MATCH PREVIEW | CARDIFF CITY v IPSWICH TOWN
Match Previews
12th March
Venue: Cardiff City Stadium
Date: Saturday, 12th March 2016, 3pm K.O.
Ipswich Town visit the Welsh capital for a crucial encounter tomorrow, with the Tractor Boys only one place behind the Bluebirds in the Sky Bet Championship table.
Secure your tickets: Online: www.eticketing.co.uk/cardiffcity Phone:0845 345 1400
THE OPPOSITION
in sixth, with City sandwiched in-between.Sheffield Wednesday are hoping to go one better this season, and briefly re-entered the top six at the start of December. After an excellent run of eight wins from twelve matches towards the end of 2015, the Tractor Boys slipped out of the Play-Off places, and are currently one point behind IpswichAfter last year’s Play-Off heartache,
make the switch from Brentford. Jonathan Douglas join on loan, and battling midfielder Ainsley Maitland-Niles moving in the other direction. The summer also saw Arsenal youngster Tyrone Mings, with the highly-rated Ryan Fraser having done most of his transfer dealings in the summer window. Pitman was joined at Portman Road by fellow Bournemouth teammate Mick McCarthy from Barnsley was the only January addition to the Ipswich squad, with Paul Digby The loan signing of youngster
, who leads the way with nine strikes for the Club so far this season. Brett Pitman hasn't quite had the same impact this term, but still has eight League goals to date. The Irishman, who is currently on a seven-game goalless streak, has been joined up front by summer signing Daryl MurphyLast season’s Championship top scorer CLUB CONNECTIONS
City midfielder Stuart O’Keefe began his career in the Ipswich academy. After moving on back in 2007, he went on to play for Southend and Crystal Palace, before joining the Bluebirds in January 2015.
Former Cardiff man Alan Lee signed for the Tractor Boys in 2006, after a three year spell in South Wales. The striker, who scored ten League goals for the Bluebirds, joined Ipswich in January that year, and went on to have two spells at the Club. Firstly, between 2006 and 2008, where Lee found the back of the net 31 times, and then as a player-coach, before retiring in 2014.
Michael Chopra is another striker to have played for both sides. After signing from Newcastle United in 2006, Chopra hit 22 League goals in a stunning debut season at Ninian Park, before adding another 41 goals for the Bluebirds between 2008 and 2011. The lethal front-man then moved to Ipswich, where he scored 19 times in two seasons.
'Keepers Neil Alexander and Arran Lee-Barrett both also played for City and Ipswich. After making 234 appearances over a six year spell in the Welsh capital, Alexander moved on to Suffolk where he lined up between the posts on 94 occasions.
MEMORABLE MEETING
Ipswich Town 1 – 2 Cardiff City
Portman Road, 6th October 2012
Heiðar Helguson’s brace earned the Bluebirds three points from Portman Road, which propelled them back to Championship summit.
Watch goals below! Heiðar's
After spurning one golden chance, Ipswich debutant DJ Campbell opened the scoring in first-half injury time. David Martin’s excellent cross was bundled home by the former Blackpool man, who stopped still after scoring. With the officials not spotting the use of Campbell’s hand to stroke the ball over the line, the striker then broke into celebration.
Peter Whittingham came close with a half-volley in the second period, as the Bluebirds searched for an equaliser. However, it was summer signing Helguson who found the goal after 62 minutes. The Icelander capitalised on Scott Loach’s mistake, to fire City back on level terms.
With efforts from Whittingham and Andrew Taylor blocked, it seemed as though Cardiff would have to settle for a point. However, with two minutes left to play, Helguson struck again to seal the victory. Taylor’s excellent ball from the left found the striker, who had made a brilliantly timed run towards the back post. Helguson, who went on to finish the season with eight League goals, nodded home a glancing header, as the Bluebirds celebrated in front of the travelling fans.
Cardiff City: Marshall; McNaughton (Turner 90+1’), Hudson, Connolly, Taylor; Mason (Gestede 64’), Cowie, Whittingham, Noone (Conway 55’); Gunnarsson; Helguson.
Subs not used: Lewis, Kiss, Kim, Velikonja.
Ipswich Town: Loach; Edwards, Chambers, Higginbotham, Cresswell; Emmanuel-Thomas, Drury, Wellens (Luongo 73’), Murphy (Mohsni 90+1’); Martin; Campbell (Scotland 59’).
Subs not used: Lee-Barrett, Smith, Carson, Ainsley.
DON'T MISS A MOMENT
TICKETS: Online: www.eticketing.co.uk/cardiffcity Phone: 0845 345 1400
LISTEN: Supporters can listen in live on Cardiff City Player HD* for all the action from City vs Ipswich.
WATCH: Extended highlights of the match will be available to subscribers of Cardiff City Player HD*
SOCIAL: Live updates from Cardiff City Stadium will come via our official Twitter account, @CardiffCityFC.
*Search ‘Cardiff City’ on the App Store and Google Play Store to view Cardiff City Player HD on Smart Phones.
