Match Preview: Ipswich Away

Last updated : 27 August 2009 By Paul Neat

Ipswich Town Vs Preston North End

Coca-Cola Championship Saturday 29th August 2009

After booking their place in the 3rd round of the Carling Cup on Tuesday night, North End now have the chance to finish August with a completely unbeaten record. Such a record is a stark contrast from that of North End’s opponents on Saturday Ipswich Town who are still awaiting their first win of the season.

Roy Keane

The Tractor Boys have had their promotion aspirations dented somewhat having suffered no fewer than three league defeats and a draw; leaving them with just a point. Town’s only win so far this season came against Shrewsbury in the League Cup.

Previous Meetings

The Lilywhites’ last visit to Portman Road was on the opening day of the 2008/2009 season when North End had to come from behind to secure all three points. Kevin Lisbie gave Ipswich the lead before goals from the recently departed duo of Paul McKenna and Simon Whaley gave North End the perfect start to the new campaign.

Callum Davidson

North End completed the double over Ipswich last season after recording a 3-2 win over their Suffolk counterparts at Deepdale in February. A Callum Davidson penalty inside the first 10 minutes gave North End the lead before old boy Tommy Miller pegged North End back just after the half hour mark.

Tommy Miller

A goal each from Parkin and Elliott saw North End put daylight between the two sides before Tommy Miller completed his brace shortly after to half North End’s advantage.

In total North End have come up against the Tractor Boys 24 times with North End having the edge in terms of wins; 10 compared to Ipswich’s 8. However, when North End have been the visiting team they have only been able to muster 4 wins and a draw.

Team News

After Darren Carter’s man of the match performance in midweek, Alan Irvine faces a selection head ache. Carter and Shumulikoski who came in for Chaplow and Nicholson, both staked a claim for a place in Saturday’s first eleven having put on performances during the win over Leicester.

Darren Carter

With no suspensions to report of and Barry Nicholson’s broken leg being the only absentee, Alan Irvine has a near-full squad to choose from.

The home side may have a couple of new faces in their starting line up come Saturday with reports suggesting that Grant Leadbitter and Stephen McManus are both set to join.