City take back to the field in FA Cup action this weekend as we revisit a stadium which holds many memories for Imps’ fans as we take on Ipswich Town.
Portman Road was the venue where almost 5,000 saw The Imps draw 2-2 in round three of the competition back in 2016 which was of course the precursor to a memorable replay at Sincil Bank against the Tractorboys.
Fortunes since that day have changed of course, with both sides now competitors in SkyBet League One. Our opponents this weekend have made a positive start to their season as they look to regain their status in the Championship following relegation at the end of last term, as Paul Lambert’s side currently occupy top spot in SkyBet League One.
Recent Form
Following a long undefeated run, the Tractorboys stuttered a little in recent weeks which saw them temporarily usurped from their spot at the summit of League One. Defeat at Accrington Stanley then a home loss to Rotherham United gave an opportunity for the chasing pack to overtake Ipswich, however since those defeats our hosts this weekend have bounced back with two wins on the road at Southend United and Rochdale respectively.
Last Six Games in all Competitions: WWLLWW
Ipswich Comments
Town manager, Paul Lambert, said following his side’s midweek win over Rochdale that he expects to shuffle his pack a little due to the amount of fixtures coming up over the hectic Christmas period when he was asked about his team selection.
"I'll look at that. We'll wait and see. Guys who weren't here (at Rochdale) will play. Guys who didn't have 90 minutes will play. We need everybody and, as I've said before, we can't play 46 games plus with the same guys. It's impossible. Whoever plays I trust to perform."
There are a number of figures at Portman Road this weekend who have former connections with The Imps and one of them, Danny Rowe, told the club’s official website he’s looking forward to a game against a club which he holds dear.
"It was beneficial for me, going on loan there. The first season we won the EFL Trophy and the second season we won the league so I have good memories from my time with them. It was important to go out and play games and they gave me that opportunity so I'm thankful for that.
"I'm sure they'll be up for it this weekend but we will be as well. Every game we play we take seriously and every game we play we want to win. We're going well in the League so we want to take that into this match."
One to Watch
James Norwood moved to Ipswich Town in the summer following a successful scoring few years with Tranmere Rovers and the 29-year-old has continued that form with his new club.
Norwood started his career with Exeter City before spending a couple of loans away from St Jame’s Park with Forest Green and Eastbourne, during that time the striker made a name for himself with a couple of goals in eleven appearances for the club based in Nailsworth which eventually led to a permanent move to The New Lawn.
In his time as a permanent member of the Forest Green squad, Norwood’s career kicked on. The striker netted 49 goals in 165 games before moving to the North West to Tranmere Rovers. His goals per game ratio whilst on the Wirral improved, as he netted just under 100 goals whilst at Prenton Park in 180 appearances which attracted the eyes of a host of other clubs, paving the road to Portman Road.
Since joining the Tractorboys, he has scored seven goals in 14 apps (inc subs) and will no doubt be hoping to add to that tally this weekend.
WeAreImps iFollow
Remember if you’re not heading down to the game this weekend, the commentary is LIVE on WeAreImps iFollow. The live commentary is provided this weekend by BBC Radio Lincolnshire’s team of Rob Makepeace and ex Imps’ manager, Steve Thompson.
For full details of the coverage available on WeAreImps iFollow this weekend– CLICK HERE
