Ipswich Town: Alex Jones’ strongest XI ahead of first summer signing
Alex Jones takes a look at what their strongest starting lineup would be if the season started tomorrow.
Alex Palmer
beginning in goal, where there are many choices. Next season, Alex Palmer will undoubtedly be in the starting lineup.
The 28-year-old, who won the Golden Glove with West Brom in the 2023–24 season, has continuously played at the level. He should be among the top goalkeepers in the Championship because he is a safe stopper.
With Cieran Slicker in dire need of a loan stint and Aro Muric’s future uncertain, hopefully Christian Walton will be there to back him.
Ben Johnson
This one has been the big question mark for a while.
Will Axel Tuanzebe stay? Will he go? Ultimately, it’s the latter – a move to Burnley completed on Thursday night. He’s a big miss, despite his injury issues, but I’m honestly not that worried about his exit.
I have a lot of faith in Ben Johnson, who I think deserves to be the starting right-back next season. Yes, there have been some concerns about him in a deeper role in the Premier League, but he’s now in the Championship. I think he’ll be more than fine defensively, offering real quality going forward.
With Harry Clarke supporting him after his loan spell at Sheffield United, I don’t think Town will need to recruit, but there are plenty of options if they decide to do so.
Dara O’Shea
Associated with Wolves, Burnley, and Leeds United? Thank you, none of that. Dara O’Shea is not going anywhere. a new five-year contract that will keep him in the Championship with Town.
That’s thrilling. He has been able to secure Premier League transfers following prior relegations for a reason. After playing consistently for Ipswich in the top level, he will now play in the second division for the first time since 2022–2023.
Luke Woolfenden can fill in at right-sided centre-back when needed, and he will be a reliable starter and the team’s backup captain when Morsy isn’t playing.
Jacob Greaves
Ipswich is lacking in left-footed centre backs now that Cameron Burgess has left, but Jacob Greaves will be the team’s top pick in that position no matter what happens during the transfer window.
He had a mixed Premier League season the previous season, looking a touch out of step in the middle but excelling at the start and finish. The 24-year-old was nominated to the Team of the Season the previous time he played at this level, but this is the Championship.
In the second tier, his and O’Shea’s alliance ought to be unshakeable. They would be the starting lineup if the season began tomorrow, and I don’t see that changing very soon.
Leif Davis
Yes, Leif Davis didn’t have a great season in the Premier League like many of us expected, but he certainly wasn’t disastrous and now finds himself back in the Championship.
He’s spoken before about perhaps needing another year at this level, and he now looks set for that. Don’t forget, his last second-tier campaign saw him register 18 assists from left-back.
With Conor Townsend supporting him and Greaves able to move over if required, this area of the pitch should be good to go heading into the new season.
Sam Morsy
Although it is now the worst part of the pitch, Ipswich’s skipper undoubtedly makes the strongest lineup. Nevertheless, I think this midfield combination would still be adequate in the Championship.
One half is made up of Sam Morsy. He has generally been outstanding and reliable, however there have been moments when the Premier League’s energy made him appear a little out of step.
Rumours of a possible summer departure have surfaced, but I don’t see it happening. Even if he needs a few additions to support him, he will be the one to guide Town into the 2025–2026 campaign.
Jack Taylor
On this team, Jack Taylor starts next to him. With Cameron Humphreys as the sole realistic option following his successful loan stint at Wycombe Wanderers, there is obviously a lack of depth at the moment, but in my opinion, this would still be a solid partnership.
Even after two seasons at Ipswich, Taylor hasn’t had a string of reliable starts. Since signing in the summer of 2023, he has displayed some signs of true quality, and I think that a few more minutes will enable him to reach his full potential.
There will be competition for him, but people shouldn’t be writing him off at this stage. He’s got a lot left to give.
Omari Hutchinson
For the time being, I will exclude Wes Burns and Chiedozie Ogbene, who are both injured. While the latter will most likely be sidelined for some time, it is unclear if the former will be healthy enough to appear on opening day.
The striker’s backup is Omari Hutchinson, who can play wherever. I admire his turn of pace out wide, but I believe Kieran McKenna views him more as a no. 10. It’s really challenging to defend against.
He will be among the top players in the division if he continues with Town. But according to reports, top teams are interested, particularly after his impressive performances at Euro U21.
Sammie Szmodics
Sammie Szmodics should not be overlooked. Despite his extended absence, he brings something to the table that I don’t believe any other Ipswich player can match.
With 27 goals in his final full season at the level, he demonstrated his abilities in the Premier League and now appears ready to do so in the Championship. Will he wind up through the middle in 2025–2026 after being played on the left the previous season?
The 29-year-old has reportedly drawn interest, but I believe he will remain where he is. Next season, he ought to start every game for the Blues.
Jack Clarke
Jack Clarke’s Premier League career didn’t work out. He was occasionally absorbed by a new league, club, and system. Insufficient bursts of brilliance were present. We should witness a completely different animal at the championship level.
The former Sunderland player has shown to be one of the best in the second division. When he played for Coventry City in the FA Cup, we were able to witness it ourselves. It’s time for him to demonstrate this during Town’s 46-game season.
There was a slightly odd link with PSV Eindhoven at the end of last season, but like Szmodics, Clarke should be staying put, and that’s exciting. Having him, Jaden Philogene and Nathan Broadhead as options on that flank is mouth-watering.
George Hirst
There are two strikers available. Despite prior connections to Burnley and Leeds United, George Hirst is the obvious choice to start at the front of the queue next season.
After Liam Delap’s £30 million departure to Chelsea, Hirst will feel sure that he can fill the large shoes. When healthy, he excelled in the Premier League and is currently a senior Scotland international.
Ali Al-Hamadi won’t be able to support Hirst alone, thus more depth will be required. However, a lot of supporters obviously believe George has what it takes to start as the team’s striker the next season. Preventing injuries will be crucial.
My full as it stands XI
4-2-3-1: Palmer; Johnson, O’Shea, Greaves, Davis; Morsy, Taylor; Hutchinson, Szmodics, J. Clarke; Hirst
Read more news on https://www.sportupdates.co.uk/
Leave a Reply