Ahead of tomorrow's big game at the SoL, we spoke to Andy Warren from the East Anglian Daily Times to preview the match.
Ipswich have turned their form around since the start of the season. What’s changed for Paul Cook’s men?
Completely overhauling the squad in the summer, with 19 new signings, was always going to bring teething problems, and it did. The squad wasn’t complete when the season began and, prior to the transfer deadline it was like Ipswich were trying to build their aircraft while it was already in flight. They lost some silly games and drew others they should have won. That’s left Town needing to play catch-up but, as the relationships between the new players continue to build, the results and performances have started to come. They’ve been able to score goals all season but we’re starting to see the defence and goalkeeper come together as a unit, as well as the midfield in front of them. Those have been the key changes.
Is Cook the right man to take you guys forward?
His tenure isn’t without questions, with a poor end to last season after taking over followed by a slow start to the new campaign. But he’s moving this team in the right direction. His football is entertaining, he speaks like a football fan and it’s easy to get behind what he’s trying to do at Ipswich. Hopefully he’s given time to get it right.
How confident are you of promotion this season?
Make no mistake, promotion this season is aim A, B and C. Ipswich need to get out of this division as quickly as possible. They’ve made it tricky for themselves following a poor start, which has left them playing catch-up having failed to win any of their first six league matches. I feel very confident they will make the play-offs but fear, even though things have improved, the top two might be too big of an ask. They’re already 10 points back.
Who’s been Ipswich’s star player this season?
Macauley Bonne’s is a wonderful story, with the striker enjoying a brilliant start to a loan spell at the club he supported as a boy. He’s a proper Ipswich lad and the Town fans have taken him to their hearts immediately. He’s on 11 for the season now, with that number including some clever goals, perfect finishes and highlight reel moments. He’s only scored one in his last five games – a slump by his high standards – but another strike never feels too far away. Bonne will be bang up for this game.
Which Sunderland player worries you the most?
Alex Pritchard is a player I’ve seen a fair bit of in the past, particularly in his formative years while covering Swindon Town while he was there on loan. I like him as a player. He can do a bit of everything in attacking areas. I know he’s had his injury troubles of late but he’s capable of producing something special in big moments.
What’s your score prediction for the game? Who will get the goals?
I actually really fancy Ipswich in this game. They went to Plymouth, the leaders, and played very well in a game they eventually lost 2-1. They conceded some silly goals at bad times in that game but it feels like they’ve learnt a few lessons from that. They won 4-1 at Wycombe recently, too. They seem to produce better displays in the bigger moments. So, I’ll go 2-1 Ipswich. Bonne to score at least one of them for Ipswich.
And finally, where will both teams finish at the end of the season?
Both will make the play-offs, I think. They could well meet again there...
