Ipswich Town

Graeme McLoughlin
BBC Radio Suffolk sports editor

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For the second time this season, Ipswich Town head into an international break with a somewhat flat feeling.

Despite encouraging wins over Sunderland and Crystal Palace, defeat at Everton in mid-September dampened early-season optimism a little.

Fast forward a few weeks and the euphoria that came with another injury-time winner against Fulham (followed up with a spirited and battling display at Manchester City) has been hit by recent results, and to some extent performances, against Hull City and Bournemouth.

Town are not playing badly, but they are conceding some really bad goals, and it is costing them.

Manager Gary O'Neil has told us he doesn't see there being an issue with team structure at the moment. He feels there is a good balance between defence and attack. I tend to agree.

He has also told us that, over the course of a season, the amount of goals you concede will impact on where you end up. Again, we're aligned. History will tell you that conceding an average of two goals per game in the Premier League is likely to prove fatal in the end.

Prior to kick-off last weekend, O'Neil was asked about his side's lack of a clean sheet this season. His response was that it hasn't given him a cause for major concern. For me, though, one can't come soon enough.

The frustrating thing for Ipswich is that they are not being routinely outplayed. In fact, there have been plenty of occasions this season when they have looked competitive for long periods against good sides.

Too often, however, one lapse in concentration, one misplaced pass or one failure to deal with a seemingly innocuous situation has undone much of the good work.

Right now, Ipswich's biggest problem is not what opponents are doing to them, but what they are doing to themselves.

Subscribe to the Ipswich Town page on BBC Sounds and listen below to hear Ipswich legend John Wark assesses Town's recent form.

Chris Collinson
BBC Sport statistician

There is good news for Ipswich Town and Hull City in that every promoted side since 2015-16 to take 11 points or more from their first 10 games - and there has been 14 of them - have survived.

The most recent promoted team to make as bright a start and go down were Cardiff City in 2013-14, who were 12th with 12 points but finished bottom on 30 points.

The outlook is a little bleaker for Coventry City.

Only two promoted sides in the past 11 seasons have taken fewer than 11 points and survived - Bournemouth in 2015-16 (eight) and Nottingham Forest in 2022-23 (five).

Frank Lampard's men are also the seventh promoted side to take exactly nine points from their first 10 games - two of the previous six survived (Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2009-10 and Leicester City in 2014-15).

Read more here

Dale Johnson
Football issues correspondent

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Ipswich should have been awarded a penalty in their 2-2 draw at Hull City on 31 October, the Premier League's Key Match Incidents (KMI) Panel has ruled.

Nobel Mendy held back Dara O'Shea on a corner routine in the 18th minute when the game was goalless.

The KMI Panel voted 4-1 that referee Tom Kirk should have given the spot-kick on field, and that the video assistant referee, Neil Davies, should have intervened.

The majority felt that there was "a clear sustained holding offence", while one panellist considered that the "actions of O'Shea and Florentino Luis" within the move should have been taken into account, meaning no penalty.

Ipswich did open the scoring four minutes later through Luis.

BBC Radio Suffolk's Brenner Woolley brings you the latest on Ipswich Town after Sunday's defeat against Bournemouth.

Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and subscribe to the dedicated Ipswich Town page to get all Tractor Boys audio content.

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Ipswich Town supporter Alfie Indra tells BBC Sport about the Tractor Boys' frustrating individual errors which led to Bournemouth beating Gary O'Neil's side: "It is a result that is dictated by sloppy individual errors. I hate games like that.

"It hurts so much more when you feel like you could have got something out of the game, but you have thrown it away by giving away silly goals.

"It is not something a newly-promoted team in the Premier League has the luxury of doing. Points are precious to us, and we cannot throw away points due to our own errors.

"The frustration comes from belief. "Belief in this squad, and that this club can compete and beyond compete, can win games and be a threat at this level.

"We have seen it against the likes of Crystal Palace, Fulham, Sunderland, and even the Manchester City game - we looked really dangerous in parts of that game.

"It is frustrating when you know this squad and these players are capable of more from what they showed against Bournemouth.

"We need to be on our A game against Tottenham. We cannot afford to gift them opportunities."

Ipswich winger Jack Clarke says "the levels are ruthless" in the Premier League, after the Tractor Boys' 2-1 defeat by Bournemouth at the weekend.

Speaking to BBC Radio Suffolk, Clarke said: "It's really difficult because I don't think we were sort of a million miles off it in the game. It probably felt and seemed worse than what it was.

"Felt like we were in an OK spot to build on in the second half, and then shot ourselves in the foot again. Not so much of an error, but an avoidable scenario that's obviously punished us again.

