From what I have watched, though, I can see Ipswich making a decent fist of it and then we have the struggles for Wolves, who I thought would be doing better than they have - so that is always a bit of a wildcard.
I'm at Southampton v Leicester this weekend so maybe I'll learn more then.
Ipswich Q&A: Most memorable Ipswich player and goal?published at 15:22 10 October 2024
15:22 10 October 2024
Graeme McLoughlin BBC Radio Suffolk reporter
Image source, Getty Images
To conclude our Ipswich Town Q&A, BBC Radio Suffolk's Graeme McLoughlin answers your questions about the most memorable player and goal he has seen while covering the Blues.
A part of me desperately wants to say Bilel Mohsni, who I felt was worth far more than five substitute appearances after joining on loan from Southend in 2012.
He became more memorable north of the border though, for his part in an on-pitch brawl as a Rangers player against Motherwell a few years later.
Instead, let's be sensible. It has to be Sam Morsy.
Ipswich Town have signed some very good players during my tenure as matchday presenter, but it is tough to think of a better one. A superb midfielder and outstanding club captain.
He raises his game again and again and is just as important to Town now as he was when he joined them in League One only a few seasons ago.
Most memorable goal?
It has to be that Cole Skuse wonderstrike against Cardiff in April 2015.
Cole – a most likeable of footballers and too often an unsung hero – had spent two years in Town’s midfield without a single goal to his name after more than 80 appearances under Mick McCarthy.
There were serious doubts he would ever find the net, but on this night he did.
And it was special!
Don't miss a beat of Radio Suffolk's Ipswich coverage this season:
Listen to the Matchday Preview show with Graeme every Friday from 18:00 BST
Have your say after every Ipswich Town game during BBC Suffolk’s Final Whistle. Call 0800 141 21 21.
The Blue Hour with Brenner Woolley is on Mondays from 18:00 BST
Ipswich Town Q&A: Most memorable Ipswich match?published at 15:21 10 October 2024
15:21 10 October 2024
Graeme McLoughlin BBC Radio Suffolk reporter
Image source, Getty Images
In the third part of our Q&A with BBC Radio Suffolk's Graeme McLoughlin, he looks at some of his most memorable moments while covering Ipswich Town:
There have been so many memorable games in recent seasons - for the right reasons.
I have to give quick shouts to the 3-2 Easter Monday win over Southampton along with the 2-0 against Huddersfield that confirmed promotion to the Premier League. Oh and of course the 6-0 v Exeter that sealed Town’s return to the Championship a year earlier.
Go on, let me mention the 4-4 at Charlton a couple of years ago as well, which had been 2-2 going into stoppage time.
And yet, often in this job it’s sadly the bad games that stand out and Town’s 2-1 defeat at home to Derby in October 2012 is a night I won’t forget. There was so much speculation about manager Paul Jewell’s future at the time given his side’s woeful start to the season and, although the Blues took the lead at Portman Road, you just knew something nasty was coming.
Nathan Tyson’s last-minute winner for the Rams turned the air toxic, and when Jewell failed to show for his post-match press conference, we stayed on-air beyond our 10.30 cut-off amid rumours there would be an announcement about his departure that night.
It ended up being the following morning.
Ipswich Q&A: McKenna 'introduced new faces gradually'published at 13:15 10 October 2024
13:15 10 October 2024
Graeme McLoughlin BBC Radio Suffolk sports editor
Image source, Getty Images
In part two of our Q&A, BBC Radio Suffolk's Graeme McLoughlin digs into Ipswich's summer transfer business.
Fans have asked if more signings will be possible in January and whether Kalvin Phillips might be recalled by Manchester City.
I did wonder about there being too much change in the summer if I am honest. It really was a huge turnover of players in terms of arrivals and departures.
However, when you look at Kieran McKenna's starting line-ups, it is clear to see he has introduced the new faces gradually. Only two new signings made their full debut on the opening day against Liverpool, a couple more featured against Manchester City, and last time out against West Ham it was up to seven.
