Ipswich Town

As transfer deadline day looms, what do Ipswich need to do before it's too late? Or are you happy with where things are up to?

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The draw for the third round of the Carabao Cup will take place on Wednesday at the conclusion of the second-round tie between Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United.

The seven English clubs involved in European competitions this season, including holders Liverpool, will enter at the third-round stage.

Ties will take place on weeks commencing 16 and 23 September.

Because there are rounds of Champions League and Europa League fixtures also scheduled for those two midweeks, the six clubs involved in those competitions - Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Aston Villa, Tottenham and Manchester United - will be kept apart to ensure they can fulfil their Carabao Cup tie in the alternate midweek to their European fixture.

Those six clubs will take part in a pre-draw before Forest v Newcastle to decide if they will be at home or away in the third round, with a main draw determining the 16 ties later in the evening.

Should Chelsea progress to the next phase of the Conference League, they will not be in action in that competition again until the start of October.

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Winger Chiedozie Ogbene says signing for Ipswich Town was "an opportunity I had to grab with both hands".

The 27-year-old has joined the Tractor Boys on a four-year deal from Luton Town for a fee of £8m.

Ogbene only signed for the Hatters from Rotherham on a free transfer last summer and scored five goals in 39 games across all competitions.

He impressed in the league last season despite Luton's relegation and was the second fastest top-flight player- during the last campaign, after Tottenham's Micky van de Ven, having clocked 36.93kph against Fulham in September.

The Ireland international becomes the 10th signing at Portman Road since the club returned to the Premier League for the first time in over 20 years and takes their spending to almost £100m.

"I'm very excited and feel lucky to have this opportunity to play in the Premier League again," Ogbene told club media.

"I've had very positive chats with the manager and for someone to believe in me that I could play at this level again means a lot to me and my family.

"I know what he wants from me and the role I will play and I'm here to be a positive addition to the squad as we look to achieve our goals.

"It's an opportunity I had to grab with both hands and I can't wait to be involved as soon as possible."

Ipswich Town are now in advanced talks to sign 27-year-old Republic of Ireland winger Chiedozie Ogbene from Luton Town. (Athletic - subscription required), external

Want more transfer news? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

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Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna says Ali Al-Hamadi is enjoying the step up from the Championship to the Premier League with the Tractor Boys.

The Iraqi international has a chance to play against his former club when Ipswich travel to AFC Wimbledon in the EFL Cup on Wednesday.

"It's one of the many great stories that we have in our squad," McKenna said on Al-Hamadi in his news conference.

"I was on the pitch with him before the game against Manchester City. He told me that this time last year he had Grimsby away, and now he's coming on against Man City and Liverpool.

"He's enjoying the step up. There's a fine balance between giving yourself a pat on the back and the sense of wonder of where he is. It's about making sure that he's going out on the pitch with the intent and the mindset to make an impact.

"He's working his way back from a big injury and we know the journey he's been on. He's working day to day to get better and improve his game."

Ipswich have already signed Liam Delap and there are ongoing links to Armando Broja, so regular minutes in the frontline may be hard to come by for Al-Hamadi. The manager was asked if a late loan deal could be on the cards.

"The focus is on Ali being with us at the moment," McKenna said. "Making an impact in every session and every game. We're not deep in that position at the moment by any means.

"There's always the possibility that things can change in the next 72 hours but at the moment ours and his focus is getting him ready for the next game."

Seb Brown
Fan writer

At a glance the Premier League table does not make for pretty viewing for Ipswich Town fans. Second bottom, played two, lost two and a minus five goal difference should perhaps be stirring up feelings of concern and raising questions around our competitiveness at the top table of English football.

A more sanguine analysis however will show us that we have seen enough in these two opening games, against arguably two of the top three sides in the division, to think we will be ok. So far this season we have conceded five goals across nine minutes of playing time with a crazy four-minute spell against Manchester City effectively ending the game before the 20 minute mark. It is what we have shown in glimpses in the rest of the two games however which gives me hope.

This team has continued to show many of the key attributes which we have become so accustomed to over the last two seasons. Our high press, resilient nature and desire to continue to play the right way, regardless of opposition or scoreline shows to the fans that the principles which got us to this position will be adhered to and can be effective at this level.

Jack Clarke and Dara O’Shea have now joined the squad, and we are a striker away from completing the puzzle. The fixture list will now ease relatively and there will be opportunities to pick up points in the coming weeks as the new signings are integrated into Kieran McKenna’s patterns of play and principles.

Fan favourites from the last two seasons will probably depart as the squad undergoes a necessary evolution. The club will continue to be brave, both on and off the pitch and our fanbase must continue to support their decisions, after all it is an approach which has served us so well in recent times.

Find more from Seb Brown at the Blue Monday Podcast, external

Josh Lobley
BBC Sport Researcher

Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna has been speaking to the media before Wednesday's EFL Cup trip to AFC Wimbledon (kick-off 19:45 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• On what kind of team will be put out for the cup match: "We'll utilise the squad for sure, we've made a lot of additions and we feel like it's going to help us over the course of the season. There will be a lot of changes from Saturday."

