Sunderland Vs Ipswich Town

A decent crowd is expected to welcome Roy Keane’s three new promotion-chasing recruits. Anthony Stokes, Jonny Evans and Carlos Edwards should all make their home debuts as Sunderland host Ipswich…

Vital Quotes:

Keano
‘We know Ipswich will be tough and well organised and a difficult team to beat. But we have to look beyond that consideration now and go out there thinking about the need to win games.

‘We’ve strengthened the squad in the last few days and we’ve now got the players available to us which should allow us to go on a good run.’

Ipswich boss Jim Magilton
‘The same result as last time would be lovely. But Sunderland have made some very good signings. I thought they were a very good side when they came here and any other day they may have got a result.

‘It will be a different ball game at their place but I’m confident we can put on a performance so it’s important we go there and put on a show.

‘Certainly Roy Keane will be aware of what we are about and we’ll be determined to get a result and I expect both teams to try and get the ball down and play so it may come down to whoever takes their chances on the day.’

Sunderland Team News:

£2m man Anthony Stokes may make his debut, as he competes with Stephen Elliot, David Connolly and Daryl Murphy for a place upfront. Carlos Edwards may start on the right wing while Jonny Evans should also make his home debut at centre back due to Stan Varga’s groin injury.

Defenders Steve Caldwell, Kenny Cunningham and Stephen Wright remain long term absentees. Nyron Nosworthy and Danny Collins both return from injury to stake a claim however. In midfield, Kavanagh is still out, while Liam Miller will be a loss as he serves his one match suspension for his sending off at Preston, meaning Dean Whitehead may revert back into midfield, or a recall for Dwight Yorke.

Player to watch: Anthony Stokes

Whether he starts the game or makes a substitute appearance, all eyes will be on the new £2m signing from Arsenal. The 18 year-old will be keen to make an early impression and continue his fine run of form from the SPL. There’ll be a few home first goalscorer wagers no doubt. Don’t let us down Stokesy!

Ipswich Town Team News:

Despite a comical secret trip to Amsterdam (Respec! ) earlier this month, Alan Lee, Gavin Williams and Gary Roberts will all be allowed to start for Ipswich, though they will be substituted should they seem somewhat, er, groggy.

New defender David Wright will make his debut following his move from Wigan while goalkeeper Lewis Price returns after being rested for Ipswich’s FA Cup game against Chester.

Player to watch: Sylvain Legwinski

Never the most spectaculor of players but has a wealth of Premiership experience and if given time and space will run things in midfield. He’ll be relieved that Liam Miller won’t be able to snap at his heels due to suspension, though Leadbitter will not give him an easy ride either.

Match Prediction:

A good crowd should hopefully inspire a home win. Ipswich aren’t clever on the road and Sunderland have looked good value recently, unlucky to lose away at Preston with 10 men. With the new boys in key positions looking to impress, Sunderland should look lively and up for it. 2-0, with Stokes on the scoresheet.