Match Preview | Cardiff City vs. Ipswich Town
Cardiff City welcome Ipswich Town to Cardiff City Stadium on Saturday afternoon, 12.30pm KO.
OPPOSITION FOCUS | IN THE DUGOUT
Ipswich Town’s manager is Kieran McKenna, who has been in the role since December 16th, 2021.
McKenna started out as a youth coach at Tottenham Hotspur, Leicester City and Nottingham Forest, whilst also spending two months as a guest coach at Vancouver Whitecaps in Canada.
The Tractor Boys boss was then named Head of Academy Performance Analysis at Spurs, going on to coach a range of age grade teams at the club, including the U18 side.
Guiding the young Spurs to the Semi-Final of the FA Youth Cup during his spell in charge, McKenna left for the same role at Manchester United.
After leading the Red Devils’ U18 side to the Premier League Northern Division title, McKenna held a role in the First Team coaching staff as José Mourinho’s assistant manager, also working in the role under Ole Gunnar Solskjær and Ralf Rangnick.
Moving to Ipswich Town as manager in 2021, McKenna has since had success with the Tractor Boys, leading the club to promotion to the Championship at the end of last season.
Since his appointment, McKenna has a win percentage of 57.9%, having won 70 of his 121 games in charge.
OPPOSITION FOCUS | SEASON SO FAR
It’s been an impressive season for Ipswich Town so far, who currently sit second in the Sky Bet Championship table.
The side have kept up the pace with league leaders Leicester City for much of their first campaign back in the second tier.
McKenna’s men arrive in the Welsh capital in form, having picked up 18 points from their last six fixtures, seeing them place top of the form table.
Last time out, the Tractor Boys hosted Bristol City and claimed a dramatic 3-2 win, with Leif Davis (pictured) netting an 89th minute winner.
In terms of their away form, they have recorded 35 points on their travels this season, a record that ranks second in the division.
OPPOSITION FOCUS | KEY PLAYERS
Ipswich Town’s top scorer in all competitions this season is Conor Chaplin.
The attacker has netted 12 goals this campaigh and had adapted to life in the second tier admirably.
Chaplin has also contributed with seven assists, whilst averaging a goal every 253 minutes.
Wales international Nathan Broadhead has netted 11 goals this term, as he has 0.48 goals per 90, averaging a goal every 189 minutes.
In their most recent fixture against Bristol City, Chaplin found the net, as he equalised in the 80th minute, prior to Davis' winner.
CLUB CONNECTION | ANDY LEGG
During a fantastic career, Andy Legg represented both the Bluebirds and the Tractor Boys.
After spells at Swansea City and Notts County, the defender signed for Birmingham City, leading to him going out on loan to Ipswich Town.
During his time at Portman Road, Legg impressed manager George Burley, who attempted to sign him on a permanent deal.
In 1998, the left-back joined the Bluebirds and became a hugely popular figure with the fanbase.
Legg was part of the side that earned promotion in both 1999 and 2001, as well as winning the Second Division Play-Off Final in 2003.
The defender ended his City spell with 209 appearances, scoring 15 goals.