x

Gibbs and Cornell Handed League Debuts Against Charlton - Ipswich Town News

Liam Gibbs and David Cornell have been handed their league debuts as manager Paul Lambert makes four changes for this afternoon’s fifth-v-eighth clash with Charlton at Portman Road.

Gibbs, 17, comes into the midfield three with Andre Dozzell, who is back after his three-match ban, and Brett McGavin in one of the youngest midfields the Blues have ever fielded in a league game.

It seems likely that Bury St Edmunds-born academy product Gibbs, who has previously made two starts and one sub appearance in the EFL Trophy, will play in a role ahead of the deeper Dozzell and McGavin.

Emyr Huws is missing from the squad, presumably having joined Jon Nolan, Teddy Bishop, Flynn Downes, Cole Skuse and Tristan Nydam on a long midfield injured list.

Cornell takes over in goal from Tomas Holy, who drops to the bench. The Welshman has previously made five starts in cup games for the Blues since his summer move from Northampton.

At the centre of the defence, Toto Nsiala returns alongside Luke Woolfenden with Mark McGuinness among the subs. Skipper Luke Chambers and Stephen Ward continue as the full-backs.

Up front, Keanan Bennetts is on the left and Alan Judge on the right with James Norwood again the central striker.

For Charlton, manager Lee Bowyer, a former Blues midfielder, brings Chuks Aneke, Albie Morgan and ex-Blues loanee Jonny Williams into his XI for Omar Bogle, Alex Gilbey and Marcus Maddison, who drop to the bench.

Town: Cornell, Chambers (c), Woolfenden, Nsiala, Ward, Dozzell, McGavin, Gibbs, Bennetts, Norwood, Judge. Subs: Holy, McGuinness, Kenlock, Lankester, Drinan, Hawkins, Jackson.

Charlton: Amos, Gunter, Williams, Aneke, Shinnie, Pratley (c), Matthews, Morgan, Maatsen, Watson, Smyth. Subs: Maynard-Brewer, Purrington, Pearce, Gilbey, Bogle, Maddison. Referee: Craig Hicks (Surrey).

What to read next:

Taylor: It Would Be a Special Moment If It Happens
Town midfielder Jack Taylor admitted it would be a dream come true to play in the Premier League, but is not getting carried away ahead of a busy week with two big matches still to play.
Taylor: Massive Credit to the Manager and His Staff
Town midfielder Jack Taylor has sung the praises of manager Kieran McKenna ahead of the Blues’ final two matches of the season this week.
Leicester Claim Title
Leicester City claimed the Championship title following a 3-0 victory over Preston North End at Deepdale this evening.
Finidi Appointed Nigeria Head Coach
Former Town winger Finidi George has been appointed the permanent head coach of Nigeria.
[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.
Huddersfield Game Live on Sky
The Blues’ final game of the season at home to Huddersfield Town on Saturday is among those being shown live on Sky Sports.
London Branch Meet-Up For Coventry Match
The London Branch of the Ipswich Town Supporters Club is inviting fellow fans to watch Tuesday’s live-on-Sky away game against Coventry City at the Brondes Age public house in Camden.
Hayes Set For Second Wembley Trip
Keeper Nick Hayes will be making two trips to Wembley next month, his Solihull Moors loan side having reached the National League Promotion Final.
Former Skipper Nets Hat-Trick in Final Game
Former Blues skipper David Norris ended his career on a dramatic note, netting a hat-trick for Lancaster City in his final match, a 4-3 Northern Premier League Premier Division defeat at FC United of Manchester on Saturday.
McKenna: Players Handling Big Three-Game Week Really Well
Town visit Coventry City live on Sky on Tuesday night knowing that a victory would take them a point away from securing promotion back to the Premier League after 22 years away.