Kieran McKenn: “It’s Always a Great Occasion”
Town manager Kieran McKenna is eagerly anticipating an exciting showdown as Ipswich Town faces Leicester City at Portman Road in a top-of-the-table Championship clash, broadcast live on Sky. The Blues seek redemption after a demoralizing 4-0 defeat to Leeds United, while the Foxes arrive on the back of a convincing 3-0 victory against Rotherham United. Currently, Leicester holds a six-point advantage over Ipswich, boasting an impressive run of five consecutive wins and seven unbeaten matches.
Both teams share similar records, having lost only three league games this season, with Leicester’s only away defeat being against Middlesbrough. Ipswich and Leicester are jointly leading the league in terms of goals scored, each tallying 47 goals in the 2023/24 season. However, Leicester has excelled on the road, netting 24 goals away from home, the highest among their competitors, while also boasting the fewest goals conceded away, totaling only 10.
Reflecting on the upcoming clash, McKenna acknowledges the challenge of facing another relegated Premier League side in quick succession but expresses excitement about playing at Portman Road on Boxing Day. He emphasizes the significance of the occasion, reminiscing about last year’s 3-0 victory against Oxford. McKenna praises the progress the team has made under his leadership, acknowledging the club’s satisfaction with the season’s performance thus far.
McKenna acknowledges the tough schedule ahead, emphasizing the difficulty of upcoming matches against QPR and Stoke. Despite the added attention to the Leicester game due to the first-versus-second scenario, McKenna stresses the team’s commitment to approaching each match with consistency, adhering to their beliefs and principles.
The manager recognizes the vital role the home crowd will play in the upcoming fixture, citing the supporters’ contribution to creating a strong home atmosphere. With over 29,000 expected at Portman Road, McKenna urges unity and support, emphasizing the need for collective effort on and off the pitch.
Considering the quick turnaround between matches, McKenna hints at potential squad rotations, contingent on player recovery. He emphasizes a careful analysis of individual performances and the selection of the best personnel for the Leicester game. Potential changes to the lineup include goalkeeper Vaclav Hladky, full-backs Leif Davis and Brandon Williams, and alterations in the central defense.
Leicester’s manager, Enzo Maresca, provides insights into their squad, mentioning the potential return of on-loan Manchester City defender Callum Doyle. However, key players like Jamie Vardy, Kasey McAteer, and Marc Albrighton remain sidelined for the Portman Road clash.
Historically, Ipswich has held a slight advantage in head-to-head encounters against Leicester, winning 27 games compared to Leicester’s 26, with 18 matches ending in draws. The teams last met in February 2014, resulting in a 3-0 victory for Leicester, with goals from Jamie Vardy, David Nugent, and Chris Wood.
The article concludes with information about the referee for the Boxing Day fixture, Sam Barrott, who has officiated several Ipswich Town matches in the past. The squad list for Ipswich Town is also provided, indicating the players available for selection in the upcoming crucial encounter against Leicester City.
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