Middlesbrough v Ipswich Preview

For Middlesbrough and Aitor Karanka the mathematical situation is simple, win three games and they will be promoted to the Premier League. Unfortunately football doesn’t always work like that.

The past few weeks have been jam-packed with late goals, relentless twists and unpredictable turns, as the Championship promotion race has once again gone right down to the wire.

This weekend Boro host Mick McCarthy’s Ipswich Town, whose hopes of a top six finish are all but over following a futile run of six games without a win.

Even so as Karanka put it, he is ‘yet to find a team in England who are playing for nothing’. That was evident last weekend when Boro needed stoppage time to overcome a Bolton side whose relegation had already been confirmed.

Karnaka’s side then produced a much improved display and came within minutes of beating promotion rivals Burnley away from home, only to be denied by a last minute sucker punch at the other end.

“We played better than them (Burnley) so I am really pleased and calm” said the Boro boss in his pre-match press conference.

He also acknowledged Boro’s immense support both at the Riverside and away from home, “the atmosphere has been really nice, I’m really proud of them (the fans) because they deserve it”.

A crowd of over 28,000 is expected for the game this weekend.

Team News

Both George Friend (hamstring) and Gaston Ramirez (calf) limped off during Boro’s 1-1 draw with Burnley in mid-week.

Karanka was unable to confirm whether either would play any part in the game, however the Spaniard did state that he wouldn’t start any player who wasn’t 100 per cent fit.  

Ipswich’s top scorer Daryl Murphy remains out with a calf injury, while fellow forward Luke Varney is still side-lined with a hamstring problem.

Midfielders Giles Coke and Ryan Fraser are also missing with long term injuries, however Teddy Bishop could be involved after playing 90 minutes for the Under 21s on Monday.

The Opposition

It’s been a disappointing and frustrating season for Ipswich fans following their adventure into the play-offs last campaign.

They are currently eighth in the Championship following a run of six games without a victory and hopes of making the top six this time around are long gone.

Daryl Murphy, maybe unsurprisingly, hasn’t scored half the amount of goals he bagged last campaign and many fans are growing impatient with manager Mick McCarthy who has been at the club since 2012.

Last weekend they scored a last minute equaliser at home to Fulham, as full back Jonas Knudsen rescued a point.

One To Watch

Tommy Smith

The Ipswich captain is a fundamental part of Town’s backline and has played all 43 league games this campaign.

The New Zealander is strong, robust and good in the air so will also be a threat from set play, he has scored twice this season.   

He will be an important player especially away from home where the visitor will be expected to do most of the defending.

Last Time Out

Ipswich 0 Middlesbrough 2

Boro won at Portland Road for the first time since 1993 back in December after goals from Cristhian Stuani and David Nugent.

Town had the best chance of the first half but Luke Chambers’ effort from close range was saved by Dimi Konstantopulos.

After the break Stuani converted Albert Adomah’s cross from the right with an acute header at the back post on 54 minutes.

Nugent then doubled the visitor’s lead 20 minutes later following a quick counter attack. 

Team I Would Play

(Picture from Gazette Boro)

At this stage of the season the majority of the team picks its self. 

However with doubts over Ramirez, after his knock against Burnley, I think it is time to tweak the system by playing both David Nugent and Jordan Rhodes upfront.

The pair combined well to score a last minute winner against Bolton last weekend, and I think their mobility could cause havoc for the Ipswich defence who are strong and good in the air but aren't the quickest when it comes to a foot race.