Tuesday Night Home Record Faces Toughest Test Against Leaders Hull

Tuesday, 23rd Feb 2016 06:00

Town’s remarkable Tuesday night home record faces its toughest test this evening when Championship leaders Hull City visit Portman Road.

The Blues have won their last 16 games at Portman Road on Tuesdays - their last loss was a 2-0 defeat to Watford three years and four days ago - but they go into this evening's match having lost their last two fixtures, away at QPR and Bristol City, and having won only once in their last six games in all competitions.

Despite that run, manager Mick McCarthy is hoping for a positive atmosphere as his ninth-placed side look to close the gap on the top six, which stretched to five points following the weekend fixtures.

“I am speaking from a pragmatic point of view really, not appealing to anybody,” he said. “I can’t imagine why anybody would want to turn out and come with a negative attitude anyway or a negative point of view.

“I know the start of the game can turn that. It’s us that can turn people who are on that fence, 50/50. It’s down to us to get the positivity back.

“But you also have to be bit forgiving in your thought process that if it doesn’t start well, give us the gee-up and maybe we can finish like we have so often this season, certainly the last few home games against Reading, Leeds and QPR when we won in the last knockings of the game.

“We’ve all got to keep going. That’s in important lesson really, it goes right to the very end.”

He added: “Me trying to jolly people along is not going to make a blind bit of difference. People either have to have a positive outlook or a negative outlook and of course if the manager says something it’ll be ‘Oh, he can say what he likes, he can dribble on…’

“We are only just outside the play-offs. We did end up in the play-offs with the last kick of the last game in the last minute of last season. So who is to say it won’t happen this time?

“We’ve had a tough time of late, on the back of losing some really good players as well. That doesn’t help. I’ve not whinged about it but it’s as obvious as the nose on my face that when you lose those kinds of players it’s going to make it difficult.

“And we have to remain positive and consistent and go into the game against Hull thinking we can beat them and get back to winning ways because I can see other teams who have had a nice little run.

“Preston have put a good run together, Derby have had a tough time, Middlesbrough have not had it all going their own way.

“It’s a matter of keeping going. And, do you know what? That’s for us and I think that’s for supporters as well.

“Yes, we all get disappointed but then when they come along on Tuesday night, come with a positive attitude and let’s hope that we can all play well and win the game.”

McCarthy has praise for the backing his side has received: “I’m not actually aware of people moaning, whinging and bitching.

“I think we’ve been supported particularly well, and probably with more tolerance than at other clubs.

“But I get the fact that when it’s not going well we all want to buck our ideas up and do better.

“We’re still in a good position to get in the play-offs. We’ve got two tough games coming up, starting with Hull and then Huddersfield away, but my mantra last season was that it will be May when it ends up and it’s going to be May this year when we’ve all had good runs and bad runs and indifferent runs, each and every one of us.

“And that will continue for the next 15 games. Let’s hope we can just start a good run on Tuesday.”

Does he believe the Blues have made progress this season? “Without me looking at the league position at this point last year and me saying we’ve made progress and somebody then saying ‘Well, actually last year you were in a worse position’, I’m not going to comment on that.

“But I think if we’ve got David McGoldrick, Bish, Ryan Fraser, Skusey and we’d have had all those all season, I think we would have continued to make progress and it’s just been a little bit up and down. But there are a lot of games to make it go back up again.”

McCarthy has been impressed by the Tigers, who were relegated from the Premier League last May after two seasons in the top flight.

“If you want me to put the kiss of death on them, I did with Middlesbrough and Derby!” he said when asked if he thinks they would go straight back up.

“I like Brucey. I hope we beat them tomorrow but they finish in the top two because he’s a mate of mine.

“I rate them very highly and bearing in mind they had a 0-0 draw with 10 changes against Arsenal in the FA Cup on Saturday, that highlights the strength in depth that they’ve got and the back-up and support that they’ve got for the first team that we’ll be playing against on Tuesday night, who are a really good side.”

McCarthy says Saturday’s draw with the Gunners at the Emirates will have told him little about the team which will line-up at Portman Road this evening.

“I didn’t watch it for that reason,” he added. “TC went, he watched the game. There were 10 changes.

“It’ll be completely the opposite, I doubt they’ll play 3-5-2 on Tuesday night, it’ll be back to their 4-4-1-1 with Mohamed Diame and Abel Hernandez up front because that was the team they rested, that’s the team that’s been playing. And they’re a damned good team.”

He added: “We’re playing a Championship team who have got players who have come out of the Premier League and have got to get back there.

