Ipswich Town FC

Gerks understands fans' frustrations but wants them to stick by the side as the Blues plot a return to winning ways at the KC Stadium tonight

Dean Gerken says he understands some of the frustration of the fans but insists the Blues are doing everything they can to get back to winning ways- starting tonight.

Town travel to Hull this evening looking to put an end to a run of no victories in the last four League matches, with Mick McCarthy’s side arriving in Humberside on the back of a goalless draw with Huddersfield.

Whilst wanting the three points, the ‘keeper was pleased to see his side record a clean sheet and wants more of the same tonight.

“Before the game we wanted the three points, but if there was to be any other scenario, for me it would be a 0-0 draw and a clean sheet,” he told the official Club website.

“We’re disappointed that we didn’t win the game but we needed a clean sheet and everybody pulled their weight defensively. We just couldn’t get that goal at the other end unfortunately.

“It’s always tough when you’re not winning games but we’ve had a few unlucky breaks with injuries among other things but no excuses, we’re there to win games and that’s something we’re looking to put right on Tuesday.

“It will be a tough game against Hull. Steve Bruce is brilliant as a manager and has proved himself in both in the Championship and the Premier League.

“They have a good team but we don’t go in looking as ourselves as underdogs; we’ve got a game plan which we’ll stick to, and we have good players so we expect to do good things on Tuesday.”

Team news

Town

Tommy Oar is an added absentee for Mick McCarthy, after the Australian winger suffered concussion following a collision with Huddersfield goalkeeper, Jed Steer on Saturday. Ryan Fraser, Teddy Bishop and Luke Hyam remain out, although the gaffer has said that both Bishop and Hyam are closing in on a return.

Hull

Robert Snodgrass is still the only real absentee for Steve Bruce’s side as the Scottish winger continues to recover from a dislocated kneecap suffered at the beginning of last season, although he edges ever closer to a return. Otherwise, Hull have no concerns going into the game.

Where they stand

Hull City – 7^th
Town – 10^th

Last time they met

A late Robert Koren goal put Hull one step closer to the Premier League in April 2013. Robbie Brady opened the scoring for the Tigers before Town’s Anthony Wordsworth levelled things up midway through the second half.  Following the equaliser, Town pushed for a winner with both Daryl Murphy and Carlos Edwards going close, but it wasn’t to be as Koren headed home the winner with little over five minutes remaining.

Key players

Ainsley Maitland-Niles

The Arsenal loanee has more than impressed for Town so far with his pace, craft and guile on the wings and he will need to be on his game if Tuesday’s visitors are to claim the points they desire. Ainsley’s role will have more onus placed on it than before with the injury to Ryan Fraser, but the diminutive midfielder has the capabilities to match up to the expectations.

Abel Hernandez

The Uruguayan striker arrived in Yorkshire at the beginning of last season, with high expectations and an even higher price tag. He failed to hit the ground running in the Premier League, although since Hull’s relegation last season he seems to have found his feet in English football. He has scored six times in eight Championship starts so far, and looks to be the natural successor to Nikica Jelavic, who left for West Ham.

Sky Bet Odds

Tuesday’s hosts go into the game with the tag of ‘favourites’ placed firmly on them by the bookies. Sky Bet have Hull at odds of 21/20 to win the match whereas Town are a bit further out at 13/5. Both sides have drawn three out of their last four games, and odds of 12/5 on a tie are available. 

Match Officials

Referee: Christopher Kavanagh
Assistants: Christopher Akers & Matthew Bristow
Fourth Official: Tony Harrington