Match Preview: Ipswich Town

PORTMAN ROAD | 19:00 KO

Image: Reuters

After a three day break, we play our second game of the season against Ipswich Town in the Carabao Cup. A win here could give the team a confidence boost as we look to push on this season.

Our last match against Arsenal was frustrating but there were a lot of positives to take in how we played. We looked comfortable in possession dominating large parts of the game against a “top 6 side”. Defensively we need work but hopefully Tony will bring in a CB partner for Hector soon. For now, we have a break from the league to concentrate on the Carabao Cup. Ipswich Town are a relatively kind draw in the cup but it doesn’t mean it will be easy. Paul Lambert has his side well drilled and are coming off a 2-0 win in League One vs Wigan Athletic.

I do expect us to rotate against Ipswich with a key fixture against Leeds United coming up this weekend. I would let Rodak keep his spot in goal with a back four of Aina, Odoi, Ream and Robinson. In midfield, I would play McDonald behind Johansen and Decordova-Reid. On the left-wing, I would play Jasper, on the right Knockaert and upfront Kamara.

I think we will win 2-0 with goals from Knockaert and Kamara.


Head To Head

  • Fulham Wins – 12
  • Draws – 8
  • Ipswich Wins – 9
  • Goals Scored – 58
  • Goals Conceded – 40
  • Biggest Wins – Fulham 10-1 Ipswich (1963/64) Fulham 4-1 Ipswich (1954/55), Fulham 4-1 Ipswich (2017/18)

Last 5 Games

  • Fulham 4-1 Ipswich
  • Ipswich 0-2 Fulham
  • Fulham 3-1 Ipswich
  • Ipswich 0-2 Fulham
  • Ipswich 1-1 Fulham

Last Time Out

Image: Fulham FC

Fulham 4-1 Ipswich Town (2017/18)

The last time Fulham played Ipswich we beat them 4-1 at Craven Cottage in 2018. Joe Garner put Ipswich in front late in the first half but a Jordan Spence red card at the beginning of the second half changed the game. Fulham went on to score four goals in seven minutes with Kamara and Sessegnon both grabbing two to secure the win.


Players in Common

Image: Action Images via Reuters

Darren Bent, Jimmy Bullard, Jaroslav Drobny, Tayo Edun, Luke Garbutt, Jordan Graham, David Healy, Shefki Kuqi, Sylvain Legwinski, Bobby Petta, Ben Pringle, Liam Rosenior, Richard Stearman, David Stockdale, Brian Talbot, Ryan Tunnicliffe, Gus Uhlenbeek and Moritz Volz.


Opposition Focus

We spoke to Mikey from the Blue Monday Podcast to get an Ipswich perspective ahead of tonight’s game…

Ipswich vs Fulham: What’s the first thing that comes to mind from years gone by?

Martijn Reuser’s last-gasp debut goal at Portman Road in 2000 and a couple of enjoyable 2-1 victories in the 14/15 season spring to mind. But more recently being outclassed by a strong Fulham team home and away in 16/17 and 17/18!

What’s life in League One like compared to the Championship?

It’s more demoralising when you lose and less exciting when you win. And with the introduction of the Salary Cap, it’s going to get harder for the ‘bigger clubs’ to get out of the league and the difference in quality between L1 and the Championship is going to continue to grow.

Good start to the League campaign with a 2-0 win against Wigan. What are your expectations this season?

It was a solid start considering we were missing our two best players in Flynn Downes and Kane Vincent-Young. If the former stays with us and the latter can avoid further injuries, there is no excuse for us not to at least make the play-offs. But there are serious questions marks surrounding Paul Lambert’s tactics and man-management after last season’s capitulation.

Does the exclusion of extra time make you more optimistic?

The exclusion of extra-time doesn’t make me any more optimistic, although with the incredible fixture list I think we’re all grateful that it’s gone. We’ve never been particularly strong in penalty shoot-outs though!

How do you see the game panning out?

I imagine after Saturday’s defeat, you will have plenty of players on the fringes looking to impress Scott Parker ahead of your trip to Leeds. We’re trying to play an attractive style of football (for now at least) so it should at least be a watchable game. I expect Lambert will play near enough the same team which won on Sunday, but with James Norwood getting his first start of the season up front. He will try and make your trip to Suffolk as un-enjoyable as possible for your central defenders, but I think you’ll have far too much for our shaky back line.

I predict a 3-1 win for Fulham and an ear-bashing from my Fulham-supporting colleague. But a 2nd round exit in the Carabao Cup is a notable cup-run for us these days!

Thanks to the guys from the Blue Monday Podcast for answering our questions. Check out their post-game live stream on YouTube: click here 


Score Prediction

Fulham View: Mike Gregg (@1966MJG)

Ipswich Town 1-3 Fulham

Ipswich View: Blue Monday Podcast (@BlueMondayITFC)

Ipswich Town 1-3 Fulham

Former Player: Robert Wilson (@RobWilo8)

Ipswich Town 0-3 Fulham


Predicted Line-Up