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  • Ange Postecoglou makes first team decision ahead of Man Utd and Ipswich Town

    Ange Postecoglou makes first team decision ahead of Man Utd and Ipswich Town

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    Spurs have a rare week without midweek action after back-to-back cup defeats.

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    Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou has decided to give first team players ‘three or four’ days off ahead of clashes with Manchester United and Ipswich Town, despite a recent rotten run of form for the north London outfit.

    Spurs were dumped out of the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup in just a few days last week following defeats to Liverpool and Aston Villa. Postecoglou’s side have won just two of their last eight top flight outings and languish 14th in the top flight. Spurs will look to bounce back against Manchester United at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday before making the trip to struggling Ipswich Town next weekend.

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    Despite the unconvincing performances against Liverpool and Aston Villa, Postecoglou has confirmed that first team stars will be given days away from training after a hectic fixture schedule. The club has been hit with an injury crisis this season, meaning that fully fit players have racked up the minutes and needed to work double time.

    Postecoglou gives Spurs stars days off

    Tottenham Hotspur don’t have a midweek game since the turn of the year and Postecoglou confirmed that players would be allowed to recover as a result. He said: “I am just going to keep working like I have. We’ve got to give them some time off in the early part of the week.

    “The boys who are coming back we have got an opportunity to give them a full week of training which is great. Come Tuesday, we should have three or four who have been missing. We can give them a full week of training rather than just throwing them in.

    “By the time we get to the end of the week we will have something resembling a squad of players to prepare for a big game. That folds into the following week because again we have got seven days to prepare for the next game.

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    “That gives us a good opportunity to get some work into the guys who have been out for a while and give some rest of the guys who have been going at it. By the time we get back to Europe and midweek games, we will be in much better shape.”

    Tottenham Hotspur hope for injury boost against Man Utd

    Following that time to recover, Tottenham Hotspur are expected to welcome back several injured players for the meeting with Manchester United. A total of five first team stars could return to face the Red Devils.

    Guglielmo Vicario, Destiny Udogie, James Maddison, Brennan Johnson and Timo Werner are all pushing for a return to full training this week and Postecoglou is confident that will provide a ‘reset’ for his beleaguered side.

    Speaking after defeat to Aston Villa, Postecoglou said: “Two and a half months of asking 18-year-olds and 17-year-olds and senior players, with no rest, to play Thursday, Sunday, Thursday, Sunday, Thursday, Sunday, Thursday, Sunday.

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    “If you think that is not at all a factor of how this team is performing then there’s nothing else I can say. There’s nothing else I can explain.”

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  • Aston Villa Team News vs Ipswich Town: Ollie Watkins, Ezri Konsa

    Aston Villa Team News vs Ipswich Town: Ollie Watkins, Ezri Konsa

    Just a couple of new Aston Villa team news updates for you, ahead of the visit from Ipswich Town. However, they are very substantial (to say the least) injury updates: Ollie Watkins and Ezri Konsa.

    Ollie Watkins missed out on the weekend win over Spurs due to a groin injury, and here is the most recent update that Villa boss Unai Emery provided.

    Aston Villa vs Ipswich Town

    Kickoff: 3pm, Sat. Feb 15, Villa Park, Birmingham, UK


    Aston Villa Team News

    “Each day is important, how he is feeling, but for Sunday, I think he is not going to be available,” Emery said.

    “Tomorrow, I think he is not going to train as well, because he will need more days to recover. Hopefully, for next week, he will be available.”

    You can put him in the “doubt” category.

    aston-villa

    And then with Konsa, arguably the team’s best defender, he had to be subbed off with an apparent muscular injury in the FA Cup win over Tottenham.

    Emery said only this, a few days ago: “For Konsa, hopefully it is not a big [muscle] injury…”

    And then of course, you still have the regular standing injury absentees: Ross Barkley, Pau Torres, Matty Cash and Tyrone Mings.

    unai emery

    So with that in mind, let’s just get to the lineup prediction, and we’ll do that in the next post.

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  • Liam Delap Surprised At How Happy He Has Been With Life At Ipswich Town

    Liam Delap Surprised At How Happy He Has Been With Life At Ipswich Town

    Liam Delap, the man Kieran McKenna says has become “different beast” this season, admits he still has a lot to learn if he is to become England’s next top-class striker.

