The battle of titans: Ipswich Town vs Everton

Everton return to action this weekend, traveling to Portman Road for the first time in 23 years to face Ipswich Town,

following the penultimate international break of the year.

Though Sean Dyche and his team will be looking to move away from the bottom parts of the Premier League table in

the coming weeks, as things stand, this is another early season six-pointer against a club that has achieved four

draws since returning to

The Blues were undoubtedly hoping to bring Jarrad Branthwaite back into the fold for this one, but it appears that it

will come perhaps a week too soon for the defender Dyche’s comments at his pre-match press conference at Finch Farm.

In midfield, however, two new injury concerns have emerged. James Garner, who stepped in well at right back

against Newcastle last time out, has experienced a recurrence of the back problem that sidelined him in late 2022,

while Tim Iroegbunam has a stress fracture in his foot that is expected to sideline him for several weeks.

Ipswich won many fans last season when they were promoted from the championship, playing an expansive and

possession-based style under Kieran McKenna.

The Northern Irishman has not deviated from those beliefs now that he is in charge of his team in the Premier

League, but it remains to be seen whether he has the talent to retain the East Anglian club in the top flight.

He has a formidable marksman in Liam Delap, who has already turned heads with his goal total, and he will be the

main threat that Everton must contain if they are to win this Saturday.