Connolly Makes Debut at QPR - Ipswich Town News
New loanee Callum Connolly has been handed his Blues debut in this afternoon’s game at QPR.
On-loan Everton man Connolly looks set to line-up at right-back with Dominic Iorfa joining Jordan Spence at the centre of the defence and Jonas Knudsen returning to left-back.
Manager Mick McCarthy could opt to start in a 4-4-2 system with Martyn Waghorn on the left, Grant Ward on the right and Cole Skuse and Flynn Downes in the middle with Joe Garner partnering David McGoldrick up front.
Alternatively, the Blues could start 4-3-3 with Garner, McGoldrick and Waghorn up front.
Bersant Celina, who is celebrating his 21st birthday today, is on the bench alongside Freddie Sears and Myles Kenlock, as is Tom Adeyemi for the first time since his summer move to the Blues.
QPR make three changes with Jack Robinson, Alex Baptiste and Pawel Wszolek replacing Steven Caulker, Darnell Furlong and Matt Smith.
QPR: Smithies, Bidwell, Onuoha (c), Freeman, Washington, Scowen, Mackie, Robinson, Baptiste, Luongo, Wszolek. Subs: Lumley, Furlong, Manning, Smith, Osayi-Samuel, LuaLua, Wheeler.
Town: Bialkowski, Connolly, Iorfa, Spence, Knudsen, Skuse (c), Downes, Ward, Waghorn, McGoldrick, Garner. Subs: Gerken, Celina, Adeyemi, Rowe, Sears, Kenlock, Woolfenden. Referee: Andy Davies (Hampshire).
What to read next:
McKenna: A Tough Game, an Increase in ChallengeManager Kieran McKenna felt today’s 3-0 victory away against French Ligue 1 side Auxerre was a tough game and an increase in challenge in the final fixture of pre-season and has been pleased with the way preparations for the campaign ahead have gone over the last few weeks.
McKenna: Townsend and Philogene Injuries Don't Look GreatBlues boss Kieran McKenna says the injuries suffered by Conor Townsend and Jaden Philogene don’t look great, while Leif Davis missed out due to a knock and Harry Clarke could be facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines, but keeper Aro Muric is making good progress.
McKenna Tight-Lipped on Hackney and CajusteTown boss Kieran McKenna remained tight-lipped when quizzed on the Blues’ approach for last season’s loanee Jens Cajuste and also Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney’s decision to remain with the Teessiders.
AJ Auxerre 0-3 Ipswich Town - Match ReportGoals from George Hirst, Jacob Greaves and Ali Al-Hamadi saw Town to a 3-0 victory over French Ligue 1 side Auxerre in their final pre-season friendly at the Stade de l’Abbé-Deschamps. Hirst put the Blues in front on 38 and Greaves added the second with a header from a free-kick in first-half injury time, before Al-Hamadi added the third with five minutes remaining of the match.
AJ Auxerre 0-2 Ipswich Town - Half-TimeGoals from George Hirst and Jacob Greaves have given Town a 2-0 half-time lead against French Ligue 1 side Auxerre in their final pre-season friendly at the Stade de l’Abbé-Deschamps.