Heading into October’s international break, the mood at Portman Road will be positive, with Ipswich Town seemingly on course to challenge for a place in the Sky Bet Championship’s top-six this season.
Last time out, Ipswich suffered a disappointing defeat to Bristol City, who handed McCarthy’s side a 3-1 defeat at an expectant Portman Road.
Ipswich currently sit eighth, just two points outside the play-offs, with a game in hand – leaving McCarthy’s side in an extremely strong position heading into October.
Following this week’s international break, Ipswich face a difficult trip to Bramall Lane to face Sheffield United, who themselves have enjoyed a fantastic start to the season, which sees the Blades sit third.
Chris Wilder’s side will look to attack on home soil, and here at FLW, we have looked at a key change McCarthy could make to his starting XI to combat their threat, whilst also leaving Ipswich with enough attacking intent to punish the Blades.
We believe that Bersant Celina needs to drop out of the side, with £675k-rated Tom Adeyemi coming back into the starting XI, to add a more physical presence to Ipswich’s central midfield alongside Cole Skuse and Tristan Nydam.
Tightening things up with a competitive midfield will also give Ipswich’s attack more licence to cause Sheffield United problems at Bramall Lane.
The attacking trio of David McGoldrick, Joe Garner and Martyn Waghorn have been key to Ipswich’s success this year, and if McCarthy’s side want a positive result in South Yorkshire, the trio will have to be at their best.
Whilst they will still have defensive duties, a solid central midfield playing behind the attack, should give the likes of McGoldrick, Garner, Waghorn or even Freddie Sears the freedom to make an impact.
Ipswich Town fans… Let us know your thoughts!