week. However, that victory was a rarity and the club’s supporters certainly won’t be confident ahead of this game, with Ipswich losing their last four on the road.
As for team news, Coventry are set to hand a debut to new loan signing Oliver Norwood who joined the club earlier in the week. However, it’s not all positive, with a late decision set to be made on Hermann Hreidarsson as he struggles with a shoulder injury. Ipswich on the other hand have no fresh concerns and following their last result, Paul Jewell is likely to keep changes to a minimum. He will have the opportunity to select on loan goalkeeper Alex McCarthy, who is back in contention after completing a ban.
Ipswich may have won their last game comfortably and be much higher in the league than their opponents, but we think Coventry’s home advantage will count for everything and they’ll narrowly win this one 1-0.
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