Carlos Corberan: West Bromwich Albion boss impressed by Ipswich Town's superb start
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Carlos Corberan was appointed West Brom head coach in October 2022
West Bromwich Albion head coach Carlos Corberan says he is not surprised by Ipswich Town's start to the Championship season, given their "tremendous" ability to be competitive.
Town are second to leaders Leicester City only on goal difference as they bid for a second promotion in a row.
The Baggies are outside the play-off places, also on goal difference, ahead of Ipswich's visit on Saturday evening.
"Everyone was saying very good things about them this summer," Corberan said.
Under Kieran McKenna, the Tractor Boys have had a stunning start to life in the second tier, winning 11 of their first 13 league games.
Their only defeat so far was a 4-3 thriller against Leeds United at the end of August.
"It's not been a surprise to see how competitive they have been," Corberan told BBC Radio WM.
"They have tremendous stability in the way they are doing things to keep their competitive levels against many of the teams in the Championship.
"They fact that they only lost one game - to Leeds, who were recently relegated, and still managed to score three goals against one of the best teams in the league."
Ipswich's excellent run has been fired by a flood of goals, with 36 scored so far in 16 games - seven more than Leicester and Norwich, who have both netted 29.
Corberan admires Ipswich's "massive scoring impact" and says his side's defence will be in for a tough time.
He warned: "Every single time, our way to attack and defend will be challenged. That's why it's going to be such an interesting and strong test - that's why we like the league."
Swift and Maja set to return
Corberan's options for the game are likely to be boosted by the return to the squad of top scorer John Swift and striker Josh Maja.
Swift has been out since early October with a calf injury, while Maja has not played since mid-September because of ankle trouble.
Corberan confirmed that both took a full part in training over the international break and, providing they show no adverse reaction, their chances of being available are "positive".
"The more players we have, the more options we have to be a strong team," Corberan said.
"It's very positive - it gives the feeling to everyone we are stronger."