"That's just the level - it's ruthless and we should know better."

Clarke has recorded three goal involvements after being substituted on in the Premier League this season (two goals, one assist) - the most of any player in the competition this term.

Ipswich have failed to keep a clean sheet in each of their past 29 Premier League games, the longest run in the competition since Watford's 30 between March 2020 and January 2022 and the longest ongoing such run.

"I think the levels are ruthless. Every time you feel like you make a mistake, it feels like you're going to get punished, or it's going to lead to something, and we should know that," he added.

"On the flip side, when teams make mistakes against us, we should be the ones punishing them, and at the minute, especially in this sort of last block of games, it feels like every time we've made a mistake we've been punished."

The Tractor Boys have now failed to win in their past four games in the Premier League and will face Tottenham next after the international break.

Listen to more from Clarke by pressing play above or on BBC Sounds here

We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's Premier League game between Ipswich Town and Bournemouth.

Here are some of your comments:

Ipswich fans

Nic: Gifted Bournemouth a goal at the start of each half! I think they could've been there for the taking if we'd kept up the intensity we started with given their European exploits midweek. However, as it was, they didn't really need to get out of second gear!

Kenny: Defensively we are very poor and our goalkeeper recruitment has been woeful both times we have reached the Premier League. Not being able to keep a clean sheet will cost us.

James: I think a sense of perspective is required here. If we compare where Ipswich were on their last stint in the top flight to where they are now, and the contrast in recruitment strategy, they are in a far better place. Yes, mistakes will happen, even to the very best teams. Christian Walton is a top class keeper who never lets the club down, but such is the ruthlessness of the Premier League. Mistakes are often costly.

Robin: We can't keep making these defensive errors. Apart from the goal, Ipswich made a good start.

Mark: Two mistakes, two goals, gave us too big of a mountain to climb. Conceding so early in each half was far from ideal, and we tried to fight back but Bournemouth are a slick and well oiled outfit. No need for any panic, but we will need to improve in our next two games.

Bournemouth fans

Robert: A win is a win and that's what counts at the season end. The defence is tightening up, but in the new year let's buy some heavyweight guys to bring on for the last 20 mins when we are ahead!

Malcolm: Another team performance from all the players. Forcing errors as they did in Prague on Thursday evening. Pressing high and having a solid defence is key to this run and the workrate of the midfielders must not be overlooked. James Hill is my pick for man of the match, an absolute beast.

Tim: What a club! Hill and Antonio Silva superb at the back and Evanilson too hot to handle. Ludicrous penalty decision and unbelievable no VAR intervention.

Paul: A well-managed and fairly comfortable game became less comfortable after the penalty (incorrectly awarded, in my view). However, our ability to see the game out is the big difference between now and earlier in the season for this hard-working team. Eight in a row and counting!

Baz: The European games are starting to show as we were looking tired as the game went on. How on earth was that penalty not overturned? The foul was on Lewis Cook not by him.

Ipswich Town and Crystal Palace are ready to rival Everton in their pursuit of former Italy Under-21 forward Kelvin Yeboah, 26, who has scored 18 goals in 32 games this season for MLS side Minnesota United. (Football Insider), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Timothy Abraham
BBC Sport Journalist

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Ipswich's defensive frailties are becoming an increasingly concerning feature of their campaign.

They have now gone 29 consecutive top-flight matches without keeping a clean sheet, with only Manchester United joining them in failing to register a shutout this season.

Ipswich goalkeeper Christian Walton hardly helped himself, resembling a stilt walker on an ice rink as he attempted to cut the ball away from Evanilson, only to be dispossessed by the Brazilian.

It was the sort of simple error which will have driven the fastidious Gary O'Neil up the wall, particularly given his side's failure to learn their lessons after the break.

Ipswich were caught cold at the start of both halves, with another sloppy giveaway from Abdoul Ouattara.

"if you give the ball to the opposition number nine twice in the Premier League, it's going to be a difficult afternoon for you," O'Neil said afterwards.

There was at least one positive for O'Neil.

His substitutions have proved an effective weapon this season, with Jack Clarke's late penalty taking Ipswich's tally of goals from substitutes to five - more than any other Premier League side.

Ipswich boss Gary O'Neil, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "I think if you give the ball to the opposition number nine twice in the Premier League, it's going to be a difficult afternoon for you. The Premier League is ruthless and if you give teams those chances, they will take them.

"We could easily have turned today into a point. It's the Premier League and you're going to lose matches, but apart from the Manchester United game, we could have taken points from all our games. So we have to make better decisions and we'll be competitive every week.

