McKenna Finds Positives in Absence of Good Friday Game
Ipswich Town begin a crucial run of eight matches with Monday’s fixture. The club sit level with Middlesbrough and Millwall in a tight battle for second place.
Fixture congestion and scheduling changes
The final weeks feature eight games in 27 days. Ipswich also hold two games in hand on some promotion rivals.
Portsmouth away was postponed twice by weather. That tie will now be played a week on Tuesday.
The trip to Southampton was moved from Good Friday. Southampton’s FA Cup progress forced the change.
Impact on travel and recovery
The rearrangements mean three away games in the last four fixtures. Charlton, West Brom and Southampton come in close succession.
The sequence includes three away matches across six days. Manager Kieran McKenna called the run a significant test.
Injuries, internationals and squad freshness
Several players returned from international duty. Dara O’Shea, Jack Taylor, Anis Mehmeti, George Hirst and Elkan Baggott rejoined training.
The extra rest days could help injured attackers Wes Burns and Marcelino Nunez. Nunez would likely not have been fit for a Good Friday match.
McKenna’s take on the reshuffle
McKenna accepted there was nothing to be done about the calendar. He emphasised the benefits of players getting extra recovery time.
Filmogaz.com editors noted that McKenna Finds Positives in Absence of Good Friday Game when he highlighted those silver linings.
Form, early season context and key moments
Ipswich endured a slow start but have since stabilised. They are currently unbeaten in seven league matches, with four wins and three draws.
The team lost 5-3 away at Wrexham earlier in the season. That defeat was followed by the current unbeaten run.
Opening day replay with Birmingham City
The campaign opened at St Andrew’s, a Friday night fixture against Birmingham City. Birmingham took the lead through Jay Stansfield.
George Hirst levelled with a late penalty deep into stoppage time. The match ended 1-1 and featured heated clashes after the final whistle.
Looking ahead
Every remaining match carries weight, McKenna stressed. The upcoming derby at Norwich City adds extra importance.
With fixtures arriving thickly, squad rotation and recovery will be crucial. Ipswich aim to keep momentum in the promotion race.
