Mick McCarthy’s options have been bolstered by a return to fitness for two of his most important attacking players.
Ipswich Town’s David McGoldrick (C) celebrates
Ipswich Town boss Mick McCarthy has told the club’s official website that Jonny Williams and David McGoldrick are both back in contention ahead of his side’s visit to table-topping Newcastle United this weekend.
The Tractor Boys make the long trip north looking for a first win at St James’ Park since 1978, and their chances of leaving with a positive result have been improved by the availability of the influential attacking duo.
Ipswich Town manager Mick McCarthy
“Jonny [Williams] and Didz [David McGoldrick] have both trained today and trained well,” McCarthy said. “They will be available for the weekend and Dougie [Jonathan Douglas] is okay as well.”
Both Williams and McGoldrick have hardly appeared this season due to injuries, with the Welshman making his seasonal bow for the final five minutes at Blackburn last weekend and McGoldrick absent in the league since scoring against Barnsley on the opening day.
Williams is in his fourth loan spell at Portman Road having being sent out by his parent club Crystal Palace again despite impressing during his country’s excellent run to the Euro 2016 semi-finals in the summer.
Wales’ Jonathan Williams in action with Northern Ireland’s Jonny Evans
The returning duo need to hit the ground running for Ipswich, who have struggled in front of goal this season. The Suffolk outfit have scored just 10 goals in their opening 13 games, and entertainment has been at a premium for the Town faithful thus far.
The Tractor Boys mean defence will be tested against Rafael Benitez’s free-scoring side. No Championship team has conceded fewer than Ipswich’s nine league goals this season, but the Magpies are the highest scorers in the division and boast a striker in irresistible form.
Dwight Gayle celebrates scoring for Newcastle
Dwight Gayle has scored seven goals in his last four Championship outings for Newcastle, and will provide a stern test to McCarthy’s side at St James’ Park.
In other Town team news, midfielder Cole Skuse is doubtful after limping off in the midweek win over Burton, while McCarthy admitted the match may come too soon for another of his attacking options.
“Luke Varney trained as well and we will see how he is tomorrow,” he said. “It may be too early for him.”
Can Ipswich spring a surprise at St James’? Or will Newcastle claim another victory? Leave your predictions below.
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