“They’re not a Premier League team but they’ve maybe got the ability and the players of some Premier League teams."

McCarthy says he’s unlikely to line up his side in the 3-5-2 system he employed at the start of the 2-1 defeat at Bristol City 10 days ago.

“I can’t imagine I will, but it’s an option,” he admitted. “That had no bearing on the result of that game, to be honest with you.

“I thought it was OK, we conceded from two corner kicks, but the 3-5-2 had no bearing on that.

“But if Hull play that way I’ve got an option to change it if I needed to do it. Sometimes just to match them up and stem the tide. It’s important you can do it and be versatile.”

Reflecting on his side having conceded more goals this season - 39 - than has usually been the case since he took over as boss, he says it’s not a situation where all the goals have come in the same manner.

“I’ve been concerned all season, it’s not like us,” he continued. “We’re only plus-one in goal difference.

“I’ve looked at them. Has there been one factor in it? Has it been from the right side? No. Left side? No. Central? No. Defending corners? Not particularly. Have we been caught on the break, one-v-ones?

“We’ve had the whole lot of them that we’ve conceded. It’s not one weakness in the team that I could isolate and think, ‘We’ll fix that’. We’ve conceded from all sorts of positions.”

Making his home debut will be recent loan signing Ben Pringle, who has impressed his manager since joining the Blues a fortnight ago.

“He’s a good player Prings, I’m really pleased with him,” he said. “He’s no Ryan Fraser, but there’s not many that are, to be quite honest.

“He’s a left-sider that can play on the inside, he’s got a good left foot. I think he’s got a goal in him and he delivers great crosses.”

McCarthy hopes the opportunity to work with the players on the training field during the 10-day gap since the Bristol City match will prove to be beneficial.

“Tuseday night will tell, won’t it? It’s been beneficial in terms of getting players back. Beneficial in terms of doing some work on how we play and the shape of the team, so hopefully it is. You set out with that intention and hope it works.”

Despite the back-to-back away losses in the last two games, he believes there were positives to be taken from the second-half performances: “We’ve had two difficult games away from home, at QPR and then Bristol City.

“I think even in the second half of both games you could see that they never give up. We were at it in both games and really competitive having had two really difficult first halves.

“That’s been the story of the season. When we’ve had disappointments we’ve come back and we’ve scrapped and worked and played and done well and got results. It’ll be a tough one again on Tuesday night, but we’ll be trying.”

He added: “I would want those two second half performances for the rest of the season, the ones at QPR and Bristol City, at least more competitive and more aggressive.

“And if we get 15 performances of ‘Mick McCarthy teams’ I will accept that. Whatever the end product is, I will accept us playing with that passion and that desire and that energy and the ability that we show. When we play like that, we’re a good side.”

Reflecting on that extraordinary Tuesday night home record his side will be looking to extend this evening, he said: “I was going to say I’d put a bet on but I can’t, can I? Midweek fixtures under lights, you usually get a better atmosphere, whatever it is, it’s everywhere.

“Maybe people have finished work and been and gone and had a beer, they’re all excited, the lights, it’s just a great atmosphere. Let’s hope it works on Tuesday.”

The Blues look set to revert back to a four-man backline with skipper Luke Chambers at right-back, Jonas Knudsen on the left and Tommy Smith and Christophe Berra in the centre of the defence.

Behind them, Bartosz Bialkowski will continue in goal, while Dean Gerken will be back on the bench having recovered from his shoulder injury.

In midfield, Jonathan Douglas could take up Cole Skuse’s holding midfield role with the Bristolian out for six to eight weeks with a toe injury.

Luke Hyam will probably take the other central role with Pringle on the left and Freddie Sears on the right. Up front, 10-goal top scorer Brett Pitman seems likely to operate behind Daryl Murphy.

Having made those 10 changes for the FA Cup tie at Arsenal, Tigers boss Steve Bruce, who has a fully fit squad, is expected to return to his more usual side, although he admits that his fringe players gave him something to think about.

“The obvious one is the goalkeeper [Eldin Jakupović], but Allan McGregor hasn’t done anything wrong,” he told the Hull official site.

“The reason I made the changes at the weekend was to keep players fresh. It allowed people like [Sam] Clucas, [Robert] Snodgrass and [Jake] Livermore a chance to put their feet up for an afternoon. Let’s hope I’ve done the right thing, but I’m convinced that is the way forward.

“There were a lot of tired bodies after the effort put in at Arsenal, and we know that a footballer can play a game every day if you want them to, but it won’t be anywhere near the right intensity.

