When Ipswich are always mentioned my mind tracks back to 2007 when Leeds welcomed Ipswich to town, for a crucial game in the Championship. That day as I am sure you all remember was the day United were relegated into the dreaded League One. Richard Cresswell put Leeds in front, but in the dieing minutes Alan Lee scored to break the Leeds fans hearts.
I will remember that day, probably as long as I live. The moment the ball hit the back of the net, I felt this sudden sickening feeling, the silence inside the stadium was broken by one angry fan smashing his chair. Then came the onslaught of people that ruined the afternoon, and once again tarnished our reputation.
Tomorrow's game doesn't carry the same importance, Leeds are on the up within the Championship and have a real chance of promotion. A victory tomorrow would see Leeds take nine points from a possible nine, and keep up the pressure on the teams around them. There is a real buzz around the city, that Leeds could achieve the impossible back-to-back promotion, especially after recent results have seen them make ground on the likes of Swansea, Norwich and Forest. What Leeds fans do know more than anyone, is that with the highs their is plenty of lows. A couple of defeats could see Leeds drop out of contention.
Simon Grayson has a few selection headaches for the game, Billy Paynter was outstanding in midweek and will be looking to keep his place in the starting eleven after he scored his first goal for the club. Luciano Becchio will want his starting place back, he has been in deadly form all season, so will no doubt feel disappointed to be left out. Paul Connolly is ready for contention, after he missed the last six games due to hamstring injury. On loan midfielder Barry Bannan will be hoping he can make his first start for the club, after he came on in the second-half against Preston.
Paul Jewell also has a few problems ahead of the match. Man of the match from last week Jimmy Bullard faces a late fitness test, and captain David Norris is suspended. Kieron Dyer will be in the squad tomorrow, after he completed a loan move from West Ham earlier this morning. Town have lost three of their last four games, they were beaten 3-1 by Reading in midweek, so Leeds will need to capitalise on this bad form and look to seal all three points.
My prediction
Even without Bullard and Norris, Ipswich have some dangerous players at their disposal. Connor Wickham is a bright young talent and will be a threat to the Leeds defence. Jason Scotland is also dangerous when he wants to be, if he is on song tomorrow Leeds could be in trouble. The Leeds defence is still a problem, the Leeds attack is deadly so no doubt the game will be full of action and goals. Last week against Donny, the Whites were outstanding going forward and I expect them to take the game to the Tractor boys. My scoreline prediction for tomorrow is 3-1 Leeds.
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