    The striker, who turned 22 last week, was signed by the newly-promoted Suffolk side from champions Manchester City for close to $25 million. Barely six months into a five-year contract, Delap has been the shining light of Ipswich Town’s season with nine Premier League goals.

    With Ipswich mired in the relegation places, speculation has been mounting that Delap will move on, whether or not his team stay up this season. Extravagant transfer fees of up to nine figures are being quoted for the striker who is being tipped to eventually succeed current national team captain and record goalscorer Harry Kane as England’s next number nine.

    For now, Delap looks like a man at ease in his surroundings, a guaranteed starter in the Premier League after two seasons of being sent out on loan from Manchester City. “I knew that coming here, it was going to be a good place and I’ve probably been pleasantly surprised at how happy I am here and how much I am enjoying it.”

    Delap has nothing but praise for McKenna, describing him as “incredible”. “How he is with us as players and how he manages us and helps us learn every day, the detail that he goes into is top notch. You can see that everyone’s improving game by game and I think that’s credit to him.”

    Amid reported interest in his services from European giants like Chelsea, Juventus and Manchester United, Delap is only concerned with the areas of the game he has to improve on. “The boss is so detailed on the out of possession side of things. Probably before I came here I had a concept of it but I wasn’t aware as he wanted me to be. It’s something he’s helped me with, and all the staff have helped me with throughout the season. I feel like I’m starting to improve that.”

    Incredibly for such a robust center forward, only one of Liam Delap’s 21 senior goals have come from his head. He admits to me “I definitely think that’s something I need to work on, depending on how many balls you have put in the box. Obviously it’s something I need to improve on.”His Ipswich Town team-mates have been almost unanimous in their regard of the softly-spoken Delap as the joker in the squad. Strike partner Omari Hutchinson said “he’s a real funny guy, he’s got a lot of character about him.” Delap blushed at the description saying “I don’t know, I think we have a good laugh here so yeah, I’d say we’ve got a really funny group.”

    He was more forthcoming about the fact that he has enjoyed mixing it against some of the world’s best defenders, relishing the challenge and unafraid to confront opposition players physically. He admits that aggressive side to his game is something he has had to channel.

    Manchester United’s Noussair Mazraoui (right) [+] reacts to Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap (left) after a challenge during the Premier League match at Portman Road, Ipswich. Picture date: Sunday November 24, 2024. (Photo by Bradley Collyer/PA Images via Getty Images) PA IMAGES VIA GETTY IMAGES

    “Probably when I was younger, it went over the top, too much. It’s something that I’ve tried to help and learn from because I probably got in trouble. Now I’m starting to understand what’s right and what’s wrong and what’s too much.”

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    With Ipswich Town travelling to face Aston Villa this weekend, Delap will come face to face with Morgan Rogers, his former team-mate at Manchester City who has similarly flourished away from the club, also finding the net nine times this season. Both players scored in the reverse fixture at Portman Road in September.

    Delap revealed that the pair had first met aged 15, eventually sharing a house. “He’s probably one of my closest friends. I love him to bits. I’m so happy for him this season, I think he’s always had that quality. It’s probably just someone letting him unleash it.”

    Having moved to Suffolk, Delap has moved in with another former Manchester City team-mate, now sharing a house with goalkeeper Cieran Slicker. “We go back as well. We have an incredible relationship. A really good thing that I’ve come here and he’s here as well. He’s helped me so much to settle. It’s something that probably really helps and keeps me happy. It’s always nice having a friend. He’s helped me so much.”

    Delap spent the entirety of last season on loan at Championship side Hull City, scoring eight times after less successful loans to Stoke City and Preston North End. He said “I knew when I was younger that the importance of playing regular men’s football is vitally important. I think everyone has a different journey but for me that taught me so much.”

    “Probably the first two didn’t go as planned but I learned more in those two than I did when things were going well. It’s just a great experience for a young player. It builds your maturity and understanding of the game.”

  • Disastrous Red Sox trade deadline addition joins Dodgers on minor league deal

    Disastrous Red Sox trade deadline addition joins Dodgers on minor league deal

     

    García had allowed just one earned run in 12 ⅔ innings over his final 11 outings in an Angels uniform and had a 3.71 ERA in 43 ⅔ innings with the Halos before the trade. He then allowed earned runs in six of his first seven outings with the Sox, including a five-run blow-up in a two-inning stint against the Astros on August 11. In all, he posted an 8.22 ERA in 15 games as a member of the Red Sox while missing a few weeks due to right elbow inflammation. Sims also struggled, pitching to a 6.43 ERA in 15 games while also getting hurt.

