Ipswich (H) Match Preview

Here it is then, the one we’ve all been looking forward to. Over 6,000 United fans, plus 2,000 more from Ipswich will pack themselves into the Abbey on Saturday for the first league meeting between the two teams in almost thirty years. Is it a derby game? Categorically not, but it’s closest thing we’ve got right now.

After a week off United are mostly fit and ready to go. Former Ipswich player Jack Lankester has a knock in training, but other than long term absentee Greg Taylor we’re at full strength. The big question is how will Bonner line up – the tried and tested, but conservative 1 up front, or a more cavalier but exciting 4-4-2?

I think we all know Bonners best side by now, and the defence is nicely settled despite Greg’s injury. In the middle Adam May is forcing himself into contention with some great performances lately, and we wonder if Bonner will sacrifice some width for a midfield three of Digby, May & O’Neil, leaving Brophy or Tracey to provide an outlet in an unbalanced formation? Wes almost certainly has to start, having spent that long at Norwich he’s going to be as fired up for this as anyone. Up front, Ironside gets the nod over Smith, despite some impressive showings in recent games.

Expected U’s Line-up: Mitov, Williams, Jones, Masterson, Iredale, Digby, May, O’Neil, Brophy, Hoolahan, Ironside

Who’s Their Player to Watch? Looking at their squad list, one name jumps straight out at us. Number 17, in position ‘vibes‘, one Ed Sheeran. Straight up the most embarrassing thing ever seen in football, and I include Big Ron Manager in that. On the pitch, look out for Norwood, Bonne, Piggott, nah, we’re still laughing at Ed Sheeran: Vibes. Vibes. Ed Sheeran. For fuck sake.

Who’s In The Dugout? Paul Cook. Previously manager at Accrington, Chesterfield, Portsmouth and Wigan, he’s won league Two twice, and League One once. Vibes. Ed Sheeran. Seriously. Who’s idea was that?

What’s Their Recent Form Like? Vibes. Ed Sheeran. Sorry we can’t get over this. Have you heard his music?

Any Ex-United Players? Are you actually kidding me? Vibes. Ed Sheeran? The least vibey man to ever have existed. Vibes. Joe Piggott, shit here, alright at Wimbledon, okay at Ipswich. Hayden Coulson, couple of games on loan. Vibris El-Mizouni, provided vibes over two loan spells.

Last Time Out: United 0-2 Ipswich, October 5 1993.

A 2-0 defeat in the League Cup was the last time we played Ipswich competitively.

From The Archive: Ipswich 1-2 United, November 9 1991

Over ten minutes of Becky’s U’s battering Ipswich at a packed Portman Road. Now that’s vibey.