A lot at stake says boss in wide open race for Play-Offs
Town take on Bournemouth in a massive game at Portman Road on Bank Holiday Monday with Mick McCarthy saying he doesn’t have a clue how the Play-Off race is going to pan out.Â
Just five points separate Brighton in sixth from 12th placed Watford, who have a game in hand, with Blues currently in eighth and a point outside the top six after the defeat by the Hornets at the weekend.Â
“Don’t ask me how it’s going to pan out because I haven’t got a clue,” said the Town boss.Â
“It’s a massive game for us against Bournemouth, I do know that – especially after our result against Watford.Â
“All we can do is that care of our own business and see where that leaves us.Â
“Bournemouth have had a terrific season and over the last month or so they have come up on the rails with a great run of form.Â
“They showed what a good team they are when we played them down at their place at the end of December. We had to really dig in over the last 15 minutes or so to make sure we got a point and it was a good point as well.Â
“There is a lot at stake on Monday. We know that but it all adds to the excitement. That’s what we are in football for.”
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Team News
Town: Paul Anderson and Sylvan Ebanks-Blake both missed the defeat at Watford with hamstring injuries while Scott Loach suffered a back spasm overnight which forced him out of contention on his return to Vicarage Road. All three will be assessed before Mick McCarthy confirms his 18.Â
Bournemouth: Eddie Howe has Harry Arter back after a three match suspension. Â
Where they finished last season
Town - 14th
Bournemouth - 2nd League OneÂ
Where they currently stand
Town - 8th
Bournemouth 10th
Last time outÂ
Daryl Murphy put Blues ahead on the south coast but Brett Pitman levelled the scores for the Cherries as 2013 came to an end for both clubs with honours even.
Match Officials
Referee: Andy D’UrsoÂ
Assistants: John Busby and Ian RathboneÂ
Fourth Official: Oliver Langford
Live commentary of the game will be available on Ipswich Player from 3pm, with a live blog coming via the Ipswich Wall. Keep up with all the pre-match build up, including the official and first word on the team news via our social media channels.