     

    García is a veteran of 12 big league seasons with six teams and has a 4.14 ERA in 545 career games (4 starts). Both Kavadas (30 games) and Zeferjahn (17 relief innings) reached the majors for the Angels late in the year.

     

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  • Gators assistant Will Harris leaving Florida Gators to coach at Miami

    Gators assistant Will Harris leaving Florida Gators to coach at Miami

     

    Florida Gators Secondary Coach Will Harris as the Florida Gators run through drills during the second week of spring practice at the Indoor Practice Facility in Gainesville, Florida on March 23rd, 2024.

    Florida Gators defensive backs coach Will Harris is expected to take a job with in-state rival Miami Hurricanes, multiple sources told Gator Country. Harris served as Florida’s secondary coach in 2024 after joining the program in December of 2023.

     

    In his lone season with UF, Harris helped Florida achieve a four-game winning streak to end the year, where the Gators held opponents to just 13 points per game. Florida allowed 227.5 passing yards for game under Harris’ watch, which ranked 83rd in the country. In the final four games, Florida allowed just 203.5 passing yards per game despite having a number of injuries in the secondary.

     

    The Gators ranked T-14th in the country in turnovers gained which included 14 interceptions, a major improvement from just three in 2023. The Gators also recorded 48 pass deflections compared to 37 a year ago.

     

    Despite a sluggish start to the season, Harris got tremendous play from senior defensive back Jason Marshall before his season ending injury.

     

    “I just feel like the energy and the vibe is there,” Marshall said on Harris’ addition. “I feel like in the DB room it can make a change. We only had like three turnovers last year (three interceptions). I know that’s like a big emphasis for Coach Harris — get the ball. If the ball’s in the air it’s ours. I just feel like the vibe and the energy is there.”

     

    Harris brought in a number of defensive backs through the portal and high school ranks, including transfer Trikweze Bridges, who Harris targeted early in the process. One could argue Bridges was Florida’s defensive MVP in 2024 as he was forced to play safety, corner, and nickel due to injuries in the secondary.

     

    Harris’ is expected to oversee the safety unit at Miami.

     

    The Gators recently hired Vinnie Sunseri as their co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach, who could be the front runner to oversee the entire secondary with Harris’ departure.

     

     

  • Dodgers’ $15 Million All-Star Named Potential Trade Candidate in Blockbuster Move

    Dodgers’ $15 Million All-Star Named Potential Trade Candidate in Blockbuster Move

     

     

    ; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder James Outman (33) celebrates with shortstop Chris Taylor (3) after hitting a walk-off double in the 10th inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Dodger Stadium.

    ; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder James Outman (33) celebrates with shortstop Chris Taylor (3) after hitting a walk-off double in the 10th inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

    The Los Angeles Dodgers have had a stellar offseason.

     

    For a team coming off a World Series championship, they have retooled the roster with the perfect mix of veteran leadership, international talent, key players from the title run, and pitching standouts.

     

    And they may not be done quite yet.

     

    With a clear overflow of talent on the roster, there still appear to be a few moves to make to pare down the team and fit the MLB-mandated 26-man roster by Opening Day.

     

    Unfortunately for Dodgers faithful, this may come at the expense of an All-Star who has helped bring two titles to Los Angeles, as Maren Angus-Coombs of dodgersnation.com named Chris Taylor as a potential trade candidate for L.A.

     

    Taylor started his MLB career with the Seattle Mariners and made his way to the Dodgers in the midst of the 2016 season. He has been a fan favorite ever since.

     

    Helping the team get to the Fall Classic four times in Dodger blue, there is no question regarding Taylor’s productivity over the course of his Dodgers tenure. A utility man in every sense of the word, he has logged starts in every position around the diamond that isn’t first base, pitcher, or catcher.

     

    As the Dodgers continue their historic offseason, they have recently brought back future Hall of Famer Clayton Kershaw, as well as another utility man in Kiké Hernández.

     

    Thus, a clear spot for Taylor unfortunately doesn’t exist on the current roster. However, his contract has a few interesting stipulations, according to Angus-Coombs.

