Ipswich Town vs Charlton Athletic
Saturday 30th April 2022 - 12:30 Kick-Off
Referee: Charles Breakspear
Introduction
There have been days throughout this season where its felt as though it would never end - An extremely slow start in August quickly made us realise that this wasn't to be a season that'll be remembered long after its gone. Late summer gave way to Autumn, and winter... We had brief hope at times that it could be a season of recovery, but even that proved fruitless as welcomed in another New Year - Now though its finally here, like a weary runner, enduring the agony of mile after mile, we can finally see what is a beautiful scene.
The finish line is in sight, the pain is almost over... For a couple of months at least!!
The OppositionName: Ipswich Town (11th) | Manager: Kieran McKennaGround: Portman RoadPrevious Meeting: Charlton Athletic 2-0 Ipswich TownI can imagine those on SuffolkLife are thinking pretty much along the same lines... Three clubs went into the season with the aim of spending big to return to the Championship, as it is, only Wigan Athletic appear set to enjoy the fruits of promotion - The other two, must sit down this coming summer and question just where it all went wrong.
For our opponents, it was perhaps the approach of bringing in too many players at once... Now at Charlton; Scott Fraser has spoken this week about how he was the something like the 7th out of eleven planned signings at Portman Road - Our opponents whilst making some impressing signings would go on to bring almost double that number, had it worked as planned they truly would have destroyed any competition, and may well sit in a better position this time next season.
We go into this game though facing the third Ipswich Manager of the season; John McGreal took charge of what was a lacklustre side at the Valley in December, falling to a 2-0 defeat certainly didnt help his prospects of the job on a Full-Time basis... Kieran McKenna signed from Manchester United (with no playing career) came in two games later, setting about changing fortunes. With just four defeats, it looked at one stage as though Ipswich may reach the Play-Offs, understandably they fell short (unsurprising given the target set by those in the top six).
If McKenna picks up where he left off, then promotion challengers they should be.
Charlton Team NewsI must admit, there was a heavy sigh of frustration in my dark corner at CharltonLife Towers today, they've been telling me for years they'll sort out the leaking plumbing - Johnnie Jackson confirmed that Elliott Lee is set to return to the squad this coming Saturday, of course Lee could well be one that'll return next summer so makes sense for him to be involved, if not though.
Moving swiftly on though and our top assist creator will most likely drop out of the starting line up as is the way; Albie Morgan took his assists to eight (in all competitions) on the weekend, so will hopefully be one to take his form into what'll be a crucial season next term - Elsewhere and Daniel Kanu may well earn further involvement, the youngster might even get to kick a ball this time.
Sean Clare will of course be absent on Saturday - Best wishes to him for what'll be an important Operation.
MacGillivray
Inniss - Pearce - Famewo
Matthews - Dobson - Gilbey - Blackett-Taylor
Morgan
Stockley - Washington
Substitutes Bench: Harness - Elerewe - Forster-Caskey - Lee - Jaiyesimi - Aneke - Kanu
PredictionIts almost ironic that Charlton go into this game in similar form, to what we saw prior to the final game of the season last term, when Hull City visited the Valley - Should the Addicks record another win on the weekend, it'll hopefully show the club that once again, minimal changes should put us in prime position for a positive campaign next term.
Comments
As always I always appreciate the kind words from everyone each week - For obvious reasons, this has been without doubt the hardest season to write the Match Previews since I started producing them back in 2014, there have honestly been weeks where I've struggled to be even bothered writing something.
Hopefully next season will see an improvement on and off the pitch.
But for now, have a great summer everyone.
Now I've just got to wait for someone to come along and unlock this bloody basement... HELP HELP HELP!!
A big thank you to @ForeverAddickted, @Sage and @Ben18 for all their hard work and commitment in producing consistently high quality previews for us, come rain or shine. They're always an interesting and insightful read, especially as the media coverage of League 1 is so limited.
Enjoy the summer break and look forward to writing more about a winning team next season. who knows, we might even fix that leak down in the dungeons:-)
Same to Sage and Ben10.
All very much appreciated.
I shall be going to the game tomorrow as away days have always been a big part of my life.
It was pointed out to me earlier that Blackpool away in 72 was 50 years ago today.
Several of the people I'm going to Ipswich with were with me in Blackpool in 72.
50 years later and we are still going together.
Must be mad.
Lose and we could finish 14th if both Accrington and Cambridge win. I don't think it changes much in the way of how we go about next season with JJ's position, but my god, it's been torrid.
Id like to see how Deji Elerewe would get on for 90 minutes against decent opposition, and Kanu give a decent run out. Other than that, meh.
1 -1 don't care who scores.
I'm looking forward to a couple of months of not walking up at ungodly hours to watch utter shite.
Ignore Charlton are still selling but they werent yesterday!
Another edit - Anyone got 2 tickets for sale then please let me know!
https://www.cafc.co.uk/news/view/626b9989c1e50/away-day-guide-portman-road
🎶 McG to Innnnniss,
Inniss to Pearcey,
Pearcey to Famewo,
Goal kick! 🎶
We're They're on the ball...
🥲