• On cup ambitions: "We want to win to play another round, and beyond that we want to progress in the competition. The priority now is getting minutes into the group and moulding the players into a team."

• McKenna confirmed that new signings Dara O'Shea and Jack Clarke are available for selection tomorrow: "Dara will bring a lot of experience and leadership to our backline. He's really strong in his duels and with his pace. Jack has got some real quality in the final third. He carries the ball well and has goals and assists from the left hand side. He gives us some different qualities that we don't have."

• On more potential incomings: "We're going to stay active right until Friday. There's the possibility, but we'll only do it if we feel it's in the right interest of the club. We know that [the forward line] is an area where depth is most important to us."

• On links to Armando Broja: "We've spoken to him, I think that's well known. There's ongoing discussions with Chelsea but I've not been privy to them over the last 24 hours. We'll see if it's the right thing for the club and the player."

• On Wednesday's opponents: "They've made a good start. I know Johnnie [Johnnie Jackson, Wimbledon manager] very well and we feel like we know Wimbledon well. They are always a threat for scoring goals and play with a lot of bodies high up the pitch. I'm sure they'll look to create a difficult game for us."

• McKenna confirmed that Cieran Slicker will stay at the club this season after links to a loan move: "He's developing really well here, he's improving all the time. We want to have three strong goalkeepers and he's a part of that. We feel that this is the best place for his development."

Follow the rest of the Tuesday's football news

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On the latest episode of BBC Radio Suffolk's 'The Blue Hour,' Brenner Woolley has been looking back at Ipswich's loss to Manchester City, with Town captain Sam Morsy having his say on the game.

Woolley is also joined by Sarah Keig from Fulham Lillies, who gives an insight into Fulham, Ipswich's next Premier League opponent.

She spoke about her realistic target for the season - and how Europe is the dream for the club. She also offered her take on what Ipswich need to do to retain Premier League status and to push on after a few seasons.

"You need to have some experienced Premier League players, who have been there and done it," she says.

"But also, keep hold of the core of the team that got you into the Premier League in the first place."

Listen to a full episode of The Blue Hour here

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New Ipswich signing Dara O'Shea says manager Kieran McKenna was a "huge huge part" of him making the move to the Blues.

O'Shea joined from Championship Burnley for an initial £12m plus a potential £3m in add-ons on Sunday, becoming the club's 11th signing of the summer.

"I'm really excited," he told club media.

"I've never really been down that part of the world before but I've heard great things about it and how beautiful it is so it's an exciting time for me and my family. A new start and a new place to live.

"There is a lot of attractions. Obviously the club is a massive club and I know that from speaking to people in and around it."

McKenna has attracted plaudits from across the game for the work he has done with Ipswich, achieving back-to-back promotions from League One to the Premier League.

The 38-year-old attracted interest from both Chelsea and Manchester United over the summer but signed a new four-year deal to keep him at Portman Road.

"The manager [McKenna] is a huge huge part of why I've come here," O'Shea added.

"I've really admired him over the last couple of seasons and what he's done here and elsewhere.

"I think for this stage in my career it is the perfect time for me to come to a club like this and to work with a manager like him."

Nick Mashiter
BBC Sport football news reporter

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Ipswich are eyeing Luton winger Chiedozie Ogbene before Friday's transfer deadline.

The Tractor Boys are looking for another forward despite spending almost £100m this summer.

It comes after winger Wes Burns suffered a hamstring injury in the 2-0 opening day defeat to Liverpool.

Ogbene joined Luton from Rotherham on a free transfer last summer and impressed in the Premier League, despite the Hatters' relegation.

He scored five goals in 39 games in all competitions and was the second fastest top-flight player last season, after Tottenham's Micky van de Ven, having clocked 36.93kph against Fulham last September.

Should he move, Ogbene could be Ipswich's final piece of business this window with Kieran McKenna's side having already signed last season's Championship top scorer Sammie Szmodics from Blackburn for an initial £9m as well as completing a move for Sunderland winger Jack Clarke.

They also beat Wolves to defender Dara O'Shea from Burnley on Sunday and have brought in Ben Johnson, Liam Delap, Jacob Greaves, Omari Hutchinson, Arijanet Muric and Connor Townsend since winning promotion from the Championship.

We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Manchester City and Ipswich Town.

Here are some of your comments:

Man City fans

Abdullah: Brilliant performance. Every player was superb. Haaland hat-trick, Savinho and Doku looking really positive, De Bruyne looking strong, but the defence is the only slight problem. It is one of the best in the world, but you honestly can't be conceding silly one-off goals to any team, because eventually the very best clubs will punish you.

Tim: Despite the early goal, City remained focused and showed their ruthless possession and finishing qualities to transform the game. The crossbar prevented two goals in the first half, but Haaland's hat-trick was well deserved and announced his intention to retain the Golden Boot this season. Another deserved and clinical victory.

