By Ian King
Backside half battle
At half-time at Goodison Park on Saturday lunchtime Manchester United appeared nicely overwhelmed, however then Everton drained, United scored twice, after which could have gotten barely fortunate with a stoppage-time penalty determination which could in any other case have modified the post-match dialogue. However they’ve nonetheless solely gained three of their final seven and stay fifteenth within the Premier League, now separated from West Ham United by purpose distinction solely.
Ipswich are beginning to look barely overwhelmed. They’ve taken two factors from their final seven and shipped one other 4 at house to Tottenham on Saturday. They’re now 5 factors from security, with their 2-1 house defeat to Southampton setting off alarm bells that they may not have sufficient about them to get away from the drop this season.
Historical past
Two historic video games between these two sides spring instantly to thoughts. On the first March 1980 at Portman Street, the match was hyped over the looks of Gary Bailey, whose father Roy had performed in purpose for Ipswich’s 1962 First Division title-winning group. Bailey had an eventful afternoon. Ipswich gained 6-0, however Bailey saved three penalties. However once they met at Previous Trafford in 1995 with United of their pomp and Ipswich heading down, United gained 9-0, with Andrew Cole scoring 5. Ipswich haven’t overwhelmed United since a 2-0 win within the League Cup in 1997. They performed out a 1-1 draw again in November.
Key gamers
Bruno Fernandes was the orchestrator for United at Goodison Park on Saturday and there’s no cause why he shouldn’t be for this match both, with ten objectives and twelve assists in all competitions to date this season. However everyone knows that this Manchester United defence could be bullied, a lot from an Ipswich perspective might be resting on the shoulders of Liam Delap, whose ten objectives to date this season have made up greater than 40% of their complete within the Premier League.
Group Information
There was one more harm scare for United with the information that Noussair Mazraoui faces a health take a look at after limping off in opposition to Everton. He could be part of Rúben Amorim’s eight-player harm listing. On the upside, Christian Eriksen and Leny Yoro returned to the bench on Saturday, although solely the latter received on the pitch. Ipswich additionally at the moment have eight gamers lacking, with Jens Cajuste and – let’s face it, that is no shock by any means – Kalvin Phillips limping off in opposition to Spurs.
Prediction
Manchester United have solely overwhelmed Southampton at house within the Premier League since 1st December and that raises questions irrespective of who they’re enjoying in opposition to, particularly when contemplating that they might solely draw 1-1 at Portman Street earlier this season. However Ipswich are on a transparent downward curve and United did finish their final match on a excessive, and with that in thoughts I’m favouring a slim Manchester United win. However with their defence you’ll be able to by no means assure a clear sheet and Liam Delap is an apparent menace, so 2-1 sounds about proper.
(Cowl picture from IMAGO)
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