“We play on Tuesday, then Friday, then the following Thursday. We’ve got a fit and healthy squad.”

Alex Bruce, the manager's son, made 123 starts and four sub appearances for the Blues between August 2006 and August 2010, scoring three goals. He joined the Tigers in July 2012.

Midfielder Livermore was on loan with Town from Tottenham between September 2010 and January 2011 making eight starts and four sub appearances.

Hull’s second-choice keeper, Swiss international Jakupović, was briefly on trial at Playford Road in the summer of 2012 before signing a deal at the KC Stadium.

The Tigers’ first team coach Keith Bertschin was a striker with the Blues between 1973 and 1977, famously scoring a goal with his first touch in senior football after coming on as a sub in a 2-1 away win at Arsenal in April 1976. He was a member of the 1975 FA Youth Cup-winning team.

Blues winger Cameron Stewart, who is currently on loan at Doncaster, was with the Tigers between November 2010 and June 2014, initially on loan, making 47 starts and eight sub appearances, scoring two goals. The 25-year-old spent much of his time at the KC Stadium out on loan.

Historically, Hull just have the edge on the Blues having won 14 of the games between the teams (13 in the league), while Town have been victorious eight times (eight) and a further 10 (10) matches have been draws.

The Blues are without a win in eight games against the Tigers in all competitions, the East Yorkshire side having won six of them.

In October at the KC Stadium, goals from Bruce, Chuba Akpom and David Meyler saw Hull to a comfortable victory.

Sub Bruce headed the opener in the 36th minute, Akpom made it 2-0 seven minutes later and Meyler volleyed home a brilliant third on 58.

The teams last met at Portman Road in the April of Hull’s 2012/13 promotion campaign. A Town run of five games unbeaten without conceding a goal came to an end as the Tigers left Portman Road with a 2-1 victory.

The visitors were on top in the first half and went ahead from the spot through Robbie Brady after Guirane N’Daw had fouled Meyler.

The Blues were the better team after the break, sub Anthony Wordsworth grabbing his first goal for Town but Robert Koren headed a late winner for the visitors.

Fans travelling by train from the direction of London should note there will be disruption to regular services following the game.

The family of season ticket holder and former Ipswich Town Disabled FC player Peter Barkley are asking fans to stage a minute's applause in the 28th minute of tonight's game as a mark of respect.

Tonight’s referee is Brendan Malone from Wiltshire, who has shown 52 yellow cards and five red in 22 games so far this season. Malone will be taking charge of both Town and the Tigers for the first time.

Squad from: Bialkowski, Gerken, Chambers (c), Knudsen, Foley, Kenlock, Berra, Smith, Digby, Hyam, Douglas, Tabb, Bru, Pringle, Maitland-Niles, Touré, Sears, Pitman, Murphy, Varney.





Photo: Action Images

ArnieM added 07:24 - Feb 23

play some real football and all is forgiven Mick. 9

Penguinblue added 07:30 - Feb 23

Does no one ever challenge the crap MM speaks at these 'press conferences?' Probably because he has pulled our entertainment quality so low no-one cares anymore.He can't see where the goals conceded come from? Frequently from the hapless right and left back who cannot stop crosses, win one on ones and can only hoof the ball forward. From any team that attack us at speed and catch our unbalanced back for out. From our total lack of midfield and from our appalling hoofball and stupid habit of throwing the ball to the opposition from throw ins.

If MM is not aware of dissatisfaction he is deluded. He is no football manager only hoofball. Passed his sell by date.

McCarthy out. 0

iaintaylorx added 07:32 - Feb 23

Toughest game of the season. Get at them from the first whistle, and if we go 1-0 early on, pleaseeee don't play for the 1-0 MM as I believe their pressure will eventually tell, but a point against a very good Hull side will be always be worth taking. Keep our incredible Tuesday night home record going. COYB! 3

essex57 added 07:50 - Feb 23

Unfortunately Mick a minority of supporters will start out negative to justify there own sanctimonious ante owner management stance so as corporal Jones would of said stuff it up email and bring home 3 points coyb 1

Keaneish added 08:23 - Feb 23

Win or lose, I just want to see us go out and attack from the first whistle to the last and play the ball on the deck in nice little pass and move triangles with plenty of width and pace in attack and plenty of rigour and resilience at the back.



CAN YOU MANAGE THIS? Its really not that hard....



18

HarryS_H added 08:34 - Feb 23

Well said Mick, wasn't a word of this "crap" people keep accusing him of! 2

Surco72 added 09:06 - Feb 23

Well said MM I think it was really positive not to sign any players to strengthen our squad in January in case we got any injuries and to talk about Bishop and Didz returning when they have been out the whole season .

