Spurs under 21’s versus Ipswich Town: (match preview)

(This photograph is from Tottenham Hotspur FC).

Our development sides EFL trophy adventure begins tomorrow night when they take on league one side Ipswich Town at Portman Road, in their first group game of this seasons competition. After the exertions of Friday nights thrilling 2-2 draw with Chelsea in the PL2, Wayne Burnett’s side will be eager to face Ipswich Town in Tuesday’s exciting fixture in front of a big crowd at Portman Road. However, Spurs will be without at least 11 players for tomorrow’s game due to injuries and international call ups. Important players such as Paris Maghoma, Jamie Bowden and Dilan Markanday will all be missing. High flying Ipswich Town who are managed by Paul Lambert will be a difficult side to get a result against. Some players to look out for in tomorrow’s game include inform strikers Kayden Jackson and James Norwood. Young creative midfielder Andre Dozzell, experienced central midfielder Cole Skuse and pacy left back Luke Garbutt are some other players to look out for. I watched Ipswich once this season when I was watching Spurs loanee Anthony Georgiou (Anthony is unavailable for tomorrow’s game as he is away with Cyprus on international duty), and what I was struck by was the ‘ Tractor Boys ‘ desire to play with width. And during that game against AFC Wimbledon which they won 2-1, Ipswich loved to pump the ball into the oppositions danger zone, so that it something that the Spurs defence will have to be mindful of tomorrow night. Ipswich also like to play long and if either the physical James Norwood or Will Keane are playing then they could cause problems for the young Spurs defence. Tomorrow’s game will be a very tough one against Ipswich who are top of league one however, the passion and work rate of our young lads will once again stand them in good stead in this competition this season. After all they did manage to get out of the group stages of this competition last season. I would like to wish Wayne Burnett’s young side all the very best of luck for tomorrow nights match. I strongly believe that they can get a result against the ‘ Tractor Boys ‘.

My predicted lineup: (4-2-3-1) Austin, Okedina, Eyoma (c), Lyons-Foster, Hinds, White, Oakley-Boothe, Clarke, Shashoua, Patterson, Richards.

Subs from: De Bie, Dinzeyi, Lusala, Michael Craig, Whittaker, Cooper, Etete.

Injured/unavailable: Dennis Cirkin, Malachi Walcott, Luis Binks, J’Neil Bennett, Maxwell Statham, Maximus Tainio, Jamie Bowden, Paris Maghoma, Dilan Markanday, Jeremie Mukendi, Elliot Thorpe. 

Doubtful: Nile John, Maurizio Pochettino, Japhet Tanganga, Troy Parrott, Shilow Tracey (I am unsure whether he is still eligible for this competition).

My score prediction: 2-2.

Previous meeting: N/A.

My one to watch: The ‘ Tractor Boys ‘ extremely physical centre forward James Norwood. The top scorer in league one this season with five goals, Norwood’s experience and physicality will be a lot for the Spurs defence to deal with tomorrow night if he plays.