     

    “While he does not have a no-trade clause, his contract does include two other things: A $2 million assignment bonus with each trade, plus his 2026 option increases by $1 million if traded after the 2024 season and before start of the 2026 season,” Angus-Coombs wrote.

     

    These are essentially peanuts compared to some of the other blockbuster deals the Dodgers have shelled out, but it is worth considering if Taylor is moved as his new team would likely not see his contract as very team-friendly. Thus, the Dodgers would likely need to eat a good amount of the money to make a deal work.

     

    Other candidates that could be traded include Andy Pages and James Outman, whose coming off a struggle of a season in 2024. However, both have minor league options, which makes it easier to keep them around.

     

     

  • Nine Alabama players invited to 2025 NFL Scouting Combine

    Nine Alabama players invited to 2025 NFL Scouting Combine

     

     

     

    Nine former Alabama players were invited to this year’s NFL Scouting Combine, the league announced Thursday.

     

    The Crimson Tide will be represented by quarterback Jalen Milroe, guard Tyler Booker, tight ends CJ Dippre and Robbie Ouzts, defensive lineman Tim Smith, outside linebacker Que Robinson, inside linebacker Jihaad Campbell, safety Malachi Moore and punter James Burnip. The Tide had two other draft-eligible players kicker Graham Nicholson and long snapper Kneeland Hibbett, who were not invited.

     

    Booker and Campbell were both projected to be first-round picks in ESPN draft analyst Field Yates’ latest mock draft released this week. Milroe might have the most to gain out of any of Alabama’s combine invitees, as he’s been projected anywhere from the first round to mid-rounds.

     

    National champion Ohio State had the most invites with 15, followed by Texas and Georgia with 14. Alabama also trailed Oregon (12 invites), Ole Miss (11), South Carolina (11) and Miami (10) in terms of players invited.

     

    Alabama’s nine invites mark its lowest total since 2016 when it was also represented by nine players at the even. Last year, the Tide sent 10 players to the combine.

     

    This year’s combine will be held in Indianapolis from February 27 to March 2. Alabama will also hold its Pro Day on Mark 26.The NFL draft will take place in Green Bay, Wisconsin from April 24-26.

  • Tide may be turning for Jack Clarke at Ipswich Town as former Sunderland star receives glowing review

    Tide may be turning for Jack Clarke at Ipswich Town as former Sunderland star receives glowing review

     

    Since leaving Sunderland in the summer transfer window, Jack Clarke has had a pretty tough time at Ipswich Town. But his fortunes may be changing ever so steadily.

     

    Sunderland finally parted ways with Jack Clarke last summer, after a couple of transfer windows of fending off bids for the former Leeds United and Spurs winger.

     

    In the end, Ipswich Town paid £18million to sign Clarke from the Black Cats. Since then however, it’s been a pretty bleak time for the 24-year-old at Portman Road.

     

    In the Premier League this season, Clarke has played 19 times without scoring, grabbing just two assists. There’s since been a lot of talk about the transfer to Ipswich with former Sunderland man Phil Bardsley critical of Clarke’s move.

     

    Nonetheless, Ipswich still have big hopes and plans for the Englishman. Then in the FA Cup last weekend, Clarke scored a couple of goals for Ipswich Town, netting a brace in the 4-1 win away at Coventry City.

     

    Jack Clarke of Ipswich Town participates in the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Ipswich Town at the City Ground in Nottingham, E…

     

    Former Sunderland star Jack Clarke hailed at Ipswich Town

    After scoring those goals against Coventry, a weight will have been lifted off of Clarke. Now, it’ll give Kieran McKenna a decision to make ahead of Ipswich Town’s upcoming Premier league clash against Aston Villa on Saturday afternoon.

     

    Speaking to BBC Radio Suffolk, pundit and former Ipswich man Paul Anderson has backed Clarke to feature against Villa from the off. He said: “As attacking players, goals are always that confidence builder, but forget about the goals. If he wouldn’t have scored [against Coventry] he still would have been the difference between the teams.

     

    “With his football intelligence and the positions he was picking up on the pitch, he caused real problems to the Coventry defence. When he got the ball he tended to make the right decision most of the time.

     

     

    “With a performance like that, he would hope to have put his name on the team sheet against Aston Villa.”

