Ipswich v Fulham: Cottagers can get off to a flyer

Fulham fans will be hoping their side put last season's struggles behind them

Fulham's Premier League experience gives them enough of an edge over Ipswich in Saturday's early evening televised game to start life back in the Championship with a narrow win, says Andy Tongue...

Ipswich v Fulham
Saturday 9 August
17:15
Live on Sky Sports 1

Ipswich

Mick McCarthy's side enjoyed a decent campaign finishing ninth last season. The more optimistic of their fans felt that had star striker David 'McGoaldrick' not succumbed to injury during the run-in they could even have sneaked into the play-off spots.

McCarthy has made a couple of useful summer purchases in winger Cameron Stewart and Jonathan Parr and a successful season seems to be expected in Suffolk. The loss of highly-rated left-back Aaron Cresswell to West Ham is a blow though. Also onboard is Balint Bajner, a striker signed after being released by Borussia Dortmund, who could be anything.

An unbeaten pre-season saw Town draw at home to West Ham before wins over lower league opposition such as Southend, Colchester and Gillingham.

Fulham

The Cottagers made the most eye-catching signing of the summer when they splashed 11m on Ross McCormack from Leeds - a statement of their intent to win promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking. The Scottish hitman netted 28 times in 43 appearance for a very average outfit last season and provided he is given the ammunition should be deadly for his new side.

Felix Magath won three Bundesliga titles and although he was unable to keep Fulham up last season his squad is packed with proven pedigree in midfield and attack such as Scott Parker, Alexander Kacaniklic, Hugo Rodallega and Bryan Ruiz. Of the 20 players who departed, defensive stalwart Brede Hangeland will be missed most but if they can overcome his loss at the back the Cottagers should be strong contenders to win promotion straight back to the top division.

Draw No Bet

The visitors have managed to hold onto a core of Premier League standard players and 2.021/1 looks a decent price in the draw no bet market, which returns our stake if things end up a point apiece. Ipswich are expected to be up in the play-offs battle again this season but I think they may be slightly overrated and the Londoners' extra quality can shine through here. 

Fulham's away form was their achilles heel in the Premier League - they didn't manage to win more than four games in any of the last 10 seasons. However, this is a different division and there's no reason why we shouldn't expect them to win regularly in front of their travelling fans this time round.

Under/Over 2.5 goals

I can see Fulham emulating their West London neighbours QPR and grinding out results, without necessarily setting the Championship alight each week with scintillating attacking football. That means we are likely to see plenty of close games, especially away from the Cottage, which they win by a single goal. On that basis, Under 2.5 Goals is a sound bet here at 1.784/5. 

Equally, I certainly wouldn't put anybody off having a small interest on draw/Fulham at 6.611/2 in the half time/full time market if you agree with me that, away from home, Magath's men will look to keep it tight in the first 45 minutes and then throw a few bodies forward after the interval.

Recommended Bets

Back Fulham draw no bet at 2.021/1 (best bet)
Back Under 2.5 goals at 1.784/5
Back draw/Fulham at 6.611/2