More Premier League experience among the signings would have certainly been welcome and may even arrive in January, but it is likely to come at an even greater cost financially.
And, when I look at Town's best performers this season so far, there was not much – if any - Premier League experience among them just a few months ago.
As for Kalvin Phillips, while McKenna raised a few eyebrows a couple of weeks ago when he said he was not fully sure about the terms of the loan with Manchester City, it has since been cleared up that the England international cannot be recalled this campaign.
He will therefore be with the Tractor Boys for the duration.
Have your say after every Ipswich Town game during BBC Suffolk’s Final Whistle. Call 0800 141 21 21
Ipswich Q&A: 'Not sure McKenna knows his best line-up yet'published at 10:39 10 October 2024
10:39 10 October 2024
Graeme McLoughlin BBC Radio Suffolk sports editor
Image source, Getty Images
We asked you to send in your Ipswich Town questions for BBC Radio Suffolk's Graeme McLoughlin.
A number of you asked why last season's top scorer in the Championship Sammie Szomodics has mainly been played out wide since his arrival from Blackburn Rovers.
Ipswich Town's system is very fluid so occasionally Szmodics drops into something more like a number-10 role. But, granted, he has mainly been used out wide which is not where his goals regularly came from last season.
There is a lot of competition at Town in those attacking areas and I am not sure Kieran McKenna knows himself yet what his best line-up is.
It seems certain some tinkering in that area of the field will continue when we resume after the international break and heading into the next one.
Personally, I would like to see him try Omari Hutchinson on the right, Szmodics in the centre and Jack Clarke on the left with Liam Delap continuing up top.
It still seems crazy to me saying that though given everything Wes Burns and Conor Chaplin have achieved in the Ipswich colours these past few seasons.
Has the latter not been deserving of more than one Premier League start so far?
Listen to The Blue Hour with Brenner Woolley every Monday and Matchday Preview with Graeme McLoughlin every Friday, along with live coverage of every Ipswich Town game, home and away, on BBC Radio Suffolk.
Ipswich Q&A: What's going on with goalkeepers?published at 10:36 10 October 2024
10:36 10 October 2024
Graeme McLoughlin BBC Radio Suffolk reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Throughout Thursday, we are putting your Ipswich Town questions to BBC Radio Suffolk's Graeme McLoughlin.
Come back over the course of the day to hear his expert thoughts.
Duncan asked about the summer goalkeeper swap from Vaclav Hladky to Arijanet Muric and for his views on the number-one shirt at Portman Road.
Graeme answered: I was very sad to see Hladky leave Town. He was one of the stories of last season from an Ipswich Town perspective, while this season he seems to be back-up to James Trafford at Turf Moor.
Muric has shown at both Town and former club Burnley that he has a lot of quality and is a great shotstopper, but there have been one or two mistakes, which at this level really do not go unnoticed.
For now, it is his shirt, and I really cannot see that changing for the rest of this year at least unless injury dictates.
Diane asked what has happened to Cameron Burgess who has made just one appearance this season and has not been named in the Premier League squad since August.
Graeme answered: Two words - Jacob Greaves.
The former Hull man was brought in for big money during the summer and you can only play one left-sided centre-half. Greaves began the season in that role and has been very good for the majority of the campaign so far.
It is harsh on Burgess, because he has been exemplary since taking his first opportunity under Kieran McKenna.
Should another present itself in the coming weeks and months, I have no doubt the Australian international would make the most of it.
Can managers openly admit mental health struggles?published at 08:08 10 October 2024
08:08 10 October 2024
Media caption,
Former manager Mark Warburton talks to The Football News Show about how managers can deal with mental health struggles while working at a club and what support there is available to them.
Newbies relying on youthful promisepublished at 11:01 9 October 2024
11:01 9 October 2024
Pat Nevin Former footballer and presenter
The top sides picked up their customary three points, but the Premier League newbies are still trying to find that something special to get them out of the danger zone.
