It all seemed so easy. Sack Bryan Robson and see an immediate upturn in results. The reality hasn’t quite worked out like that. 3 reasonably creditable draws were unfortunately followed by a Robson-esque surrender at the hands of Charlton Athletic. Saturday’s performance made fears of relegation feel very real and we go into two difficult looking away games desperate for points to ease those worries.
Ipswich are first up and no doubt the locals will be frothing at the mouth at the thought of another home win over the Blades. I know not much goes on down there but they do get ridiculously excited when they beat us.
Vital Quotes:
You can tell Kevin Blackwell has studied at the Neil Warnock school of talking up the opposition.
He told the official site ‘It will be a tough test, I saw them at Palace the other week and they have some good players with pace where it hurts. They have quick wingers and the lad Lee is solid – he puts his body on the line up front. Walters has come on leaps and bounds since moving to Ipswich, whilst they also have two uncompromising defenders who love to head the ball and get stuck in. Their midfield is also dangerous, so it will be a real tough game for us, but one that gives us a chance to put the wrongs from Saturday right.’
It’s reassuring to hear him talk about the value of pace, something we’ve been badly lacking all season.
Ipswich Town Team News:
Ex-Sheffield United man Alan Quinn is struggling with injury and could miss out.
Player to watch: David Norris
Reportedly a target for Bryan Robson. Norris scored his first goal for Ipswich at the weekend. Would he have solved some of our problems?
Sheffield United Team News:
Lee Martin and Stephen Quinn miss out through injury and suspension respectively.
Player to watch: James Beattie
Opinion seems to be turning against Mr Beattie. He desperately needs two things, a goal and a strike partner who isn’t Billy Sharp.
Match Facts & Stats
Ipswich always beat us at Portman Road. Unless it’s an important game like a play-off semi-final. Remember that Mr Tarricco?!
Match Prediction:
This goes against all logical and rational thinking. We can’t score, we can’t win and we’re playing away at one of our bogey sides. The Blades to win 2-1.
For all the odds on this week’s football, go to: www.williamhill.co.uk
Next Fixtures:
March 8th Plymouth Argyle (a)
March 11th Coventry City (h)