Don Goodman, a Sky Sports EFL analyst, has remarked that Ipswich Town’s defensive record ‘is a touch shocking for a team fighting for automatic promotion’ ahead of tomorrow’s televised Championship showdown at Cardiff City (12.30pm).
With only 10 regular-season games remaining, the freshly promoted Blues are second in the table, with a record of W23 D9 L4 F73 A47.
Kieran McKenna’s men lead the division in goals scored by one, although they have conceded 16 more than league leaders Leicester.
“Ipswich’s defensive record is a bit shocking for a team going for automatic promotion!” stated Goodman through King Casino Bonus.
“If they automatically qualify for the Premier League, they will most likely have the worst defensive record of any promoted team. Teams in the top two are typically solid and effective in both areas, which applies to both Leeds United and Leicester City.
“Ipswich concede goals, but they regularly outscore their opponents, and with such goal production at your disposal, you’re always going to have a chance of turning things around.
“It was an unbelievable game against Bristol City on Tuesday night (which Town won 3-2 in dramatic manner late on). I’m viewing it ahead of covering them against Cardiff City at the weekend, and in the first half, I thought, ‘Wow, Ipswich look anxious and aren’t flowing. If that’s their level, they’ll tumble out of the top two.
“Suddenly Bristol City scored, and Ipswich came to life. It was a thrilling second half, but what a fantastic team to see; I’m looking forward to seeing them on Saturday.”
Town are presently three points behind leaders Leicester, two ahead of Leeds, and eight ahead of fourth-place Southampton (who have a game in hand).
“You have to say, yes, the title is up for grabs now,” Goodman remarked. “When one team is only three points behind another, you have to claim it is.
“I can see someone like Southampton scoring 94 points and finishing fourth. Leicester, Ipswich, Leeds, and Southampton may all finish with 100 points, even with the occasional setback.
“If Southampton wins away games against the three clubs above them, that might be crucial for them. It’s a fantastic race, and for a long time we felt Ipswich and Leicester would win it.
“Leeds subsequently won nine in a row, bringing them into contention, while Southampton had already gone on a remarkable unbeaten run, resulting in a four-team tussle for two places.
“It’s the same at the bottom of the league; how could you have predicted anything like this? The championship is a never-ending gift, and I consider myself extremely fortunate to have worked on it for so long.
“I still believe Leicester City will be promoted because, with the exception of Leeds at home, they have been as good, if not better, than their opponents and have simply had some extremely unlucky luck. It was a huge win for them over Sunderland.”
He added: “Aside from Leicester, who I’m not sure will win the league by the way, common sense and logic tell me that Leeds are favourites to earn automatic promotion, but I have a nagging sensation in my head that Ipswich will not go away and will be there until the end.
“If you stick a gun to my head, I believe Leeds will win promotion. I’m loving every moment of it!”
