A chance for seven
Kieran McKenna is no stranger to smashing records for Ipswich.
Tuesday’s comeback against Bristol City saw them win six straight games in one of the top two tiers for the first time since 1991/92, when John Lyall’s side won the title and earned a spot in the first Premier League.
They’ve never won seven consecutive league games above the third division, but they’re 90 minutes away from doing so.
Leeds United are the only side to have done so this season, winning nine consecutive games between New Year’s Day and March 2. Given how difficult the league can be, any team’s consistency is an impressive feat. It’s simply a shame that three other teams have consistently matched Ipswich’s performance this season.
Nonetheless, an in-form Cardiff side stands in their way of breaking the record.Town have not won a game at Cardiff City Stadium in 13 years.
Can Cardiff keep their season alive?
Erol Bulut was under intense pressure after his team was defeated 4-1 by Norwich City on February 17. At that moment, they had only won two games in 2024, with the other five ending in defeat.
“When we talk about the top six, we still have a long way to go, but it’s about time and effort,” the manager remarked following the encounter at Carrow Road.
“We must constantly strive to surpass our competitors…” We must exhibit more, even if the opponent is stronger than us.”
A goalless draw at home to Blackburn did little to lift the atmosphere in the Welsh capital, but it did spark a three-match winning streak in which the Bluebirds defeated Stoke City, Bristol City, and Huddersfield Town.
Granted, all three teams are still in the bottom half of the division, but the progress has been obvious to all. They’ve only surrendered once in their last four games and remain a threat from set pieces, with no one in the division scoring more.
Ipswich may be huge favourites, but it is unlikely to be an easy triumph. Cardiff knows how to make things difficult for their opponents, and they rarely give up without a fight. The added incentive of competing for a top-six finish will only motivate them more.
Town’s Welsh trio return
This game will most likely mean the most to Kieffer Moore, who played 66 games for Cardiff in an 18-month period, scoring 25 goals.
He finished as the club’s top scorer with 20 Championship goals in his only complete season, 2020/21. The Bluebirds nearly lost out on the play-offs, and he was traded to Bournemouth midway through the next season.
Cardiff had hoped to entice Moore back to South Wales in January, but he decided to join Ipswich instead. Bulut confirmed that his players had contacted the striker to see if they could persuade him, adding that the club ‘tried a lot’ to make it happen. Ultimately, it was not to be.
Wes Burns will also look to return to the starting lineup after being released by Cardiff as a 15-year-old. He used to go to games with his grandfather and brother, who still has season tickets. The winger admitted that the ‘devastating’ incident inspired him to pursue a successful career, joining Bristol City weeks after leaving.
Nathan Broadhead may be from Bangor, but he, like Moore and Burns, is a fixture in the Wales national squad, with nine senior caps. He’s scored twice for the Dragons, but has yet to do so at Cardiff City Stadium. He’ll have a late fitness test before the game, but he’s eager to participate.
All three will be hoping that this isn’t their only journey to CF11 this month, as Rob Page is due to announce his squad for the upcoming EURO 2024 play-offs in the coming days.
The state of play in the Championship
Leeds United took on Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough yesterday night. Leicester City and Southampton are both playing this afternoon. By the time they play off at 3pm, they’ll know whether Town won at Cardiff.
It will not be easy for either of them. Leicester head to Hull City, who defeated them at the King Power Stadium in September. The Tigers are still one of only four teams to beat Enzo Maresca’s side away from home, and they’ll be confident of repeating the feat given their six-game winning streak.
Southampton host Sunderland, who have lost five games in a row, in what may appear to be an easy encounter on paper. However, it should be noted that the Black Cats triumphed 5-0 in the reverse meeting at the Stadium of Light, and Russell Martin’s side is not in great form either.
Both are anticipated to pick up three points later today, so Town must do the same to keep up the momentum.
Any changes?
They say you shouldn’t change a winning formula, but sometimes it’s necessary.
With a tough home game against Bristol City wedged between travels to Plymouth and Cardiff, team depth will be critical. There are a few spots where we could see improvements, especially right-back.
Axel Tuanzebe hasn’t done anything wrong, but he isn’t used to playing regular football and could use a break after starting three games in a row. If four is deemed too far, Harry Clarke, who has appeared in the last moments of Town’s previous two games, should be ready to return.
Massimo Luongo’s comeback from illness should see him team up with Sam Morsy, although Lewis Travis and Jack Taylor are both vying for a spot. It wouldn’t be surprising to see either of them in today’s lineup.
Burns’ electrifying performance against the Robins should earn him a spot in the lineup, with Omari Hutchinson appearing like the most likely dropout. If Broadhead is unable to start, Marcus Harness may take precedence over Jeremy Sarmiento and Ali Al-Hamadi.
It’s safe to say that the Blues will enjoy their free week before the Sheffield Wednesday game and the March international break.
