x

No Town Changes Expected - Ipswich Town News

Town are likely to go into Sunday's game against Millwall unchanged as they chase their best start to a season since 1988 (Sky Sports One, KO 1pm). The Blues have doubts over Tommy Miller and Jason De Vos but both players expect to be fit.

De Vos picked up a sore left knee in Canada's 1-1 draw with Honduras last Saturday, while Miller is suffering with an ankle problem acquired in Town's last league win at home to Wolves.

Town boss Joe Royle has special praise for De Vos and the rest of the Town backline, who he says have improved vastly on last season's less than solid defensive record: "We were jut not getting our heads to the ball in the box last season when our defensive record was the worst in the division.

"Jason De Vos was our number one target to put this right. He has done everything expected of him. Apart from the Derby game, we have defended well right though pre-season to the current time."

Drissa Diallo's move to right-back has also helped out, particularly at set-pieces where the Blues were especially vulnerable last season. Royle says this switch came about mainly due to an injury: "Fabian Wilnis was injured and Drissa has taken his chance.

"He is quick, good with one-on-ones and is also outstanding in the air. It is a plus to have someone at the far post who can head the balls clear."

Royle says that the acquisition of Kevin Horlock to anchor the midfield has been pivotal to Town's success so far this season.

Regular left-back Matt Richards is fit to return to the squad but is unlikely to replace Fabian Wilnis who hasn't put a foot wrong since he took over on the left.

A victory would take Town to 16 points from seven games, better than their early season haul at any time since 1988 when John Duncan's men took 17 from their first seven.

Millwall expect to have new signing Barry Hayles up front after joining from Sheffield United for £75,000.

The Lions may also have Australian defender Kevin Muscat back for the first time in five months after getting a couple of reserve games under his belt.

Jason de Vos's international compatriots Josh Simpson and Adrian Serioux are both expected to play after being involved in Wednesday's defeat against Costa Rica, a match the Town central defender missed due to suspension as well as injury.

However, Serioux has a minor shoulder injury which is expected to make him unable to produce any of his lengthy throw-ins. Paul Ifill may also be back after an Achilles problem.

Former Blue Andy Marshall will probably be on the bench despite number one keeper Graham Stack's arrest earlier this week regarding an alleged sexual assault.

Sunday's referee is Tony Bates from Stoke. So far this season he has shown 11 yellow cards and no red in five games. He last refereed Town in a 2-1 win against Coventry in November 2002, Joe Royle's first home league victory as boss of the Blues.

Squad: Barron, Bent, Bowditch, Couñago, Davis, Diallo, De Vos, Dinning, Horlock, Kuqi, Magilton, Miller, Naylor, Price, Richards, Westlake, Wilnis.

What to read next:

Nunez in Team of the Week
Blues midfielder Marcelino Nunez has been named in the EFL Championship Team of the Week following his two-goal performance as Town won 4-1 at QPR on Saturday.
Youngster Adetiba Wins UAE Cap in U17s World Cup Opener
Academy scholar Jayden Adetiba was in the UAE U17s team which drew 1-1 with a 10-man Costa Rica side in their opening group game at the U17 World Cup in Qatar this afternoon.
Hirst in Scotland Squad For Vital Final Qualifiers
Town striker George Hirst has been named in the Scotland squad for their vital World Cup qualification double-header against Greece and Denmark this month.
McKenna: We'll Pick the Team For Watford But Also the Run Coming Up
Boss Kieran McKenna says he’ll pick the team which he believes gives Town the best chance of beating Watford at Portman Road on Tuesday, but also with a view to winning the games to come with the Blues at Swansea City on Saturday, then facing a very busy run of fixtures after the international break.
Taylor: The Feeling Around the Place is Really Good
Town midfielder Jack Taylor says there is a good feeling around Portman Road after the Blues recorded back-to-back victories having beaten Queens Park Rangers on Saturday.
Town Women Beaten By Newcastle
Ipswich Town Women slipped to a second successive league defeat, losing 4-1 to a buoyant Newcastle United side at the Jobserve Colchester Community Stadium this afternoon.
[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.
Hirst: I Should Have Scored More
George Hirst struck twice against Queens Park Rangers to take his tally to five for the season, but the Town striker believes he should have more goals to his name this term.
Town Women Host Newcastle
Ipswich Town Women return to action after the international break with a home game against Newcastle United at the JobServe Community Stadium in Colchester this afternoon (KO 2pm, live on YouTube).
Ten-Man U18s Hammered
Town's U18 side were on the wrong end of an 8-2 scoreline at Playford Road on Saturday morning as they were comprehensively beaten by West Ham United, playing the last quarter of an hour with 10 men.