Ipswich Town
Preview: Col U – Town
By Aston
April 4 2008
Town could condemn Colchester United to life in League One next season, if they can beat the U's at Layer Road tomorrow afternoon.
Town will face the leakiest defence in the division tomorrow without Pablo Counago who is suspended, Jon Walters who is injured and possibly Shefki Kuqi who is carrying a hamstring injury. David Norris is also a doubt with a heel injury while Tommy Miller and Dean Bowditch are fit enough to play if Magilton needs them.
Possible Town squad: Bywater, Simpson, Bruce, De Vos, Sito, Haynes, Sumulikoski, Garvan, Quinn, Lee, Rhodes, Colgan, Wright, Williams, Roberts, Trotter, Miller, Harding, Norris, Kuqi.
Town manager Jim Magilton: "George's character will see them through whatever lies ahead.
"If they do get relegated, he's certainly the man to bring them back up.
"There's absolutely no question of that.
"The club are on the threshold of something very big.
"They've got a fantastic new ground on the way, they're very much on the up and he would definitely deserve the chance to get them back in the Championship."
"If Colchester were to go down, there would be parallels with what happened to us.
"George has probably found out more about himself and his team this year than last.
"What happened then was fantastic because they were potential play-off contenders and up there on merit.
"It was always going to be difficult to replicate that but they're not down yet and, if they were to beat us, it would give them a glimmer of hope."
Teddy Sheringham misses the game with a foot injury so Scott Vernon could make a U's appearance, Pat Baldwin and Clive Platt are both doubts while Medy Elito is fit again after a claf injury.
Possible Col U squad: Gerken, Ifil, Coyne, White, Duguid, Hammond, Jackson, Elito, Lisbie, Platt, Cousins, Balogh, Virgo, Izzett, Vernon, McLeod, Guttridge.
Colchester boss Geraint Williams: "He (Magilton) is a winner and wants to succeed, I'm pleased for him and the fact he has been given some funds this year, which he has spent well and that has made a big difference.
"Hopefully it will be a full house and it will be a great atmosphere.
"I love derby matches because I love intense games.
"We have to make sure we end the last derby at Layer Road with a win."
Match odds:
Town: 5/4
Draw: 5/2
Col U: 2/1
Referee: Andy D'Urso (Essex)
Got a prediction for the game? Leave it below.
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