The lads return to the Stadium of Light for a midweek fixture under the lights after a hard-fought victory at Gillingham. Will Phil Parkinson make any changes?
GK: Lee Burge. Statistically one of the most impressive goalkeepers in England, Burge kept yet another clean sheet as well as making his first penalty save of the season. That’ll do wonders for his confidence and hopefully he can continue his remarkable clean sheet run.
RWB: Luke O’Nien. Our most dependable option at wingback, O’Nien helps out at both ends of the pitch. Last week his goal was arguably incorrectly disallowed, so today he’ll be determined to get an official goal.
CB: Conor McLaughlin. McLaughlin was surprisingly quite impressive at centre half at the weekend, looking reliable and comfortable. He’s likely going to be challenged a bit more though against a better quality Ipswich attack.
CB: Bailey Wright. In the absence of Max Power, the Aussie was our captain on the pitch against Gillingham. Another clean sheet means he’ll keep his place and possibly keep the role of captain too.
CB: Dion Sanderson. Despite the clean sheet last match, Flanagan’s below par performance means the Wolves loanee may come back into the side, possibly on the left of the three. His debut was promising and he’ll be looking to bounce back from the minor knock that kept him out of the team on Saturday.
LWB: Denver Hume. Although Hume wasn’t at his best at the weekend, he has that bit of quality on the left that can help us unlock defences. If he can get forward and into good positions, his crossing ability will be vital in supplying the front line.
CM: Grant Leadbitter. At times Grant struggled to impose himself at Priestfield. In a game with a better pitch and hopefully less rain and wind, he should be aiming to get on the ball more and play it on the ground.
CM: Josh Scowen. Our most creative player at times, Scowen could have had a hat trick if he’d kept his shots lower. He provided energy and tenacity, as well as some good deliveries from free kicks and corners.
LW: Lynden Gooch. The American forward is always industrious, and has looked like a more mature player recently. On the left, he can link up with Hume and put in some dangerous balls for the striker, or cut inside to shoot by himself.
RW: Chris Maguire. After being dropped against Gillingham, Maguire came off the bench to score the opener. Maybe this is the motivation he needs to get back to his best.
ST: Charlie Wyke. The big man didn’t score in the last match, but he was one of the few players who could take credit for having a decent game. He looks confident, good on the ball and is working very hard to press the opposition. Wyke has solidified his spot as Parkinson’s number nine.
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