Andrew: Total domination against the Championship winners, and it was all done without Rodri and Foden. Gundogan should be the final missing piece of the jigsaw puzzle from last season. I'm not sure where the vastly overpriced Jack Grealish fits in now though.

Geoff: Man City are playing in training ground mode, against modest opposition, until the real season starts in a few weeks. Now Gundogan has returned, I feel more confident of a fifth Premier League title and another excellent run in Europe. It is great to see the promotion of four or five homegrown youngsters to the first-team squad - that could be significant as the season continues.

Ipswich fans

Andy: This result was expected. Honestly, I thought it would be 5-0! We showed that we can be an attacking threat and we should have been awarded a penalty too! The mistake by Muric loomed large in this game - it was a huge blow against a far superior opponent. There is nothing to be ashamed of here and nothing to panic about. There are 36 games left.

Ash: We showed a lot of courage at times and we will take points from a lot of teams this year. Manchester City and Liverpool last week were simply levels above at times when it mattered. They created so much space and looked dangerous the whole game. We did have our moments, with some bold play, but there was not enough in the final third.

Andrew: Some slick passing at times but unfortunately, against the world's best team, they just kept playing into trouble. We were penned in for the whole of the second half, so we need to find another way to release the pressure.

Paolo: A misleading score! Ipswich gave a very good account of themselves and, if it wasn't for the penalty and goalkeeping error, we were well in this game. Other clubs will get a shock if they take Ipswich lightly.

Gary Lineker presents highlights and analysis from Saturday's seven Premier League fixtures.

If you missed Match of the Day, you can catch up now on BBC iPlayer.

Listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Tottenham 4-0 Everton

• Aston Villa 0-2 Arsenal

Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna has been speaking to BBC Sport following the defeat: "We regrouped and stuck together. We got through the majority of the second half without giving up too much. It was something for us to go through at this stage of the season.

"The way the fixtures have come out, it is about learning lessons and adapting as quickly as possible. There are positives for us to take.

"It was great for us to get our first goal. It was a really well-worked transition, exactly to plan. The only shame was we weren't able to enjoy that for longer and find stability in the game.

"The first goal is just a one-vs-one and you know you have to defend them. The second goal is a mistake. It wasn't a big bother from a tactical point of view. The players got together on the pitch and said we need to have a steady period.

"If we use the lessons well, it will be two good games for us [Liverpool and Manchester City]. That is a really difficult game - to play Manchester City - their first game back in their stadium and with the fans' favourite player back at the club.

"We are still short. We have added a lot of players late on [in the transfer window]. We know we are a work in progress and we will be for a little while. There are big positives across both games and that sets us up for the season."

Ipswich forward and goalscorer Sammie Szmodics has been speaking to Sky Sports following the defeat: "We knew it was going to be a tough game. We knew the crowd would be up for it. We started the game well and individual mistakes at this level get punished. The three goals in four minutes killed us.

"It was a dream start but we have got to manage the game better. We have got to learn from it.

"It is early days. I'm getting used to the intensity [of the Premier League]. We have had the first two games against two of the best players in the league. We have got a week to look forward to another home game."

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Each of the first four shots in this game were scored, making this the first ever time this has happened in a Premier League game (excluding own goals) on record (since 2006-07).

Gary Rose
BBC Sport journalist at Etihad Stadium

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Few teams will go to Etihad Stadium this season and get a result, let alone one that was playing in League One just two seasons ago, so for Ipswich this was all about learning and taking the positives they could.

One of those positives was Sammie Szmodics. The forward is one of a number of new additions at Ipswich this season following their return to the Premier League and he picked off right where he left off in the Championship with a goal after seven minutes.

It was similar to many he scored in the second tier as well. Getting into the right position before squeezing a shot under goalkeeper Ederson and into the back of the net.

That was Ipswich's only shot on target, but they will need players capable of finishing the very few chances they are likely to get in the top flight, and Szmodics did just that.

Were you at the game or following from elsewhere?

Manchester City fans, send us your thoughts, external

What did you make of Ipswich's display, Tractor Boys fans?, external

Come back to this page on Monday to find a selection of your replies

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Chris Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League matches this season, against a variety of guests.

For week two, he takes on Make Me A Mixtape hosts Clara Amfo and Jordan Stephens.

Sutton's prediction: 4-0

I really like the work Ipswich have done in the transfer market. They are signing Armando Broja and also got Sammie Szmodics, Liam Delap and Omari Hutchinson in, so they are giving it a go.

For the first hour against Liverpool, I thought they really pushed them and played with great intensity. I feel really sorry for them the fixtures have fallen as they have done.

Manchester City got a pretty routine win against Chelsea last week and that is them fairly half-cooked and nowhere near up to speed, so that is ominous for Arsenal, Liverpool and everybody else. At home, it will be business as usual for City.

Amfo's prediction: 2-1

Stephens' prediction: 4-1

I feel like Ipswich will get one, just because City always start pretty slow.

Read the full predictions and have your say