I reckon each now knows the player that is likely to save them, the question is, are these three going to be good enough at this level.
Leicester have Facundo Buonanotte, a class creative act on loan from Brighton who has the vision and skill to cause the best defences problems. Brighton might want him back as soon as possible, so the Foxes must get the most out of the 19-year-old starlet in the meantime.
Southampton continue to breezily give goals away in exactly the same style every week, but at the other end of the field they have two exciting prospects in 22-year-old Cameron Archer and 18-year-old Tyler Dibling. The latter has only started four Premier League games but has already shown that he could be their true star, with other bigger clubs already eyeing him jealously. He has to mature and grow quickly if he is going to save the Saints, but look how quickly Cole Palmer matured.
As for Ipswich, Liam Delap is clearly the man, having already scored four goals in eight games this season. The 21-year-old started out at Manchester City, but it isn’t easy to get a game there. There is a temptation to think of him as a bargain-basement Erling Haaland, but it is unfair to compare anyone with the Norwegian. Delap is a top striker in the making.
So the promoted clubs are relying on a 19-year-old, an 18-year-old and a 21-year-old to keep them in the Premier League.
Each is a long shot, but each at least gives them a chance.
Send us your Ipswich questionspublished at 16:20 8 October 2024
16:20 8 October 2024
We are opening the floor for you to put your Ipswich questions to BBC Radio Suffolk sports editor Graeme McLoughlin.
From the strengths and weaknesses of Kieran McKenna's side so far this season to players who should be on the radar for the January transfer window - and any other subjects you want more insight on - we'll send a selection to Graeme for his thoughts.
And come back to this page on Thursday to see his answers
The away conundrumpublished at 12:36 8 October 2024
12:36 8 October 2024
Seb Brown Fan writer
Image source, Reuters
How do Ipswich solve their poor away performances? Saturday's humbling 4-1 defeat at the London Stadium against West Ham was a stark contrast to the previous weekend’s passionate and encouraging draw at home to Aston Villa.
At Portman Road this season we have seen competitiveness and moments of quality against Liverpool, Fulham and Villa. With a raucous crowd driving them forward, the players respond with the positive attacking football that Ipswich fans have become so accustomed to in recent years.
Away from home however it is a different story. Going 1-0 up away at Manchester City simply 'angered the beast' and all fans accepted that defeat as a result of world class players doing world class things. The 95th minute equaliser away at St Mary's was celebrated wildly but had Southampton taken their chances that could have easily been merely a consolation goal. Saturday was a horror show defensively at times and away from home things are not clicking. At times we are too easy to score against with opposition teams rarely having to work hard for their rewards.
Perhaps more midfield solidity is required in games where the opposition will dominate possession. Playing Jack Taylor or Jens Cajuste, in a slightly more advanced role, could be the answer to maintaining an attacking threat but also providing the ability to congest the centre of the pitch and add some protection for the defence.
The three attackers behind the central striker are crucial in providing the goals in our system but away from home they are too often passengers who struggle to get into the game. Liam Delap has proved a revelation but needs help and support. Solving this conundrum, along with tightening up defensively, will be crucial to our survival chances.
Portman Road atmosphere a 'massive advantage'published at 08:26 8 October 2024
08:26 8 October 2024
Image source, Getty Images
Former Ipswich Town and England defender Mick Mills says there is no pressure on the side to win their next match against Everton but three points would "help tremendously".
Mills told BBC Radio Suffolk's Final Whistle: "At the moment it's taking us three games to get three points from three draws but if you can get three in one swoop, that will make a lot of difference.
"We must not go chasing for it, I don't think that is the right thing. It will come.
"I think what we've got to do is not underestimate Everton. Everton are getting stick for conceding late goals and losing games late on but nobody is giving them praise for playing well and getting themselves in front."
While the Tractor Boys are yet to win in the Premier League, they have lost only once at Portman Road and Mills believes the atmosphere during their home games could prove vital as the season progresses.
