How Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker feel about Ipswich’s Premier League survival chances
Ipswich Town have returned to the Premier League this season after a 22-year absence.
A Premier League opener against Arne Slot’s Liverpool, followed by a trip to eight-time champions Manchester City, it has been a difficult start for Ipswich Town to say the least.
After failing to pick up a point in their first two outings, Kieran Mckenna’s side got their first points on the board last weekend in a 1-1 draw with Fulham.
Being written off many at the start of the season, the Tractor Boys have shown some promise in their first three games – taking the lead away at the Etihad and nearly bagging three points against an experienced Marco Silva side.
Currently sat one place above the drop zone, the Tractor Boys would undoubtedly bite anyone’s hand off for a 17th place finish come May.
Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker’s positive Ipswich prediction
Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer have recently honed in on Ipswich’s survival hopes, with the pair providing a positive outlook for supporters.
Speaking on the latest edition of ‘The Rest Is Football‘ podcast, Lineker analysed Ipswich’s chances of staying up compared to other promoted sides.
“I think Kieran McKenna has done an amazing job. Achieving double promotions is a very difficult thing to do and to try then and adapt to the Premier League.
“They have supported him, they have spent a few quid as promoted clubs have to do to stand any sort of chance to stay up. I think of the three promoted teams I’ve watched so far, including my own club Leicester, I think they (Ipswich) look the most likely so far.
Lineker’s podcast co-host, Shearer, then added his opinion – revealing he agrees with his fellow former England international.
“Their season started last weekend didn’t it really. The first two Liverpool and City were a ridiculously hard start for them. I agree with you, in terms of what I’ve seen in the first three games, despite who they have played against, I would give them the best chance of surviving.
What next for Ipswich Town?
Kieran Mckenna’s side have a big month ahead of them after the international break. The Tractor Boys travel to third-placed Brighton on September 14th, followed by a gigantic clash against Southampton on the 21st, which could have huge implications on their survival hopes come May.
The term ‘relegation six-pointer’ isn’t often used only a month into the season, but with the Saints failing to pick up a point so far – both sides will be desperate to get one over their relegation rivals.
Ipswich end the month by hosting Champions League new boys Aston Villa, which will likely be a tough clash at Portman Road.
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