Ipswich Town: XI set for West Brom visit

System change?

There’s been a lot of talk about whether it’s time for McKenna to ditch his favored 4-2-3-1. What would that look like? The stronger basis of a 3-5-2 would mean there is no room for in-form wingers Jaden Philogene and Jack Clarke, so I think we can rule him out. An old-fashioned 4-4-2 would likely leave the Blues outnumbered in midfield. 4-3-3 is an option, operating with a midfield three of Matusiwa, Cajuste and Nunez, but, given this game is at home and West Brom are in 4-2-3-1, I don’t see any deviation from the norm.

Christian Walton will replace the injured Alex Palmer in goal. (Image: Ross Halls)

Goalkeeper: CHRISTIAN WALTON

Alex Palmer limped off with a calf injury in the first half on Tuesday night and substitute Walton ended up knocking the ball out of his net three times in the second half. Remarkably, this will be his first league start since July 2020 (when he was on loan at Blackburn). After having largely warmed up the bench for two and a half years, he will be eager to try his luck.

Darnell Furlong is Ipswich Town’s strongest right-back option. (Image: Ross Halls)

Right back: DARNELL FURLONG

I thought Ashley Young did well Tuesday night. He is certainly a more creative right-back than Furlong, but now is the time for solidity. Town have had five different right-sided partnerships in 10 league matches. It’s time to give everyone a chance to grow. Furlong is ex-Baggies, of course.

Dara O’Shea must show her courage after a night to forget against Charlton. (Image: Ross Halls)

Right central defender: DARA O’SHEA

The Irishman had a night to forget against Charlton. He was poor for the first goal and looked nervous once things got going and the crowd turned around. Skipper must show his mettle against an old club today.

Will Jacob Greaves keep his place after a bad night at the office? (Image: Ross Halls)

Left central defender: JACOB GREAVES

Greaves had an error-strewn start to the season – abandoned. Cedric Kipre came on, had a great game against Norwich, then scored a comical own goal at Middlesbrough – abandoned. Greaves then had a bad night at the office midweek. The general consensus will probably be that Kipre (another West Brom alum) should return, but personally I think McKenna should just stick to a central defensive pairing. Constant rotation at the back won’t help with chemistry or confidence.

Leif Davis’ creativity is essential – but he needs to be better covered. (Image: Ross Halls)

Left back: LEIF DAVIS

I’m not sure the inverted left-back role really works. For me, Town should stick to the tried and trusted method of bombing Davis on the overlap and bringing balls back into the box. The left central midfielder needs to do more to plug the gaps he leaves, as Massimo Luongo has done in the past.

Azor Matusiwa’s return from suspension is a major asset. (Image: Steve Waller)

Defensive midfielder: AZOR MATUSIWA

It’s great to have the Dutchman available again after a one-match suspension for five yellow cards. Town really missed him sitting in front of the back four on Tuesday night. That first Charlton goal, when Sonny Carey carried the ball in from the halfway line, wouldn’t have happened if he was on the sidelines.

Will Marcelino Nunez return to midfield? (Image: Ross Halls)

Playmaker: MARCELINO NUEZ

Jens Cajuste had us all purring with his silky laps and drive-by races early in the season. “Championship cheat code? Not on the evidence of the last two performances. I was disappointed with how he disappeared for long periods in games and failed to keep up with runners. Perhaps it’s time to give the Portman Road faithful their first taste of a double-pivot duo of Matusiwa and Nunez.

Jack Clarke was Town’s standout player against Charlton. (Image: Steve Waller)

Right: JACK CLARKE

Neither Sindre Walle Egeli nor Kasey McAteer have yet endorsed this position. With that in mind, I think McKenna could look to integrate his two most in-form attackers – Jaden Philogene and Jack Clarke – into the team. Clarke was the only Town player to come out on Tuesday night with any real credit. He will have to find pleasure in beating his man on the outside to cross if he is deployed on the right.

Chuba Akpom is yet to start back-to-back games for the Blues. (Image: Steve Waller)

No. 10: CHUBA AKPOM

Another tough position to call. On the one hand, I think Sammie Szmodics’ graft and character is what’s needed after a night where leaders were few and far between. On the other hand, I think Akpom showed encouraging signs during this dominant first half. The player on loan from Ajax was recruited for a reason. I think it’s time to offer him a series of games to find his rhythm.

Jaden Philogene scored goals for fun at Portman Road. (Image: Steve Waller)

Left winger: JADEN PHILOGENE

A few eyebrows were raised when the man who had scored an outstanding five goals in his previous three outings at Portman Road was dropped to the bench in midweek. He will surely return to the team for this one.

George Hirst could use a goal to boost his confidence. (Image: Steve Waller)

Forward: GEORGE HIRST

Barrel-chested Ivan Azon has done well in these two starts so far, against Bristol City and Charlton, but I see Hirst best placed to run behind Nat Phillips and Chris Mepham. We hope Town’s No.9 feels he has something to prove after that penalty save at Middlesbrough. A goal would do his confidence good.