It’s been noticeable in recent weeks that Joey Barton has sought to realign expectations ever so slightly regarding Bristol Rovers’ place in League One.
Whether that be a result of the transfer window, or the start to the Gas’ season, Barton has been increasingly more modest and realistic in his outlook for his team over the first half of the season, at least.
Tonight’s clash at Ipswich Town should provide ample evidence as to how much of that is well-placed, while in a pure visceral sense it will be another reminder of the size of some of the clubs Rovers now rival in this division.
With the Tractor Boys’ average attendance this season at just under 25,000, and their transfer spending over the last 12 months befitting of a Championship club, and a high-end one at that, they will be strong favourites to continue their unbeaten start to the campaign.
For greater insight on what Rovers will be up again tonight, we spoke to Ipswich writer Andy Warren of the East Anglian Daily Times, for his assessment of the season so far...
After a couple of seasons of not meeting expectations, Ipswich have made a great start to the campaign. Early days, but do you think this is the year they get the job done and return to the Championship?
The early signs are certainly good. The team’s playing well and it does feel like Kieran McKenna and Mark Ashton have built a squad with the strength required to get the job done.
At Ipswich, though, we know a lightning start can sometimes mean very little. Paul Lambert’s Town were top of the table in the early weeks of their first two seasons in League One, before collapsing horribly and falling away, finishing well adrift on both occasions.
It does feel like this year’s team is built on solid foundations, though.
Has there been a noticeable shift in mood around the club after the good start?
Not so much a shift, more a continuation of a rising wave of optimism. It began last April, when the club was bought by American owners, and it’s been positive ever since. Yes, last season’s finish was extremely disappointing but, off the pitch, the club made huge strides.
Then, once McKenna arrived, it became clear the football was heading in the right direction too. The fast start has just been a welcome confirmation of what we thought we already knew.
What sort of impression has manager Kieran McKenna made and what style of football has he implemented?
In short, a very good one. He’s calm, considered and communicates with supporters very well.
On the pitch, his football is good to watch. McKenna’s Ipswich like to dominate possession and exploit weaknesses in opposition, with some clever flexibilities within the team helping to create an extra man at times in the final third. That makes them dangerous.
He’s upgraded in some important positions over the summer and has a strong squad, capable of challenging.
Who are the biggest threats that Rovers need to be wary of at Portman Road?
There are a few, but right now I’ll go with the two sharp-shooters behind the central striker. Conor Chaplin and Marcus Harness have 10 goals between them already this season and are playing with so much confidence.
They are both capable of scoring from tight situations and can’t be given room on the edge of the penalty area. They can be lethal from there.
Are there any weaknesses from the opening seven games that Rovers could try to target?
If you’re being picky, you would say that Ipswich haven’t really found the answer in the No.9 position yet this season.
Freddie Ladapo is the senior figure there and is contributing well to the team, but has only scored one Papa John’s Trophy goal so far.
Kayden Jackson and Gassan Ahadme are also in the mix there, with McKenna needing a few more goals from his strikers at some point.
How are Ipswich likely to line up and are there any players who will be unavailable through injury or suspension for Tuesday’s game?
Likely line-up (3-4-2-1): Walton; Donacien, Woolfenden, Edmundson; Burns, Morsy, Evans, Davis; Chaplin, Harness; Ladapo
Injuries: Ipswich are pretty healthy at the moment. Sone Aluko is a missing piece. He’s out for several weeks with a knee injury. Panutche Camara and Cameron Humphreys will also miss out.
Finally, your prediction?
I’ll go for a comfortable 2-0 home win.
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