     

    As things stand, Ipswich Town sit in 19th place of the Premier League table and are already 12 points adrift, with just three wins all season and now 14 games left to play.

     

    What Jack Clarke has said about his Ipswich Town form

    Clarke scored his first goal for Ipswich Town in the previous FA Cup win over Bristol Rovers. Then after the game, Clarke spoke about his recent form and stated that he hoped his goal would give him some momentum, which it has.

     

    The former Sunderland star said: “That one felt nice and hopefully I can give myself a bit of momentum going into the next few games. I never try and think about it [poor form] too much. As long as you’re doing the right things day in, day out, your luck is going to turn at some point.”

     

    Now, Clarke needs consistency. And he needs to get on the scoresheet in the Premier League and prove to fans that he can cut it in the top flight, not just in the FA Cup against weaker opponents.

     

    Villa is another tricky game for the Tractor Boys. But like Anderson says, Clarke could get his chance on Saturday after impressing against Coventry, and if he takes his chance then it could spark a run of starts for the winger.

  • Ipswich Town: Kieran McKenna on Kalvin Phillips’ season so far

    Ipswich Town: Kieran McKenna on Kalvin Phillips’ season so far

     

    Kalvin Phillips has only started 10 Premier League games during his loan spell from Manchester City.

    Kalvin Phillips has only started 10 Premier League games during his loan spell from Manchester City.

    Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna believes Kalvin Phillips ‘can have a really big impact’ in the remaining games of the season.

     

    The 31-cap England international joined the Blues on a season-long loan from Manchester City last summer looking to rebuild confidence and fitness.

     

    Since serving a three-game suspension back in November, however, he’s started just four Premier League games.

     

    “Of his 10 (league) starts, I don’t know, he’s been unavailable for maybe six or seven, possibly, with the suspension and with the niggle and ankle injury that he had,” said McKenna, speaking ahead of Saturday’s game at Aston Villa.

     

    “There’s good competition in midfield. I think Jens Cajuste has been excellent when he’s played and has stepped up and delivered a really, really high level of performance. Samy (Morsy), of course, is the captain but also has been consistent with his performances as well.

     

    “I think Kalvin’s played a good amount of games. I don’t know the exact numbers but 10 starts is considerably more league starts than what he’s made in the last two seasons.

     

    “I think he’s improving and, of course, we all want things to accelerate really, really quickly. He’s in a much better rhythm now than he was when he arrived and hopefully that’ll continue and he can have a really big impact on the last bit of the season.

     

    “Kalvin has shown good qualities and is hungry to help the team. We feel that he can have a good impact and a good part to play in the next few months.”

  • McKenna provides mixed injury news on Szmodics and Chaplin

    McKenna provides mixed injury news on Szmodics and Chaplin

     

     

    Sammie Szmodics could feature in Town’s game at Aston Villa this weekend.

    Sammie Szmodics could feature in Town’s game at Aston Villa this weekend. (Image: PA)

    Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna has revealed that Sammie Szmodics could be fit for Saturday’s Premier League match at Aston Villa.

     

    The four-goal forward limped off 35 minutes into last weekend’s 4-1 FA Cup win at Coventry after suffering a recurrence of the ankle problem that had sidelined him for the previous five matches.

     

    “Thankfully, the ankle injury that he had a recurrence of last week hasn’t been too serious, so he’s going to be a judgment call tomorrow,” said McKenna.

     

    Meanwhile, the Blues boss said that forward Conor Chaplin, who has been sidelined for the whole of 2025, remains out of action.

     

    “He’s had a few little setbacks,” said McKenna. “With an MCL injury you can get that. You can get to the very, very last bit of your rehab, but there’s a few actions or a few movements that can sometimes still stir it up.

     

    “He’s had a slightly different course of treatment this week to see if that can accelerate it a little bit because he’s not quite been able to meet that last hurdle. Fingers crossed he’ll be back with the group next week.”

     

     

    On whether deadline signing Alex Palmer will make his league debut in goal for the Blues, McKenna said: “Yes, it’s a possibility. He gives us the type of options that we want. We’ll pick what we think is right for each game.”

     

    Christian Walton (groin), Wes Burns (knee) and Chiedozie Ogbene (Achilles) remain long-term absentees.

     

     

    Sammie Szmodics could feature in Town’s game at Aston Villa this weekend.

    Sammie Szmodics could feature in Town’s game at Aston Villa this weekend.

    Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna has revealed that Sammie Szmodics could be fit for Saturday’s Premier League match at Aston Villa.

     

    The four-goal forward limped off 35 minutes into last weekend’s 4-1 FA Cup win at Coventry after suffering a recurrence of the ankle problem that had sidelined him for the previous five matches.

     

    “Thankfully, the ankle injury that he had a recurrence of last week hasn’t been too serious, so he’s going to be a judgment call tomorrow,” said McKenna.

     

    Meanwhile, the Blues boss said that forward Conor Chaplin, who has been sidelined for the whole of 2025, remains out of action.

     

    “He’s had a few little setbacks,” said McKenna. “With an MCL injury you can get that. You can get to the very, very last bit of your rehab, but there’s a few actions or a few movements that can sometimes still stir it up.

     

    “He’s had a slightly different course of treatment this week to see if that can accelerate it a little bit because he’s not quite been able to meet that last hurdle. Fingers crossed he’ll be back with the group next week.”

     

     

    On whether deadline signing Alex Palmer will make his league debut in goal for the Blues, McKenna said: “Yes, it’s a possibility. He gives us the type of options that we want. We’ll pick what we think is right for each game.”

     

    Christian Walton (groin), Wes Burns (knee) and Chiedozie Ogbene (Achilles) remain long-term absentees.

     

     

    Sammie Szmodics could feature in Town’s game at Aston Villa this weekend. <i>(Image: PA)</i>

    Sammie Szmodics could feature in Town’s game at Aston Villa this weekend. (Image: PA)

    Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna has revealed that Sammie Szmodics could be fit for Saturday’s Premier League match at Aston Villa.

     

    The four-goal forward limped off 35 minutes into last weekend’s 4-1 FA Cup win at Coventry after suffering a recurrence of the ankle problem that had sidelined him for the previous five matches.

     

    “Thankfully, the ankle injury that he had a recurrence of last week hasn’t been too serious, so he’s going to be a judgment call tomorrow,” said McKenna.

     

    Meanwhile, the Blues boss said that forward Conor Chaplin, who has been sidelined for the whole of 2025, remains out of action.

     

    “He’s had a few little setbacks,” said McKenna. “With an MCL injury you can get that. You can get to the very, very last bit of your rehab, but there’s a few actions or a few movements that can sometimes still stir it up.

     

    “He’s had a slightly different course of treatment this week to see if that can accelerate it a little bit because he’s not quite been able to meet that last hurdle. Fingers crossed he’ll be back with the group next week.”

     

     

    On whether deadline signing Alex Palmer will make his league debut in goal for the Blues, McKenna said: “Yes, it’s a possibility. He gives us the type of options that we want. We’ll pick what we think is right for each game.”

     

    Christian Walton (groin), Wes Burns (knee) and Chiedozie Ogbene (Achilles) remain long-term absentees.

     

     

    Sammie Szmodics could feature in Town’s game at Aston Villa this weekend.

    Sammie Szmodics could feature in Town’s game at Aston Villa this weekend.

    Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna has revealed that Sammie Szmodics could be fit for Saturday’s Premier League match at Aston Villa.

     

    The four-goal forward limped off 35 minutes into last weekend’s 4-1 FA Cup win at Coventry after suffering a recurrence of the ankle problem that had sidelined him for the previous five matches.

     

    “Thankfully, the ankle injury that he had a recurrence of last week hasn’t been too serious, so he’s going to be a judgment call tomorrow,” said McKenna.

     

    Meanwhile, the Blues boss said that forward Conor Chaplin, who has been sidelined for the whole of 2025, remains out of action.

     

    “He’s had a few little setbacks,” said McKenna. “With an MCL injury you can get that. You can get to the very, very last bit of your rehab, but there’s a few actions or a few movements that can sometimes still stir it up.

     

    “He’s had a slightly different course of treatment this week to see if that can accelerate it a little bit because he’s not quite been able to meet that last hurdle. Fingers crossed he’ll be back with the group next week.”

     

     

    On whether deadline signing Alex Palmer will make his league debut in goal for the Blues, McKenna said: “Yes, it’s a possibility. He gives us the type of options that we want. We’ll pick what we think is right for each game.”

     

    Christian Walton (groin), Wes Burns (knee) and Chiedozie Ogbene (Achilles) remain long-term absentees.