Wednesday evening’s performance may have been against limited opponents, yet the gulf in class between second tier Ipswich Town and fifth tier Cambridge United was far more evident this year.

I departed last summer’s corresponding pre-season fixture questioning whether a seasoned football supporter from abroad, with no knowledge of each club’s respective position within the English football hierarchy would have been able to pick out the Championship side. As I recall Tommy Smith and Damien Delaney looked extremely vulnerable at the back (we conceded two goals in the opening five minutes), our Lee Bowyer ‘inspired’ midfield looked sluggish and lacked even a hint of cohesion, resulting in the clinical Michael Chopra being denied consistent ammunition. Alas these traits were to persist in competitive fixtures.

What a difference a year makes. I should imagine that a majority of the 852-strong away support, myself included, were somewhat surprised that Jewell had elected to start with a diamond midfield formation rather than the 4-2-3-1 that had evolved from the former towards the end of last season.

Nonetheless, with Spurs loanee and debutant Massimo Luongo at its base the diamond sparkled. Jewell has brought in Luongo to add a touch of Premiership class. His confidence and composure on the ball was there for all to see. He initiated passing moves and set the tempo of the game. Drury’s passing game flourished in this environment, as did JET, who consistently found space at the apex of the diamond.

While the diamond was eventually ‘found out’ last season, arguably due to a lack of width, against less sophisticated opposition both Cresswell and Edwards were able to push forward with aplomb. Both showed the pace, touch and purpose befitting their midfield beginnings in the game. Ipswich played ‘Tika-taka’ for long periods of the game and maybe proved that the successful deployment of a formation is more dependent on the personnel rather than the formation itself.

Jewell has stressed the need to be ‘flexible’ with regard to ‘systems’. Chopra and Jason Scotland were excellent as a pairing on Wednesday, yet if the Liverpudlian decides to utilise 4-2-3-1 again in order to add some width and accommodate Lee Martin, then the reliance on Chopra for goals will arguably become too great. Chopra was fantastic against Cambridge, he looked incredibly sharp and had the confidence to run at people. His clinical finishes were the result of some fantastic football.

If Jewell is to be reunited with Steven Davies of Derby County then there is less of a reliance on Chopra. Nigel Clough had ear-marked an injury- free Davies to score 20 goals in a season. This is a big IF though. Davies isn’t extraordinarily quick or strong but he does no where the net is (23 goals in 55 starts). He also adds an aerial threat which we will miss without Daryl Murphy. His time on the left wing means he can play in numerous formations, while Derby fans have cited his first touch and long range shooting as two of his biggest assets.

Jewell’s desire for flexibility and his move for Davies dovetail perfectly. Davies could obviously play up front with Chopra in what could prove to be a prolific front pairing. If the diamond isn’t working then Davies could play in the Murphy role on the left of a triumvirate alongside Martin and JET, roaming behind Chopra. His experience on the left wing and his aerial ability make him tailor made for the role. If Jewell wanted to play 4-3-3 then Davies could again play of the left.

With pass masters Luongo, Drury and hopefully a rejuvenated Bullard pulling the strings in midfield, then our flexible forward line should reap the benefits. As it stands, the squad is Steven Davies, one centre back and possibly a winger (depending on Josh Carson’s development) away from mounting a push for the play-offs. Roll on the 18th August.

davekl12 added 12:37 - Jul 27 An enjoyable read, most optimistic I've felt about our fortunes in a long time... And I agree, on paper Davies and Chopra is potentially a prolific partnership at Championship level.
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ipswichboy123 added 12:47 - Jul 27 Very true I'm much more optimistic this year really think we can push for play offs if we start well and are in the top half by Christmas time. Coyb
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lscooper23 added 12:53 - Jul 27 a great blog. i agree with everything that has been said here. Davies would be a great addition to a squad that i feel is taking shape nicely. PJ and the club's transfer business in this market has been superb. When Hewitt is fit we could push Edwards onto the wing giving us another option, Jet, Martin and Edwards would tear up any back 4 in the championship.
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algarvefan added 13:06 - Jul 27 Yep agree too....bring on the season :-)
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Surco72 added 13:19 - Jul 27 Best squad with flexability and cover we have had for many a season with Davies Heskey and another centre back added even more so .Would be tempted to go for Halford from Pompey wouldnt cost a great deal and always looked solid against us
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irishtim added 14:06 - Jul 27 Very Good blog. Hard to disagree. Hope Davies signs as he can play in a couple of roles.
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MattinLondon added 15:23 - Jul 27 Think this season has a more positive vibe to it. Still think we need another centre-half, but I'm really looking forward to the new season.
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DanLyles added 15:42 - Jul 27 I would love Greg Halford at centre back. He reckons he finally found his best position since he was moved there from right back and got some very good reviews last season. He's good on the ball and 6'4 so why not...
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JonahJameson added 19:53 - Jul 27 Good report! Cheers. Missed the game – meant to go. Completely forgot when I got home from work – went and sat in the back garden in the sun reading a book and drinking beer. Shame I wasn’t there; though the example of the previous season’s fixture might have had a subconscious effect…
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The_Tickler added 20:23 - Jul 27 Good blog with some well-reasoned points. I too attended last season's fixture and the difference between the two performances was astonishing to witness. Town absolutely dominated possession and without some spirited Cambridge defending could have had a hatful. I stood with the locals and there was very little for them to cheer about; the (rather bitter I thought) comments from around me were that Town would finish mid-table at best. On that performance alone, I tend to disagree.

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BuckieBlue added 22:40 - Jul 27 Thanks for match info and interesting blog. Not sure i agree, though, that 4-2-3-1 would put too much reliance on Chops, as long as Martin stays and continues to play well in support. After all Chops has said he feels confident in scoring 25+ and he doesn't know whether it'll be 4-2-3-1 or even if Davies is coming. Also i'd hope for more goals from JET, Martin and this year's midfield (whoever is picked), which again lessens pressure on Chops.

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michaeldownunder added 03:40 - Jul 28 Very good read and match infomation Having a midfield that can hold onto the ball so so important, pressure off the defence and allows time for the forwards to pick the right moment to move into goal scoring positions, not just running onto the big punt upfield by the defence.
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Beanie6101 added 14:44 - Jul 30 Dan, what a difference a game makes? Not sure if you were at Luton, but I was and the gulf in class was minimal. Excluding Luongo who looked tidy, it was poor and only defensive organisation will shape our season. We are not hard to beat, typically a MUST have with any successful team in the Championship.
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DanLyles added 16:37 - Jul 30 I missed the Luton game Beanie but I have read the match report and I couldn't believe what I was reading after witnessing Wednesday's game. What a difference 3 days make? ;) I didn't emphasize this enough in my article but I think we desperately need another centre back. Somebody rugged and dominant in the air to stop us conceding from set pieces.
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