Ipswich Town Vs Preston North End
Coca-Cola Championship Saturday 9th August 2008
Finally the new season is upon us and after months of transfer speculation and activity surrounding the team's pre-season preparations, both teams will be looking to use their gruelling pre-season training schedules to overcome the first competitive fixture since May, which now seems like a distant memory.
It is always important to get off to a good start and get a good result on the opening day of the season, that is what both managers will be telling their respective players. Both teams finished last season with good form and it goes without saying that they will want to pick up where they left off.
Previous Meetings
When North End last visited Portman Road, back in October 2007, the game resulted in a 2-1 win for Ipswich. Neil Mellor converted from the penalty spot to give Preston a ray of hope after Alan Lee and former Preston loanee, Tommy Miller gave the Tractor Boys a two goal advantage as Preston's poor run of form continued. The return fixture in April ended in a 2-2 draw after a frenzied last ten minutes. With the score at 1-1 thanks to Chris Brown and Tommy Miller for Preston and Ipswich respectively, Neil Mellor put Preston 2-1 ahead with ten minutes to go. With it looking like the points would be all going to Preston, Walters equalised for Ipswich with just three minutes to go.
Head to Head
One key battle to take note of will be new Ipswich striker Kevin Lisbie up against Preston's dynamic centre half Sean St Ledger. Lisbie's form for Colchester last season gave indication that he can score goals for fun; it will be St Ledger's job to stop him from scoring on Saturday. With Lisbie's pace and St Ledger's grit and determination, it will make an interesting battle.
Team News
Preston will be without marksman Chris Brown after he picked up a knock in the friendly with Everton in July. Alan Irvine has said he would be disappointed if he were to be without his target man but will admit it is not worth risking should he not be 100% fit. Ross Wallace could make his debut in white but with him being a week or two behind in terms of fitness, Simon Whaley and Chris Sedgwick may occupy the flanks instead.
In the middle of the park, Alan Irvine has a selection headache as he has a whole host of central midfielders to choose from. New signing Barry Nicholson is in contention as is Jason Jarrett who has impressed in pre-season.
For Ipswich, Ivan Campo may make his debut after agreeing to join the Tractor boys following his release by Bolton Wanderers. David Norris and Richard Naylor should be in contention after shaking off their respective injuries. Goalkeeper Richard Wright is set to make his first game back as an Ipswich Town player.