McKenna can make Delap even more unplayable by unleashing Ipswich star
Ipswich Town will be looking to gain their first Premier League victory of the season this afternoon when Sean Dyche’s Everton visit Portman Road.
Kieran McKenna’s side come into the encounter off the back of a 4-1 defeat away at West Ham United before the international break – looking to right the wrongs of the loss which saw the Tractor Boys suffer their third loss of the season.
As for the Toffees, they come into the meeting after a 0-0 draw with Newcastle United at Goodison Park, a solid point as they aim to turn around their early season form which has seen just one win so far.
Ahead of the clash, the two sides are separated by just a single point, with the fixture a huge opportunity for either team to claim a crucial win in their hopes of securing their top-flight status for another season.
However, if McKenna’s side are to come away with all three points this afternoon, one player will have to be on top form to continue his excellent start to the new campaign.
Liam Delap’s stats so far this season
After joining from Manchester City in a deal rising to £20m, Liam Delap certainly raised eyebrows, with his transfer fee seemingly rather hefty given his lack of Premier League experience.
Before his transfer to East Anglia, the 21-year-old had never started a top-division game before, only making a handful of appearances off the bench during his time at the Etihad.
however, the centre-forward has taken to the challenge like a duck to water, settling seamlessly into life as a Premier League player at Portman Road.
Delap has already notched four league goals in his first seven appearances, with the striker scoring three in his last two appearances, which includes a double over current Champions League side Aston Villa – securing a 2-2 draw with Unai Emery’s outfit.
His goals have already been crucial to the Tractor Boys so far in 2024/25, with his efforts continuing to be pivotal if they want to avoid an immediate return to the Championship.
The youngster could be aided in his attempts by one player who deserves a recall to the starting lineup for the clash this afternoon.
The man who could make Delap unplayable vs Everton
Forward Sammie Szmodics hasn’t started any of the last two league meetings for Ipswich, only being utilised as a substitute in the games against Villa and West Ham.
