A GLANCE at the form book and a look back at the history of tomorrow’s Portman Road encounter all point towards an Ipswich Town win.
The Tractor Boys are unbeaten in their last seven games, winning four and drawing three, a run of results which led to Mick McCarthy and Tyrone Mings claiming the Championship’s manager and player of the month prizes for September.
And if that was not ominous enough for the 300 hardy Rovers fans making the trek to Suffolk, then the fact that their team have won only one of their last 13 trips to Ipswich will not inspire confidence either.
But Luke Chambers insists the Tractor Boys will not be underestimating Gary Bowyer’s consistently inconsistent side.
The Ipswich skipper said: “I think they’ll be very dangerous this weekend.
“They’ve had a good start to the season, they’ve got dangerous players and this is a game we can’t go into showing any disrespect to them.
“We have to respect them because they’ve got players that can hurt you.
“I do think, though, that if we can get on our game and get on top of them, like we can, then they won’t be able to handle us.”
Rovers striker Jordan Rhodes has scored three goals in his last three appearances against Ipswich, the club where he started his career.
And centre back Chambers said: “Just don’t give him a chance.
“I think he scored against us at their place last season with his one chance. It was on his left foot and he just tucked it in the bottom corner.
“There are not many players at this level who only require one chance but he’s one of them.
“He guarantees goals so it will be tough trying to keep him quiet.
“You’ve got him, you’ve got (Rudy) Gestede, who’s a bit of an animal, (Luke) Varney’s come into the side, and they’ve got wide players who can deliver a cross. They’ve got a strong attacking team.
“As long as we get on the front foot, though, I think we’ll have a good game against them.”
Ipswich, who have won their last three home matches 2-0, are sweating on the fitness of on-loan midfielder Jonny Williams and in-form striker Daryl Murphy after the duo sustained injuries on international duty.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel