Sunderland travel to Portman Road to face an in-form Ipswich side, with Roy Keane hoping to continue his side’s unbeaten run of 4 games…
Vital Quotes:
Ipswich boss Jim Magilton:
‘We do have concerns over Gavin Williams though, who has a back problem that is playing games with his groin and hamstrings and a decision on him could be taken as late as Saturday morning.
Sylvain Legwinski has a tight hamstring as well and with Simon Walton virtually certain to miss out, we have a few decisions to make in midfield.
‘It will mean chances for others and Darren Currie did really well when he came on against Birmingham last week and will be desperate to get the chance to show what he can do.’
Keano:
‘When you look at the league table, if we can get two or three victories together then we will be up near the top. Equally, if the teams behind us do well and we don’t, then they will go above us because it is very close at the moment. That’s the beauty of the league.
‘There are so many teams that can get into that top six and get into the play-offs – but the thing is, getting that run of results you need.
‘What pleased me last week was the fact that we weren’t beaten and we showed a desire to get points from every game, because all those points total up at the end of the season.
‘We want to be up there at the top and if we can continue this little unbeaten run that we’re on, then we’ve got a chance.’
Ipswich Team News:
Fabian Wilnis, Gavin Williams and Sylvian Legwinksi will all have late fitness tests but are all hopeful of making the game. However Simon Walton is unlikely to be fit.
Player to watch: Alan Lee
This tricky player is a home crowd favourite and is capable of giving any defender a torrid time on his day. Sunderland will have to keep him quiet.
Sunderland Team News:
Stephen Elliot, Daryl Murphy and David Connolly all miss out, while Chris Brown is also struggling to be fit. Jon Stead, however, is hoping to recover in time to come into contention for selection. Stan Varga and Kenny Cunningham also missed training this week, with Steve Caldwell and Danny Collins on standby.
Player to watch: Tobias Hysen
With Roy Keane’s injury nightmare upfront worsening with Chris Brown’s ankle injury, Hysen may be given the chance to play upfront alongside Dwight Yorke. Impressive against Leicester and the reserve match against Doncaster, the Swedish international looks on top form.
Match Prediction:
Portman Road is never an easy place to come to, and Sunderland’s form has been indifferent here over the past few seasons. However they are still brimming with confidence, and remain unbeaten under Keane. However Ipswich are also on a good run. Should be an entertaining game. 2-2