I am also positive about not changing a back four that has struggled for over a year now and was only made weaker in the summer transfer dealings and installing a second choice keeper who came in flapped about and made the whole defence look shaky , if it is not working change it .

I am really positive that in MM's whole time he has been here our defence still cannot defend set pieces and seem to be getting worse rather than better , we play people out of positions , and cannot pass to each other for more than a couple passes before we have to go long ball .

It is the managers job to get the players up for it and playing from the kick off something we do not tend to do , not the crowds 20

oldegold added 09:30 - Feb 23

Attack attack attack



3

essexboy added 09:45 - Feb 23

This is NOW our biggest game of the season.Lets just hope we can play good football and get three points. 4

ThailandBlue added 09:55 - Feb 23

Big Big game. Desperate for a win, But we do have the worst passing accuracy in the Championship. So who knows. !!! 1

muccletonjoe added 10:14 - Feb 23

I hope we keep the run going, but I honestly cannot see it happening 4

Pilgrimblue added 10:27 - Feb 23

Well MM you've had 10 days to prepare team, no Cup distractions and more players to select. But to win we need to get possession, pass and then shoot so while we might get the ball it'll be lost too quickly and unless forwards get scoring its going to be a tough game.Inspite of Tuesday form I'll be happy with draw 0

paulcooperisgod added 10:35 - Feb 23

Here come the excuses. NO AMBITION, time to go MM and ME -2

PJewellisaGod added 10:36 - Feb 23

Fingers crossed for tonight. A win and we once again challenge for a top 6 place. Really don't care about the style of football tonight as long as we win. Still think we have an outside chance of getting that 6th spot,maybe I am living in cloud cuckoo land. Wish we had Jonny Wlliams,this is the kind of game he would enjoy. 3

braveblue added 10:54 - Feb 23

Bit worrying when the manager has no idea why we are conceding so many goals. 8

essexboy added 10:58 - Feb 23

braveblue.. Square pegs in round holes come's to mind.! 6

Razor added 11:01 - Feb 23

A hotly disputed penalty in the 95th minute that wins us the game where we have been outplayed for 90mts.



Thank you and move on. 2

TimmyH added 11:18 - Feb 23

Yes this is a big game for us, WIN and it should be a boost to confidence and hopefully get back to the top 6, LOSE and free fall continues and very much doubt play-offs could be retained. Probably be a draw saying that (which will make Mick ecstatic).



Quality game please lads and as others have mentioned go for it from the off! 0

BlueKush added 11:18 - Feb 23

We've conceded so many goals because you stuck with our deputy keeper for 15 games while he was having an absolute stinker.



I'm quite optimistic about tonight, we've got a 100% home record with our first choice keeper playing. Hyam and Douglas back is also a boost, and Pringle was impressive on his debut.



We need to win tonight, we also need Murphy and Sears to start scoring again - their record this season so far has been awful.



Mick's got a point about the injuries, but these injuries are being picked up in training. And training hard is given far too much emphasis by Mick imo. 1

StowTractorBoy added 11:56 - Feb 23

Sorry Mick McCarthy I am a fan of yours but you do come out with some ridiculous statements. You know as well as any of us where the goals are conceded but fail to address the problem. I'm all for being positive but its very difficult for Town fans to be optimistic. Will be pleasantly surprised if we get a win tonight but in football you never know. 4

planetblue_2011 added 12:47 - Feb 23

You like your nose don't you Mick!!

If that is the team sheet tonight we have a chance to get at least a point.

On a positive view I'm thinking its gonna be another last gasp winner for us👍

Prediction 2.1 town 0

Spirit_of_78 added 12:47 - Feb 23

So much negativity!!!!!!! How about getting behind OUR!! team and not making cheap childish comments....? or is that too difficult for some of you on here.......?? 0

essex57 added 13:00 - Feb 23

Yes keanish let's play nice neat tippy tappy football wear the grass out in the middle of the park then oops Hull get the ball and wallop the onion bag is bulging unfortunately with the current crop of players available they are not capable of doing this so long balls from midfield or the wings are what your going to get if people were to accept that fact they might be able to get behind the team a bit more.

Before the we should of strengthened brigade pipe up its obvious with the late paying of bills the club are working to very tight budgets, to of made any difference in the last window you would of needed to buy at least 6 players so let's accept what we've got and get behind the team. -3

essex57 added 13:04 - Feb 23

Spirit of 78 I'm afraid it is -2