Our bite-sized guide to Ipswich Town’s trip to Hillborough to take on Sheffield Wednesday.
When and where?
Saturday, 3pm, Hillsborough
What’s the team news?
No Daryl Murphy again tomorrow for Ipswich while there are doubts over Luke Varney and Larsen Toure. Teddy Bishop won’t be involved but Andre Dozzell will travel and could take a place on the bench. Luke Hyam is suspended after his red card against Brentford on Saturday.
Who is their manager?
Carlos Carvalhal was something of an unknown when he arrived in the summer but has turned Sheffield Wednesday into an attractive, promotion chasing, outfit. He promised to entertain during his early days in charge and, so far, has delivered, earning him a link to the job at Swansea.
How have they been getting on so far this season?
The Owls currently hold the final play-off place with five games to go, sitting five points clear of nearest challengers Cardiff. The Blues are a further three points back from that, meaning tomorrow’s clash is simply ‘must win’ for Mick McCarthy’s side.
Wednesday won four on the trot before a surprise 4-1 loss at Bristol City last time out.
Recent form:
Wednesday: W-W-W-W-L
Ipswich: W-L-D-D-L
Who has the best record in this fixture?
The two sides have played 46 times in total with Ipswich having the edge by just won game. They’ve won 18 compared to Wednesday’s 17, with 11 draws. Ipswich are on a run of five games without defeat against the Owls.
What happened the last time they met?
The Blues won 2-1 earlier in the season, but had to do it the hard way after falling behind to Ross Wallace’s early goal. Freddie Sears levelled with a driven shot which beat Keiren Westwood at his near post, before Tommy Smith grabbed the winner early in the second half.
Who is the ref?
Robert Madley is leaving the safety of the Premier League for this one, having shown 79 yellows and one red in 28 games this season. He last took charge of an Ipswich game in April last year, as the Blues drew 1-1 with eventual champions Bournemouth.
Who is the Wednesday danger man?
They have a few. Ross Wallace has always done well against the Blues, while ex-Norwich striker Gary Hooper, main man Fernando Forestieri and Aiden McGeady are all potential match-winners for the hosts.
Any familiar faces?
Back-up goalkeeper Lewis Price, now 31, started his career with the Blues but has played for a host of clubs since. He made 75 appearances while at Portman Road but also had a loan spell out at Cambridge before moving to Derby. He joined Sheffield Wednesday in the summer after leaving Crystal Palace and has so far made seven appearances for the Owls.
What are the bookies saying?
Wednesday are favourites with most bookies at 17/20 but, if you fancy an away win, you can get a good price at 15/4.
Six Wednesday players are shorter prices than any Ipswich player to score the first goal. Brett Pitman is the front-running Blue at 15/2 and if you fancy David McGoldrick to get back on the sheet he’s 9/1.
Anything else worth knowing?
Atdhe Nuhiu, the large Austrian striker, has described Ipswich as the ‘ugliest team in the Championship’ prior to this game.
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