Ipswich Town are targeting a key defensive improvement against Fulham this Saturday. The team has not kept a competitive clean sheet since Gary O'Neil took charge, a record they are determined to change at Portman Road.
Defensive struggles continue
Despite making two changes to the backline for the recent 1-0 loss at Everton, the defensive issues persisted. Christian Walton replaced Kjell Scherpen in goal, while Abdoul Ouattara came in for Jacob Greaves, with Dara O'Shea shifting to centre-back. The team, which sits 11th in the Premier League with six points, has conceded 11 goals in five games this season. They were also reduced to ten men for the final 23 minutes at Goodison Park, though they showed attacking spirit even with a numerical disadvantage.
Fulham's own pressure
The visitors arrive under significant pressure themselves. Fulham are one of only three clubs still searching for their first Premier League victory this term. Their manager, Alvaro Arbeloa, is under scrutiny, with this being only the fourth time the club has failed to win any of its opening five top-flight matches. The last time that happened, in the 2020-21 season, they were relegated. Arbeloa was recently charged with misconduct by the Football Association after criticising the officiating in their draw with Manchester United. "Every decision had gone United's way," he said.
A key home fixture
This match represents a major opportunity for both sides. Ipswich will look to build on a 1-0 behind-closed-doors friendly win over Espanyol earlier this month. Their next challenge is clear in the fixtures list, starting with Fulham's visit. A victory would give Ipswich their third league win of the campaign, a mark that took them 19 games to reach in their previous top-flight season. The match kicks off at 15:00 BST on Saturday at Portman Road.
