Preview: Ipswich Town vs Bolton Wanderers

Ipswich Town vs Bolton Wanderers

Portman Road

November 3rd

KO: 19:45

Our begrudgingly loved Bolton Wanderers make the long trip to East Anglia today, to take on Ipswich Town in another match in which the Whites have to take at least a point from, despite our horrendous away form. Wanderers haven't won a game now since September 12th, yet have somehow managed to climb from rock bottom to the lofty heights of 22nd in the last week. Ipswich aren't in the best of forms either, having not won a game since September 15th, so both teams will be going into this one needing a win.

Team News

Bolton Wanderers

The Trotters are desperately keeping the run of games in which players have gone off injured going, as both Derik Osede and Jay Spearing appeared to leave the pitch against Preston North End after picking up knocks, as well as Liam Feeney and Shola Ameobi, though they both lasted the duration. It does appear that most of them will be fine to be in the squad tomorrow as their knocks weren't too serious. Mark Davies had a fitness test yesterday to determine whether he was fit or not to play, as has Stephen Dobbie, but I guess we'll only know the results to them when the teams are announced. Dean Moxey also remains an absentee. New signing, Luke Brattan, played 90 minutes for U21s yesterday, but it doesn't seem like he'll be involved later today. Finally, Prince returns from suspension and will hopefully slot back in the defence.

Ipswich Town

The Tractor Boys' injury news is a bit more positive, as Jonas Knudsen and Jay Tabb have both recovered from injuries and are fit to play. Ryan Fraser, however, remains a long term absentee.

Top Scorers

Ipswich Town: Freddie Sears - 4

Bolton Wanderers: Liam Feeney - 3

Form

Ipswich Town: LDLDD

Bolton Wanderers: LLLDD

Match Odds

Ipswich Town: 5/6

Draw: 5/2

Bolton Wanderers: 100/30

One to Watch - Freddie Sears

I was going to bestow this title to the very talented and exciting winger Ryan Fraser but, thankfully for us, he's picked up a fairly lengthy injury. So instead I've opted for Town's top goalscorer, Freddie Sears. You may remember Sears from a few yeas back when he exploded onto the scene at West Ham United as a youngster back in 2008. However, his career at the Hammers stagnated and after a number of unsuccessful loan moves to the lower divisions he was released in 2012. He joined Colchester United and it seemed as if he'd never really be heard from again. He proved everyone wrong when he signed for Ipswich the previous January and, much to everybody's surprise, started scoring freely for his new club. Playing as a right winger for Ipswich, he's scored 13 goals in only 27 games for the club. He'll no doubt add to that tally tonight.

Prediction

No matter how poor of form the other team is in, you just know that Bolton's turgid away form will outweigh it and mean we will not win. A draw may be a possibility away at Ipswich, especially since they're not in great form right now, but it's a place we historically don't do well at and I see us losing 1-0 to a late winner.