x

Bent Return Likely - Ipswich Town News

Town are likely to stick with the dual Marcus attack which ended Wednesday's defeat at Blackburn Rovers. Alun Armstrong looks likely to drop to the bench at Newcastle tomorrow.

The defence should remain the same with John McGreal's calf injury not too serious. He missed training yesterday as a precaution. He's likely to line-up alongside Mark Venus and Hermann Hreicarsson in a central three while Jamie Clapham and Chris Makin will probably start as the wing-backs.

Matteo Sereni will continue in goal after making one or two excellent saves during the Blackburn game.

Sixto Peralta looks set to replace Jim Magilton in the midfield. The Argentinian made a big impression when entering the fray at Ewood Park on Wednesday despite his lack of fitness.

The main news from the Newcastle camp is that Kieron Dyer could start up front next to Alan Shearer. George Burley says Town know all about Dyer and his versatility: "Kieron Dyer is an international-class player who is once again pushing to get back into the full England squad.

"Kieron is so versatile he could well play up front alongside their striker. We know he can play anywhere — he has even played full-back for us — and we know what he is capable of."

Since Craig Bellamy picked up an injury Toon have had trouble finding someone to play alongside Shearer. Carl Cort, just back from a long lay-off, has failed to impress.

Bobby Robson has a couple of late midfield injury worries with Gary Speed not recovered from a hamstring injury and Jamie McClen tearing a calf. However, Jermaine Jenas is available again after missing out against Arsenal last week as he was cup-tied. Clarence Acuña did well in the Gunners game and will also be hoping for a start.

Town squad: Sereni, Marshall, Salmon, Makin, Clapham, Wilnis, Hreidarsson, Venus, McGreal, Bramble, Holland, Magilton, Wright, George, Peralta, Reuser, T Miller, Stewart, Armstrong, M Bent and Couñago.

What to read next:

Emmanuel-Thomas Joins AFC Totton
Ex-Town forward Jay Emmanuel-Thomas has joined National League South AFC Totton following his release from prison on parole.
Young Watches Son as U21s Beat Needham
Former England star and apparent Town target Ashley Young watched his son Tyler feature as a trialist for Town's U21s on Tuesday evening as they beat 10-man Needham Market 2-1 at Bloomfields in a pre-season friendly.
Young Watching Town U21s at Needham
Veteran former England international Ashley Young is watching Town’s U21s in friendly action at Needham Market with his son Tyler on trial with John McGreal’s squad.
Blues Beaten By Hammers in Behind Closed Doors Friendlies
Town played two 60-minute behind-closed-doors friendlies with West Ham United at their Rush Green training ground this afternoon.
Halajko New Director of Football Operations, Chenery Appointed Academy Manager
Dmitri Halajko, previously Town’s academy director, has been appointed the new director of football operations, TWTD having revealed Gary Probert’s departure for a job at Liverpool a fortnight ago, while Ben Chenery has been named academy manager.
Town Women Sign Striker Dean
Ipswich Town Women have signed striker Rianna Dean following her Southampton exit at the end of last season.
Chaplin: Opener at Birmingham One to Look Forward To
Ipswich Town’s season opener against Birmingham City is a clash that the whole squad are looking forward to, according to forward Conor Chaplin.
Fourteen Sign Contracts Ahead of WSL2 Campaign
Town have confirmed that 14 players have signed new contracts with the women’s side for the WSL2 season ahead.
U21s in Action at Needham
Town’s U21s are in friendly action against Southern League Premier Division Central side Needham Market at Bloomfields this evening (KO 7.45pm).
Town Women to Host Villa U21s in Friendly
Ipswich Town Women will play a friendly against WSL side Aston Villa’s U21s at the Martello Ground in Felixstowe on Sunday 17th August (KO 2pm).