On Sky
Wednesday are back in front of the Sky TV cameras for the third time this season – and they’ll be hoping it’s a case of third time lucky against Ipswich Town at Portman Road.
The Owls have lost both matches on Sky this season – against Sheffield United and Watford – and will be keen to put that right against Roy Keane’s men early on Saturday evening.
Laws and his men will be desperate for something from the game, having fallen to a 2-1 reverse against Q.P.R. last time out, while the Tractor Boys will be keen for the three points after an upturn in form.
Vital Quotes:
Brian Laws told the official SWFC website:
‘It feels like a long time since our last game. We’ve had to work on it, get back on the training ground and the players have responded in the right manner.
‘We’re going down there in a buoyant mood. The players have had a two-week break now and we’ve been dying for them to get back into it. They have trained really hard so I’m anticipating a good performance and a result which will help us move forward in the league.’
Roy Keane said of his welcome selection problems ahead of the game:
“I`ve got a good number to pick from and it`s going to be tough decision for me to get the team right for tomorrow.
“I can`t complain and hopefully that will remain the same over the next month or two as December in particular is a big month in terms of the number of games and we`re going to need all the bodies.”
Ipswich Town Team News:
Ipswich boss Roy Keane will have some welcome selection problems ahead of the clash.
Former Owl Alex Bruce and Damien Delaney have both excelled at the back for Town in recent matches, but both Gareth McAuley and Tommy Smith are both fit and available to return at the back.
Keane has highlighted his problem as goalscoring at present, and he could put Pablo Counago back into the starting line-up after he featured for the reserves in midweek.
Jon Stead and Tamas Priskin have both struggled in recent weeks, and Connor Wickham will also be pushing the duo for a rare start in attack.
Former Owl – and Blade – Alan Quinn is pushing for a starting role in Town’s midfield.
Player to watch: Tamas Priskin
The striker may not have been hitting top form for the Tractor Boys this season but his attacking abilities will still cause a big threat to the Wednesday defence, and he’ll be looking to impress in front of the TV cameras.
Wednesday Team News:
There’s bad news for former Town midfielder Tommy Miller as he looks set to miss out on a return to Portman Road with Wednesday.
Miller sustained a hamstring injury during the international break and could be set to stay in S6 for treatment while his team-mates travel to his former club.
There are no other fresh concerns on the injury front for Laws though, and Etienne Esajas and Francis Jeffers will both be pushing for inclusion in the squad after fine reserve team appearances.
The biggest problem for the Owls boss will be whether to stick with the 4-4-2 formation which Wednesday play at home, or revert to the 4-3-3 which was so successful at Bristol City.
Player to watch: Marcus Tudgay
The Owls star man will need to be at his best to fire in the goals to help Wednesday to something from the game. Tudgay is Wednesday’s biggest goal threat and top scorer so far this season.
Match Facts & Stats
Head-to-Head:
Ipswich wins: 14
Wednesday wins: 17
Draws: 7
Last Time Out:
Ipswich 1-1 Wednesday
Portman Road, 10/01/2009
Steve Watson gave Wednesday the advantage after 52 minutes before Pablo Counago did enough to rescue a point for the hosts just 14 minutes later.
Next Fixtures:
v West Brom (H) – 28/11/09
v Reading (H) – 05/12/09
