Match Preview | Argyle v Ipswich Town
Argyle take on the leaders of Sky Bet League One on Sunday at 12.30pm, as Ipswich Town are the visitors to Home Park.
Ipswich are unbeaten this season, having won six and drawn three of their nine games so far. Five of those games have been away from home, with Town winning the first four of those, against Forest Green Rovers, Burton Albion, Shrewsbury Town and Accrington Stanley, before a 2-2 draw last Saturday against Sheffield Wednesday.
Ipswich are managed by Kieran McKenna, who took over the job in December 2021, at a very similar time that Steven Schumacher became Argyle boss. McKenna steered Ipswich to 11th place in League One last season.
The Tractor Boys have scored 18 goals in the league so far this season, with six of them scored by forward Conor Chaplin, a former Portsmouth, Coventry City and Barnsley player in his second season at Portman Road. Another former Pompey man, Marcus Harness, signed this summer, and has three goals to his name already.
Former Argyle striker Freddie Ladapo, another summer acquisition, has featured in all nine league games so far this season, but is yet to score. Another former Pilgrim, Christian Walton, is expected to keep goal for Ipswich. Ipswich signed Panutche Camara at the end of the recent transfer window, but he is yet to feature for them.
Each side won their respective home fixture last season. Argyle won 2-1 at Home Park, despite George Edmundson putting Ipswich in front, as Luke Jephcott and Conor Grant scored to turn the game around. At Portman Road in March, Sam Morsy's goal in a 1-0 Ipswich victory ended a run of six straight wins for Argyle.
Schumacher Says
“Ipswich have, in my opinion, the strongest squad in the league, closely matched by Sheffield Wednesday. It’s going to be a great game, and hopefully one we enjoy.
“They are good in all departments. They are first in the league in possession, first in forward passes into the opposition box – and top of the table for points."
Argyle Team News
Finn Azaz will miss the game as he is on international duty with Ireland Under-21s. Brendan Galloway is suspended because of his red card against Portsmouth last weekend. Mickel Miller, Conor Grant, and James Bolton are still out though injury. Steven Schumacher gave an update on their progress.
"Conor Grant is getting better, getting stronger. He trained with the youth team on Tuesday and Thursday, and trained with us on Friday, and looked sharp. We'll try to get him minutes in a behind-closed-doors game next Tuesday if we can. He seems confident of where his body is at, and hopefully won't be too much longer.
"Mickel Miller went to see a specialist last week and got the go-ahead to go to the next phase of his rehab. He had to have a certain amount of weeks off where they didn't do an operation, then had to check if the muscle was healing itself. The specialist was really please with how it is going. He's got to step up his rehab now. I think he is in week eight, and can start running in week ten. He's doing leg weights and core work in preparation to start running in a couple of weeks.
"James Bolton is still not available. It's is tough one, there is something wrong with his foot again. He is having a tough time. I don't know when he is going to be fit."
Tickets
Tickets remain available to purchase online at argyletickets.com. The Home Park Ticket Office will be open until kick-off for supporters wishing to purchase on the day of the fixture.
Turnstiles will open two hours before kick-off, from 10.30pm. Supporters are advised to enter through the turnstile identified on their match ticket. However, if neighbouring turnstiles have shorter queues, supporters are permitted to enter these to speed up access to the stadium.
Pre-Match
There will be a minute's applause to celebrate the life of former Argyle manager Dave Smith, who died recently.
Argyle TV
International supporters can watch the game for £10. Domestic supporters can listen to an audio commentary for £2.50. Commentary will be provided by Charlie Price and Hasney Aljofree.
Click here to see what is available in your region.
A pre-match show is available on YouTube for free, hosted by Erin Black and featuring Brian Brian McGlinchey.
Sky Sports
The game will be live on Sky Sports Football. The kick-off is at 12.30pm, the show starts at midday. David Prutton will host the show, with pundits Aaron McLean and former Argyle forward Jamie Mackie. Commentary will be provided by Gary Weaver and Don Goodman.
