Ipswich Town fan Todd Styman helps us preview Saturday’s visit to Portman Road
Ipswich Town fan Todd Styman joins us to help preview Saturday’s visit to Portman Road….
What were your hopes, fears & expectations for the season?
After the second half of the season under Mick McCarthy I was the most hopeful about a season I have been since Joe Royle was in charge. I was expecting a top half finish and so far it’s been exactly that.
The main fear I had was that this was false hope again, the same we felt when Roy Keane took charge.
What’s changed from last season to this?
Our games this season have been a lot more open.
We survived last year simply because Mick came in and sorted our defence.
This year out games have seen more goals and in this way, been more exciting than last seasons scrap for points.
It’s not the biggest squad – could that be an issue in chasing a Play-Off spot?
I think we have depth in the main areas, especially after Sylvan Ebanks-Blake signed yesterday.
We still lack wingers but I feel the main areas we are covered. We have however been lucky so far with injuries and suspensions.
You’ve got several ex-Wolves players: has Mick McCarthy knowing them already seen him get the best out of them?
I think he definitely gets the best out of all players, they seem to stick to his stringent plans and keep his discipline.
Christophe Berra has been brilliant and him coming in wasn’t necessarily needed, but it has worked.
Stephen Hunt is still getting fit and I can see Ebanks-Blake being a back up till fit and proven.
What’s going on with Mick’s beard?!
Ha-ha! What a beard!
Originally it was his version of ‘Movember’! He and some of the players had been raising money for charity.
However it’s still there now, maybe he likes it! Sure makes him look old!
Key player?
This year has all been about David McGoldrick for most fans, scoring eight goals and holding up the play brilliantly.
However for me, our key player is Cole Skuse. We signed him from Bristol City in the summer and he has been a breath of fresh air, can I say we’ve finally replaced Matt Holland?
He sits in front of the back four, breaks up opposition attacks and moves the ball forward for us.
Any injuries or suspensions?
I think the only doubt we have is Paul Taylor, who hasn’t really been getting a game since his loan to Peterborough.
Match prediction?
After seeing Watford boss the game last year we meet with completely different circumstances & with Town having won three of the last four, I’d say 2-2 in an open game.
Cheers Todd. You can follow Todd on Twitter – @ToddyCounago