"When the game was in flow, we defended well, pressed well and looked after the ball well. But after those mistakes, we didn't recover. So we were a little bit short of taking the points.

"But I'm still proud of the players and where we are at after 10 games. The group are in a good spot, but it doesn't mean I'm not going to push the life out of them to get better."

Hear more from O'Neil on BBC Sounds

Did you know?

• Ipswich Town have failed to keep a clean sheet in each of their last 29 Premier League games.

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Ipswich's performance

What did you make of Bournemouth's display?

Reaction and analysis to follow - and come back on Monday for a selection of your replies.

There are five games in the Premier League on Sunday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Brighton v Brentford - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2

• Crystal Palace v Liverpool - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Ipswich v Bournemouth - live on BBC Sport website and app

• Sunderland v Chelsea - live on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 3

• Manchester United v Aston Villa (16:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

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Bournemouth have turned into one of the Premier League's form teams.

I thought they would run out of steam against Leeds United last week but I was wrong, and they have shown they have got a bit of depth in their squad.

I've been surprised by Ipswich too, and they were unlucky not to beat Hull City last time out. The Tractor Boys have got a bit of spirit about them, which makes me think they will get something from this game.

Bournemouth are a front-foot team under Marco Rose, who is a very attack-minded manager, but Ipswich will have a go too. I can see them getting a point.

Sutton's prediction: 1-1

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Tom McCoy
BBC Sport journalist

BBC Sport examines some of the key themes before Sunday's match (14:00 GMT), as Ipswich Town host a Bournemouth side seeking an eighth consecutive victory.

Palacios key to beating Bournemouth's press

Back-to-back draws have left Ipswich with mixed emotions. The Tractor Boys were fortunate to avoid defeat against a wasteful Nottingham Forest two weeks ago, but failed to capitalise on a dominant first half away to Hull City last weekend, paying the price for defensive lapses after the break.

Julio Enciso's spectacular strike did at least salvage a 2-2 draw, meaning the Blues have earned eight Premier League points from losing positions this season, the highest total prior to the latest round of matches.

Paraguay international Enciso has been a shining light since joining from Strasbourg this summer, but Town's other standout performer has been fellow South American Exequiel Palacios, who arrived from Bayer Leverkusen.

The first World Cup winner to represent the club, the 28-year-old Argentine has slotted in as a classy midfield metronome, completing 91.8% of his passes, the joint-highest figure among midfielders to have played at least 500 minutes.

Palacios was able to pull the strings against Hull, completing 106 of his 111 passes, but his confidence and composure on the ball are likely to be tested by a Bournemouth side who will press far more aggressively than the Tigers.

Evanilson flourishing in Cherries' charge

Bournemouth head to Suffolk full of confidence after seven consecutive victories, their longest winning streak for 12 years.

They maintained their flawless European record by beating Sparta Prague on Thursday, making it four wins from four in the Europa League. Although boss Marco Rose made eight changes for that game, key players Tyler Adams, Evanilson and Rayan all scored after coming on as second-half substitutes as the Cherries overturned a half-time deficit.

Top scorer Evanilson has now netted six times in his previous seven league and cup appearances, including in his previous three away games. The 27-year-old Brazilian is in his third season with Bournemouth and is on course for his most productive campaign yet.

He has already had a hand in eight Premier League goals, scoring four and assisting four. Only Manchester City's Erling Haaland had a better record going into this weekend's fixtures.

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Midfielder Florentino Luis said it was a "great feeling" to score his first Ipswich Town Premier League goal in the 2-2 draw with Hull City as he reflected on the early part of his Portman Road career.

Speaking as the Tractor Boys prepare to host in-form Bournemouth on Sunday, Luis added that the Blues want to "continue having good results" as they aim to retain their top-flight status this season.

"Of course, we had a draw in the last game, but we would like to win. This week, we have another opportunity to continue our way," said the 27-year-old.

Luis moved to Portman Road from Burnley in August and has featured in six top-flight games this term. During 2025-26, he did not score and only provided two assists for the Clarets in 31 league appearances.

The former Benfica midfielder said his move to Ipswich was made easier by the family feel at the club, which aided him settling into life in Suffolk.

"Since the first day I came here, I have felt that and this is very good because it is not just about football, it is about one family that is here in the city," said the Portuguese.

"We know we're not fighting for ourselves but for everybody around us. This is extra motivation for us.

"My kid has settled as well in the school. It is the first time she has gone to school with a different language and she is very happy. If my family is happy, I am happy."

