With the second international break of the season coming to an end, Ipswich Town will be looking to pick up from where they left off as they prepare to return to league action.

Paul Lambert's side have enjoyed a hugely impressive start to the season, and currently lead the way in the Sky Bet League One table after 11 league games.

The Tractor Boys sit four points clear of second placed Wycombe Wanderers with a game in hand on the Chairboys, and look like real promotion contenders already.

For a side that have conceded only five goals in League One this season, there is very little for Town to improve on as they look to make an immediate return to the Championship.

But there is still such a long way to go this season, and Ipswich are only natural - they have their strengths or weaknesses like any side gunning for promotion.

Here, we take a look at two strengths and two weaknesses of Ipswich right now...

Strength: Their ability to score goals

 

Ipswich have one of the most dangerous strike partnerships in the division in Kayden Jackson and James Norwood.

In all competitions, the pair have scored 11 goals between them thus far, but they also have goals coming from every area of the pitch.

Jon Nolan has netted twice, and wing-backs Kane Vincent-Young and Luke Garbutt have also got amongst the goals.

Having two prolific forwards is very important, but having goals coming from every area of the pitch is beneficial. If Jackson and Norwood have an off-day, they have players who can step up to the plate.

Strength: Their defensive record

 

As well as scoring plenty of goals, Ipswich's defensive record in League One this season has been outstanding.

The Tractor Boys have conceded only five times this season - Burton Albion are second in the goals conceded table, shipping only four more goals than Lambert's side.

Luke Chambers, Luke Wolfenden and James Wilson have formed a solid understanding in defence, with Toto Nsiala also waiting in the wings for his chance.

No-one really comes close to them when it comes to keeping balls out of the net, and if they keep that up, they won't be far off promotion this season.

Weakness: Putting games to bed

Ipswich are yet to lose a game in League One so far this season and have won eight of their first 11 games, but they need to get better at putting games to bed before it comes back to bite them.

They have been grinding out wins away from home of late, and almost squandered a late lead against Fleetwood Town last time out, being reduced to ten men as well as missing a penalty.

They have won 1-0 four times this season, and they need to get better and securing a win before it's too late.

Weakness: Fighting the right blend in midfield

Ipswich have plenty of talented options in the middle of the park, and naturally, Lambert has used that to full effect this season.

The likes of Cole Skuse and Andre Dozzell add defensive steel to the midfield, whilst Jon Nolan and Alan Judge add flair and guile going forward.

But the Tractor Boys have tried out plenty of different partnerships in the middle of the park, both at home and away, and it could be worth starting to build some cohesion between the right midfield trio.

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