Take a look at the latest facts and stats ahead of our Sky Bet League One clash with Ipswich Town.
Ipswich Town have enjoyed a solid start to the 2020/21 campaign as they chase promotion back to the Sky Bet Championship. So far this season, the Tractor Boys have played 11 league games – winning seven, drawing one and losing only three as they currently sit third in the table.
With a goal difference of +8, Paul Lambert’s men have proved to be a tough test for any Sky Bet League One defence – trailing only to Peterborough United, Hull City and Portsmouth who have +10, +9, and +9 goal differences respectably. In their last five games, the Blues have won two and lost three.
Name: Ipswich Town Football Club
Nickname: Blues, The Tractor Boys, The Pride Of Anglia
Founded: 1878; 141 years ago
Stadium: Portman Road
Capacity: 30,311
Biggest win: 7-0 v Portsmouth, Division Two, 7th November 1964
Biggest loss: 1-10 v Fulham, Division One, 26th December 1963
Highest league finish: Division One champions: 1961-62
Read Sam Ricketts' thoughts ahead of the fixture...
The Manager – Paul Lambert
A former Premier League manager, Lambert joined the Tractor Boys on October 27 2018 – making him the first ever manager to manage both Ipwich and riavls Norwich City.
During his time with Norwich, Lambert guided the club to successive promotions from Sky Bet League One to the Premier League but ended his three-year stay at Carrow Roadto join West Midlands outfit Aston Villa. His other stints as manager were spent with Livingston, Wycombe Wanderers, Colchester United, Blackburn Rovers, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Stoke City.
As a player, the midfielder enjoyed a stellar career having won the UEFA Champions League in the 1996–97 season with Borussia Dortmund. The 52-year-old also enjoyed a trophy-laden eight years with Scottish Premier League side Celtic.
Goalkeeper – Tomáš Holý
Tomas joined Ipswich in May 2019 following a two-and-a-half-year spell with Gillingham. He signed for Blues having made 52 appearances in the 2018/19 season, keeping 15 clean sheets.
The shot-stopper has represented Czech Republic at U16, U17 and U18 level. He made his debut for the club on 3 August 2019, keeping a clean sheet in a 1–0 away win over Burton Albion at the Pirelli Stadium.
Defender - Toto Nsiala
Former Shrewsbury Town towering centre-back Toto Nsiala joined the Blues from Salop for an undisclosed fee in 2018 after helping Town reach Papa John’s Trophy and Sky Bet League One Play-Off finals.
The 28-year-old began his career with Everton but didn’t taste first-team football until moves to Accrington Stanley and Macclesfield Town on successive loan deals. The DR Congo international has also spent time with Southport, Grimsby Town and Hartlepool United and is now a regular in the Ipswich back line.
Midfielder – Jon Nolan
Another former Salop player who helped guide Town to Wembley on two occasions, Nolan also joined Ipswich in 2018 to be reunited with former Shrews manager Paul Hurst.
The central midfielder started his career in non-league with Stockport County before spending time with Lincoln City, Wrexham, Grimsby Town and Chesterfield. The 28-year-old, who boasts impressive vision, joined Salop in 2017 but only spent one year in Shropshire.
Forward – Gwion Edwards
Edwards has had enjoyed a bright start to the season having netted five goals and assisted three times for his team so far in the league. The 27-year-old winger started his career with Swansea City but enjoyed first-team football during loan spells with St Johnstone and Crawley Town.
Before joining the Tractor Boys in 2018, the Welshman was a key part of Peterborough United's front line. Edwards won Goal of the Season for the Posh in 2016/17. The forward has appeared for the Wales under-21 side on six occasions and two for the under-19 team.
Read Matt Millar's thoughts ahead of the game...
League stats panel:
Results: W7 D1 L3
Win percentage: 64%
Average points per game: 2
Average goals scored per game: 1.55
Average goals per game: 2.36
Average shots per match: 11.27
Average possession: 53%
Fouls per match: 3.55
Offsides per match: 5
Top goal-scorer: Gwion Edwards - 5
Top Assists: Gwion Edwards - 3
Most cards: Andre Dozzell - 6
Most frequent FT score: 2-0 (3 times)
Click the banner below to purchase your match pass...