"I will go back to what I've said before - when we get a home fixture, the atmosphere is so good at present that it's a massive advantage and it will make the game easier without question," he added.
"Most of our away games this season will be difficult and will take a massive effort but I think every time we play a home fixture, we have got a really good chance of winning the game."
Is the new VAR working?published at 07:25 8 October 2024
07:25 8 October 2024
Image source, Getty Images
A VAR related question was put to chief football writer Phil McNulty on Monday's Q&A.
@nubiblue on 'X' asked: Is the new improved VAR working? To me it continues to favour certain clubs.
Phil answered: First of all, I don't believe VAR favours certain clubs and quite honestly, I've not noticed too much difference or huge improvement.
Maybe a little less interference but I confess I lost a lot of faith in VAR after initially being a strong advocate.
I would be happy with semi-automated offside and line technology.
'He has got everyone talking about him'published at 15:00 7 October 2024
15:00 7 October 2024
Image source, Getty Images
Former Ipswich Town and England defender Mick Mills says striker Liam Delap has been a "super signing" for the Tractor Boys and has got "everyone talking about him".
Delap continued his impressive start to life at Ipswich scoring his fourth goal in seven Premier League games in the 4-1 defeat to West Ham United.
Speaking on BBC Radio Suffolk's Final Whistle, Mills said: "He's been a super signing and without a doubt he has got everyone talking about him around the town and in the county of Suffolk.
"He's got what is required for that job. The lone striker job is difficult, it's a real battle all the time and he's equipped to do it.
"A lot of the passes he will be receiving are going to be travelling over a long distance and won't be the kindest passes but he's got the control to deal with it, he's got the pace to worry people and he's got the brute strength that is sometimes required.
"The bonus is, he can score goals. There have been so many players that have got those attributes but the one thing they have that is missing is the ability to score. I think Liam is now proving to everybody that he hasn't got that as a negative.
"We now need to make sure that what is around him is good as well. I still think when we go away from home we'll have to play on the break an awful lot and we've got to have people that can give him some support very quickly."
West Ham 4-1 Ipswich - the fans' verdictpublished at 12:40 7 October 2024
12:40 7 October 2024
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between West Ham and Ipswich.
Here are some of your comments:
West Ham fans
James: Signs of what Lopetegui is trying to implement came through today, especially the second half. Todibo has cemented his place as a starter next to Kilman now. Great to have Alvarez back, who was class.
P CBM: That was entertaining and the reason Moyes was let go. AWB good, Kilman and Tobido looking more assured. Bowen and Kudus lively. Paqueta still not at his best and the midfield still not quite functioning smoothly.
Walter: Ipswich were not as bad as this result suggests although the Hammers could/should have had three more goals! It’s clear Antonio is only good for an hour so we will have to accept this. I think Paqueta is a luxury we can’t always afford - losing possession and failed tricks always leave us open. I would rather have Ward-Prowse. Three points. Beat United and we are off!
Ben: We needed a win, and we got that, along with a performance. Not perfect as they had a few decent chances they didn’t take, but four goals should help on the confidence front. Kudus and Paqueta scoring their first for the season also a plus.
Ipswich fans
James: An off day but disappointing all the same, especially after Villa. A harsh lesson in life in the Premier League - you have to cut down unforced errors and take your chances. I remain positive though; we have a pragmatic manager who will learn from this and I don't doubt the commitment of the players. Plus, at least we seem to be capable of scoring.
Adam: First time this season we've looked off the pace and unorganised. Too many defensive mistakes that were punished. Tuanzebe was a big miss for us.
Scott: Hutchinson and Clarke as 10s don't work. Let's go back to Broadhead and Chaplin after the international break. Still think Delap will keep us up. He is a real handful with very little support.
Andrew: You can’t change a team that was Championship standard last season by putting in four new players. Playing style needs to change also. The need to tighten up at the back is painfully obvious, as well as being clinical in front of goal.
