Football: Ipswich to see off City in a thriller.
Byline: PAUL JOHNSONIPSWICH are back to something like the form that earned them fifth place in last season's Premiership, and that could spell the end of Manchester City's FA Cup dream at Portman Road tomorrow night.
After an inconsistent start to life back in the First Division, when Kevin Keegan and his players were still getting to know each other, City are now threatening to run away with the title and, although they are competing in what is essentially a very weak section, they are looking far better equipped to mix it with the big boys than they were when going up under Joe Royle.
It's no disrespect to Royle's achievements to say any observer from an eyrie in the Kippax Street will tell you that the two sides are as different as chalk and cheese. Nowadays there is far more movement from the City players, who are profiting from the skill and vision of midfielders Eyal Berkovic and Ali Benarbia.
Up front the speedy Darren Huckerby gets the chance to show his worth again alongside the fabled Goat, while the bundle of energy that is Shaun Wright-Phillips is also capable of causing problems.
But there is no hard evidence yet of how well City will cope when confronted with better quality opposition. Keegan was furious when he felt their Worthington Cup tie at Blackburn in November was ruined by the dismissal of Christian Negouai midway through a goalless first half, so it would be unwise to place too much store on the Blues' 2-0 defeat.
A few weeks ago betting against Ipswich in a match like this would have made sound sense, but George Burley's side turned the corner with a 2-1 at Tottenham just before Christmas and have won five of their six matches since.
Town have scored 20 goals in their last seven games, which suggests City's defence will have to be on top form. Marcus Stewart has been back in action for the last three victories and his partnership with Marcus Bent promises to inflict serious damage on defences for the rest of the campaign.
Wresting midfield control will be the key to Town's prospects and they may find a useful line of attack down City's right flank, where Wright-Phillips' defensive qualities could be severely tested.
City rarely fail to score when they keep a full complement of players on the pitch, but
Ipswich could outgun them in what has all the makings of a thoroughly entertaining cup tie.
Recommendations
Ipswich
5pts 10-11 (Ladbrokes, Det Direct)
Ipswich win 3-2 correct score
1pt 28-1 (Coral, Super Soccer, Tote)
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| Title Annotation: | Sports |
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| Publication: | The Racing Post (London, England) |
| Date: | Jan 26, 2002 |
| Words: | 432 |
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