George Booth
BBC Sport journalist

Ipswich boss Gary O'Neil has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against his former side Bournemouth at Portman Road (kick-off 14:00 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• O'Neil confirmed "everybody is available" for Sunday. Midfielder Sasa Lukic, who has missed three games through injury, has returned to training and O'Neil said there is "no reason why Sasa cannot start the game". He added: "He has trained well this morning. He was excellent in that sort of midfield position, we did some important tactical stuff today."

• On Ipswich players being called up to their respective international teams: "It is great. We have recruited some real good players, and, of course, what comes with that is you see them go away on international duty. You wish them well, and you're proud of them."

• On Abdoul Ouattara's first call-up to the Ivory Coast squad: "I think the international call-up will be big for him and his family. The moment I arrived in Strasbourg I couldn't believe he wasn't playing for his international team. I spent a lot of time with Abdul and quite a bit with his father when we were at Strasbourg and I know what a proud family they are."

• The Tractor Boys boss believes Bournemouth, who are aiming for an eighth straight win, will pose a "test" for his team and that Marco Rose's side are an "established Premier League club". He added: "Sounds like a difficult challenge. They have obviously found a good way at the moment. They have excellent players. The amount of top players they have been able to recruit, and the whole team put together, has been impressive."

• O'Neil said he feels a "different coach" since he was in charge of the Cherries in 2022, but his time at the south coast club gave him "belief".

Hit play above to hear more from O'Neil or listen on BBC Sounds here

Listen to full match commentary of Ipswich v Bournemouth on the BBC Sport website and app

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Ipswich legend John Wark has hailed summer signing Julio Enciso as "one of the club's best players by a mile" following his impressive performances so far this season.

The 22-year-old, who has already contributed two goals and two assists across nine Premier League appearances, most recently scored back-to-back equalisers to clinch two more important points for the Tractor Boys.

"He has got class," Wark told BBC Radio Suffolk. "He is the sort of player that can get goals like that, and I'm sure he will get others this season. He is a top player.

"He has so much ability. If he keeps going the way he is, he will only get better. He is one of the club's best players by a mile.

"If he wanted to, he could go on to play for a big European club.

"For me, Julio Enciso and Exequiel Palacios should be the first two names on our teamsheet at the minute.

"If we want to do well in games, those are our two best players at the moment. If they are fit, they have to be playing because we need them."

Listen to the full chat by pressing play below or on BBC Sounds here

Graeme McLoughlin
BBC Radio Suffolk sports editor

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Back in August when I was here waxing lyrical about Julio Enciso after his performance for Ipswich Town on the opening day of the season, I stopped short of saying he reminded me a lot of Luis Suarez.

I told myself it was too early to mention the pair in the same breath. Furthermore, I didn't want to come across as getting carried away.

Well, I can't stay quiet any longer. The time has now come. Enciso is exceptional, and I can't help but think of his fellow South American the more I see him in action.

Both players have been blessed with remarkable levels of natural talent, skill and technique.

They can also score incredible goals, with Enciso's latest rescuing a point for Ipswich at Hull at the weekend.

Arguably, both players' biggest strength, though, is a burning desire and drive to leave it all out there when it comes to trying to get a result for their team.

A relentless Suarez nearly took a flawed Liverpool side to the Premier League title in 2014, and while Enciso won't be doing similar this season, his presence is a big key to Ipswich keeping hold of their status in the top-flight.

At just 22, he is a couple of years younger than Suarez was when he arrived on these shores, but in the words of his captain Dara O'Shea, he's shown added maturity and leadership qualities during this second spell in Suffolk.

The Paraguay international's ceiling on both the domestic and international stage is very high. I just hope he's at Portman Road for as long as possible.

Suarez left Anfield for Barcelona after three and a half years and went on to win it all at club level.

Enciso will have similar ambitions, but his main target right now is helping ensure Town get a positive result against Bournemouth on Sunday. I'm wondering if Gary O'Neil may opt to freshen things up for this fixture.

The manager has told us that he likes having selection headaches, and there is no doubt he has a few.

I suspect Sasa Lukic - if fully fit - will return in midfield alongside Exequiel Palacios, while Zian Flemming will be desperate for more than half an hour up front, having not yet started in the league since his summer move from Burnley.

There is also a dilemma on the left wing, where Jaden Philogene, Jack Clarke and Daizen Maeda are all competing for regular game time.

No extra thinking time is required by O'Neil, at least, when it comes to his first choice at number 10. Right now, Julio Enciso is surely the first name on the team-sheet.

Join Graeme Mac for The Matchday Preview every Friday from 18:00 and subscribe to the Ipswich Town page on BBC Sounds - plus, listen to BBC Radio Suffolk for full commentary of every Tractor Boys game.

BBC Radio Suffolk's The Blue Hour has dropped a fresh episode.

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