Cardiff aim to make it three wins in a row for the first time since February 2021 as they face Kieran McKenna's Ipswich at Portman Road.
The Opposition:
Ipswich have enjoyed life back in the Championship as they have won three of their four opening games, meaning they lie 6th in the Championship coming into this fixture. The Tractor Boys have recruited well this summer with the additions of Jack Taylor from Peterborough, Brandon Williams from Manchester United, George Hirst from Leicester, Omari Hutchinson from Chelsea, Cieran Slicker from Manchester City and Dane Scarlett from Tottenham.
Kieran McKenna tries to give the game a little pause, to dominate possession more and for his players to notice much better what is in front of them and decide whether to retain the ball, move it to one side or dynamize possessions. With the ball, Ipswich put together a kind of 4-2-3-1, with a more inverted winger over the left and another who goes deeper and reaches the last line with penetrating carries and controls - normally Wes Burns. The first passes are extremely important for the team since they are the ones that generate the attractions and the first movements so that creativity is completely released a few seconds later. Ipswich Town have also proven to be an active team in the recovery. The defensive positioning of their players wins a lot of balls through interceptions - after that, they look to break the lines with through passes.
Ipswich are still in the market heading into Deadline Day having been heavily linked with Leeds forward Joe Gelhardt.
The Bluebirds:
Cardiff come into this game on the back of two victories. A change of system midweek saw The Bluebirds blow away Birmingham City 3-1 in the second round of the Carabao Cup. A clinical attacking performance impressed supporters, something they'll look to take into Saturday's fixture.
It's unlikely The Bluebirds will have much possession, something which has previously suited them. Some of Cardiff's best work this season has come on the counter-attack, something that will be key this weekend. Ipswich have conceded five goals in their last two games so Cardiff need to exploit the Tractor Boys' defence if they're to come away with anything from Portman Road.
Question marks hang above The Bluebirds Deadline Day. The Bluebirds have been heavily linked with both Kieffer Moore and Jonathan Panzo but whether either player actually make the move is unknown at the moment, as both have plenty of interest from other clubs.
Team News:
Cardiff City - Saturday comes too soon for winger Josh Bowler. Callum O'Dowda has a problem with his tendon, so he's expected to be on the sidelines for two to three weeks. No further problems for The Bluebirds.
Ipswich Town - Tractor Boys shot-stopper Christian Walton is expected to be out. Janoi Donacien is in line for a return following a spell out. George Hirst's availability is unknown.
Preferred XI:
GK - Jak Alnwick
LB - Jamilu Collins
LCB - Mark McGuinness
RCB - Dimitrios Goutas
RB - Perry Ng
RDM - Manolis Siopis
LDM - Joe Ralls
CAM - Aaron Ramsey
RW - Callum Robinson
LW - Karlan Grant
ST - Ike Ugbo
Prediction:
Ipswich Town 2-2 Cardiff City
I could see a fair few goals on Saturday. Both teams have had their defensive struggles but both have shown they're capable of scoring. I could see a similar game to Leeds where The Bluebirds hot with two in quick succession but Ipswich will claw it back late on.
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