Rovers Preview: Ipswich Town (a)

The International break came at the right time for Blackburn Rovers, however, this also came at a price too and looks like costing us two players when we head to Portman Road to face Ipswich Town on Saturday afternoon.

Ipswich are showing the sort of consistency recently that we’re looking for but struggling to achieve. We’re capable of matching their recent form though that’s seen them surge up the table and proves what’s possible if you can find some consistency in the Championship.

Rovers have a good record in recent times against Ipswich with just one defeat in the last eight matches, which came last season when Ipswich won 3-1 at Portman Road (their first win over us since 1996!!)

You’ve got to factor in the International break, however, it’s almost a month since we last won a match and we’ve also worryingly lost three of our last four matches away from Ewood Park whereas Ipswich are unbeaten in seven, winning four. They last lost almost two-months ago.

Gary Bowyer should have an easier time selecting his team this time, with some injuries clearing up during the International break, however, some fresh ones were also suffered.

Firstly Ipswich though, they are left with doubts over Daryl Murphy (Achilles) and Jonny Williams (ankle and calf) after both were involved in action for their countries but Mick McCarthy doesn’t have too much more to worry about.

Corry Evans (suspension) can come back into the side and he returned from duty with Northern Ireland fit and ready. David Dunn (knee), Tom Cairney (groin), Rudy Gestede (hamstring) and Alex Baptiste (calf) are all back in training an in contention. Paul Robinson (knee) is also training again but might not be as close to returning as the rest.

Grant Hanley and Josh King are both major concerns after International injuries and look set to join the long-term injured Jason Lowe (foot), Chris Brown (knee) and Tommy Spurr (groin).

I thought we we’re going to go into the International break with a win over Huddersfield Town, better finishing could’ve brought that but with all the injuries we had to contend with that might not have been the worst result and I’ll be happy with another draw on Saturday afternoon but have this sneaky suspicion that we could end Ipswich’s run with the break halting their momentum.

Will I be right??