Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman has praised Ipswich Town for their ‘excellent’ performance against Aston Villa, arguing that their home form will be crucial this season.
The Blues have picked up four points from their opening six games, although they’re yet to taste victory since returning to the Premier League.
However, they have a better points return than their fellow newly-promoted sides, as well as Crystal Palace and Wolves, despite facing an incredibly tough start to life back in the top flight.
However, Town certainly impressed outsiders with their strong showing against Unai Emery’s men on Sunday, and Goodman believes that it’ll give them confidence going into the next few weeks.
“You could never have expected them to get anything from their first two games against Liverpool and Man City, but it looks like they used those matches to get a feel for the Premier League,” he said via Grosvenor Sport.
“I thought they were excellent against Aston Villa and are now four unbeaten after a baptism of fire. Their performance on Sunday was excellent and it should give them so much belief. They could have won the game.
“I would say Ipswich are in a mini-league amongst the other promoted sides and four or five other teams who you would all imagine will finish in the bottom half. Ipswich's fate will be decided by how they fare against those in that group.
“Home form will be important for them. Their next two home games are against Everton and Leicester which are huge games. In between those fixtures, they also play West Ham and Brentford away from home which I think presents Town with an opportunity to get their first win on the board.”
Goodman was also asked about Mick McCarthy, who’s reportedly been lined up for the next series of ‘I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!’ by ITV producers.
The 65-year-old, who managed Ipswich between 2012 and 2018, is yet to return to management since leaving Blackpool last year, and Goodman believes that his personality would make him a perfect fit for the show.
“Mick McCarthy going into the jungle for’ I'm a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here’ would be one of the funniest things I have ever seen," he admitted.
“While I haven't always watched that programme, I will be tuning in if Mick McCarthy is on it.
“He's great value. He's a lovely guy, a top bloke but, obviously, he also has that dry humour which everybody would love and embrace in such surroundings.
“He'd be very, very funny in the jungle.”
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