Our bite-sized guide to Ipswich Town’s visit to Craven Cottage to take on Fulham.
When and where?
Tuesday night, 7.45pm, Craven Cottage
What’s the team news?
There’s been some good news for Mick McCarthy as Tommy Oar and Kevin Bru return to the squad following knee and hamstring injuries. Ryan Fraser is fit to start after staying on the bench at MK Dons on Saturday. Still no Teddy Bishop or Larsen Toure, though.
Who is their manager?
Stuart Gray, formally of Sheffield Wednesday and Southampton, is leading the team under the title of senior coach. Since Kit Symons’ sacking, Alan Curbishley and Peter Grant have also led the Cottagers, but midfielder Scott Parker is pleased the club have found some stability in Gray.
How have they been getting on so far this season?
Things started reasonably well by the Thames but they are currently winless in six and without a home victory since mid October. Last time out they drew 2-2 with local rivals Brentford.
Who has the best record in this fixture?
There have been just 23 meetings between these two sides, with the both each winning eight games and drawing seven.
What happened when they met last season?
It was all Ipswich, as the Blues secured a pair of 2-1 wins. Daryl Murphy scored three of the Blues’ four goals, with David McGoldrick scoring the other, while Tim Hoogland and Ross McCormack scored consolations for Fulham.
Who is the ref?
Trevor Kettle takes charge of this one, having not refereed an Ipswich game since the 4-4 draw at Derby in October 2013. He’s refereed 15 games this season and has already showed 66 yellow cards as well as six reds. He’s shown two red cards in a single game on two occasions.
Who is the Fulham danger man?
Ross McCormack, the £11million man, has to be the Fulham danger man. Despite his undoubtedly inflated price tag, which has been heavily scrutinised, he can cause problems from anywhere on the pitch and possesses a rocket of a shot.
What are the bookies saying?
The Blues are slight favourites at 8/5, compared to the hosts at 9/5, with the draw priced at 5/2. Daryl Murphy and Ross McCormack are both 11/2 to open the scoring, while Ryan Fraser to score last after coming off the bench is in at 12/1.
Anything else worth knowing?
The Blues are unbeaten at Craven Cottage since Boxing Day of 1963…when they lost 10-1 in what remains the club’s biggest ever league defeat.
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