'Work to be done down that right-hand side'published at 07:32 7 October 2024
07:32 7 October 2024
Image source, Getty Images
Former Ipswich and England defender Mick Mills says missing Axel Tuanzebe in Saturday's 4-1 loss at West Ham was key and settling on a partner for him down the right-hand side is a crucial decision for Town manager Kieran McKenna.
Ipswich struggled at London Stadium without the defender, who has started each of their previous six Premier League games but missed out because of a hand injury that is set to see him sidelined for the coming weeks.
"He [Tuanzebe] has actually done better than what I thought he would do," Mills told BBC Radio Suffolk's Final Whistle. "I always felt he's not really a full-back but he's knuckled down in the Premier League really well.
"He's come against some really good players and done really well. [Kaoru] Mitoma at Brighton is a real threat and when you watched him in the final 15 minutes of that game he didn't even want the ball.
"He didn't want to take Axel on because Axel had him completely and utterly in his pocket.
"The manager has to make his mind up. There's only one area where he hasn't completely made up his mind.
"He's [Kieran McKenna] made up his mind about Dara O'Shea and Jacob Greaves in central defence; Sam Morsy and Kalvin Phillips as his pair in the midfield; and I think he believes Omari Hutchinson will develop into this top number 10 to play behind Liam Delap. That's pretty set in stone in his mind - as well as Leif Davis and Jack Clarke down the left-hand side.
"We had Ben Johnson and Wes Burns down the right-hand side [at West Ham]. Yes, Axel is his number one choice at right-back, but I don't think he knows who his partner is at the moment further ahead.
"There's work to be down that right-hand side but don't start ripping the rest of the team apart because of one result."
West Ham 4-1 Ipswich Town: Delap's form a bright spot on a miserable afternoonpublished at 22:58 5 October 2024
22:58 5 October 2024
Michael Emons BBC Sport journalist at London Stadium
Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,
Liam Delap has scored two thirds of Ipswich Town's Premier League goals this season
Ipswich Town have scored six goals in the Premier League this season - and Liam Delap has four of them.
The striker, who was named in the England Under-21s squad earlier this week, is already looking a bargain at £20m after Town signed him from Manchester City in the summer.
His two goals in the 2-2 draw last Sunday earned Ipswich a superb point against an Aston Villa side that would go on to beat Bayern Munich three days later.
After Town fell behind against West Ham after only 48 seconds, Delap did superbly to spin away from his marker, create space on the edge of the penalty area and fire a low shot past Alphonse Areola, although the goalkeeper got an arm to the effort but could only steer it into the roof of the net.
Delap also had a chance midway through the second half when the game was alive, but this time was denied by the home stopper.
Kieran McKenna's side have won back-to-back promotions playing an attacking, possession-based, attractive front-foot style of football, willing to risk conceding by pushing men forwards.
There's no sign Ipswich will change their style, although this defeat was a painful one for the fans as the visitors' defensive errors were to blame for three of West Ham's goals.
But Delap will gain more confidence from another goalscoring outing and is looking a real handful this season. If Ipswich are to stay up, they need him to maintain his form all campaign.
'It was a poor game for us'published at 18:46 5 October 2024
18:46 5 October 2024
Image source, Getty Images
Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "It was a poor game for us and a strange game. We were competitive for long spells of the first half and we gave away a goal early, came back with a good attitude. We conceded poor goals at poor times and in general we didn't deal with the direct play well enough.
"They are the first team we've faced with that style, a lot of direct balls to [Michail] Antonio, a lot of balls to [Tomas] Soucek and we didn't deal with those well enough and made poor mistakes for the goals that made the game difficult and took all the momentum away from us.
"Everyone is out there with the right intent but it is how we cover each action. I don't think it is anything we don't know but the game can change very, very quickly for a team in our position. When you drop your level the game can get away from you very quickly."
West Ham 4-1 Ipswich - send us your thoughtspublished at 17:00 5 October 2024