Ipswich Town experienced a harsh introduction to the Premier League, despite being in their 22nd match of the season, when they faced reigning champions Manchester City at Portman Road.
Pep Guardiola’s team dominated the game in Suffolk, handing Kieran McKenna’s side a heavy 6-0 defeat, even removing key players like Kevin de Bruyne, Erling Haaland, and Phil Foden with around 30 minutes to go.
This marked the first time Ipswich had conceded five or more goals at Portman Road since a 2021 defeat to Bolton and the first time they had conceded six at home since a loss to Leicester in 2011.
Ipswich remain in the Premier League relegation zone, just behind Wolverhampton Wanderers on goal difference, but they still have a real chance of staying up.
To boost their survival hopes, strengthening the squad with more quality players could help them leapfrog Wolves and avoid relegation. January signings Jaden Philogene and Ben Godfrey have been the first steps toward improving the squad.
McKenna will likely be looking to add more attacking options, as the team needs to improve their ability to create chances for top scorer Liam Delap.
Liam Delap’s season so far The England U21 forward, signed from Manchester City in the summer, has been Ipswich’s most reliable goal-scorer in the Premier League this season.
Delap has netted 8 of the club’s 20 goals, accounting for 40% of their total, highlighting his importance in their fight to avoid relegation.
Without his contributions, Ipswich could be further adrift from the teams above them, and they must find ways to get him more involved in matches as the season progresses.
24/25 Premier League
Liam Delap
Appearances
21
xG
6.36
Goals
8
Big chances created
2
Assists
2
Stats via Sofascore
As the table shows, Delap has been clinical, exceeding his xG of 6.36 by 1.64 goals, though his teammates haven’t created many opportunities for him, as evidenced by the low xG over 21 games.
The 21-year-old has often had to create chances himself through his pace and dribbling, as shown in the clip below.
For Ipswich to move out of the bottom three, they need to improve their team play and create more opportunities for Delap to thrive in the second half of the season.
With the January transfer window still open, McKenna could make a crucial move to sign one of their reported targets, Julio Enciso.
Ipswich’s interest in Julio Enciso Earlier this month, TWTD reported Ipswich’s interest in Brighton & Hove Albion winger Julio Enciso, as the club seeks to strengthen the squad before the window closes.
FFC Header Transfer Focus Transfer Focus Big money moves, controversial transfers, and high-profile flops. This is where transfer news and opinions live.
The report mentioned that both Ipswich and Leicester City were considering a loan deal for the forward, with Ipswich having tracked Enciso for several transfer windows.
However, the Foxes would need to cancel Facundo Buonanotte’s loan or secure Enciso on a permanent transfer, as Premier League rules prevent a club from having two loan players from the same top-flight team.
Ipswich are still yet to make an official enquiry, according to TWTD, so a deal doesn’t seem imminent at this point.
McKenna should push for a deal to bring in the versatile attacker, as he could provide a significant boost for Delap in the second half of the 2024/25 season.
Why Julio Enciso could be ideal for Liam Delap Given Ipswich’s battle against relegation, signing proven Premier League talent may not be feasible. Therefore, they must take calculated risks, like they did with Philogene and Godfrey.
Enciso would represent such a gamble, considering his limited game time at Brighton, but his performances when given the chance show that he could become a creative force for Ipswich.
Since the start of the 2022/23 season, the £19m-rated player has made just 14 Premier League starts and come off the bench 30 times.
The 20-year-old has even been described as “Ronaldo-esque” for his potential.
