After a disappointing draw against Brentford on Wednesday evening, the Villans will be hoping to stop throwing away leads. They have the chance to get back to winning ways when they travel to Ipswich tomorrow.
Jonathan Kodjia’s great strike gave the hosts the lead in the first half on Wednesday night.
After the break, however, the Villa boys seemed to sit back and invite pressure. Inevitably, the Bees scored a late goal to ensure that they shared the spoils.
With the games coming thick and fast, Roberto Di Matteo’s men will travel east in search of three points. Ipswich Town boss Mick McCarthy, who can be described as a wiley, veteran manager, will be instructing his team to disrupt the Villans’ flow and pile the pressure on the visitors.
Match details:
Venue: Portman Road
Date: Saturday 17th September 2016
Kick-off: 15:00
Referee: Tony Harrington
Championship form:
Ipswich Town: W L W D D
Aston Villa: D D L D D
Team news:
Manager Roberto Di Matter told the press that Ritchie De Laet will be out for a long time as he suffered a serious injury during the mid-week game against Brentford. The Belgian right back confirmed on his Twitter account that he expects to be out for the rest of the season, which is a real shame for him and for Aston Villa Football Club.
Ross McCormack is a doubt for the game as he also limped off on Wednesday night. Di Matteo will give the Scot every chance to prove his fitness ahead of kick-off tomorrow.
Jack Grealish, who missed the last game because of a tight hamstring, may return to action.
Aaron Tshibola is expected to be in contention tomorrow.
Albert Adomah, the summer signing from Middlesbrough, is finally fit after picking up a knock in training. He should be in line to make his début.
For the hosts, defender Tommy Smith will be out due to a back injury that requires an operation.
Ex-West Ham United youngster Freddie Sears is now fit to play after suffering a groin strain last week.
Midfielders Jonny Williams and Luke Hyam will miss out due to injury.
Striker David McGoldrick is six weeks from a return to competitive action.
The danger men:
Winger Grant Ward will be the man to look out for at Portman Road tomorrow. The former Tottenham Hotspur youth player moved to the Tractor Boys earlier this summer and is currently Ipswich Town’s top goal-scorer with four goals. The midfielder likes to go forward at any given opportunity.
Described as an energetic midfielder, Ward will be looking to support the attack whenever possible. He will also endeavour to make late runs into the box and try to pounce on any loose balls in and around the area. He made his début this season against Barnsley, coming on as a substitute in the second half. He then went on to score an impressive hat-trick.
His most recent goal was the winner against Preston North End a few weeks ago, when McCarthy’s men won 1-0.
Another player the visitors will have to be wary of is new signing Leon Best. The former Newcastle United man has a bit of a mixed reputation about him: some people describe him as a disruptive influence and believe that his attitude has held him back throughout his career. Best’s talent is plain to see, although his off-field antics have hampered him. On his day, he is capable of winning matches on his own. If he does get the chance to play, the Villa defenders will need to pay a lot of attention to him.
A win is vital for Aston Villa, even this early in the season. A win could finally turn the Villans’ fortunes around. Ours is a team that hasn’t played badly at all. In fact, the Villans top the charts in terms of chances created in the Championship. A win against Ipswich Town would restore some confidence to the squad, as well as giving the fans something to cheer about.
