Leicester City head to Portman Road for Tuesday night’s Carabao Cup second round tie hoping to put Saturday’s disappointment behind them. LCFC suffered a shock 2-1 home defeat to Burton Albion, with Russell Martin admitting afterwards that his side need to take a hard look at themselves.
That result came after the Foxes opened their League One campaign with a 1-1 draw at Notts County, although they did make a winning start to the Carabao Cup by beating Northampton Town 1-0. Martin will be looking for a response as his side face Premier League opposition.
Ipswich Town, meanwhile, could hardly have asked for a better start to their return to the top flight. Gary O’Neil watched his side secure a dramatic 2-1 victory over Sunderland on Saturday, with Jack Clarke scoring a late winner against his former club.
O’Neil’s squad has changed significantly over the summer and will have to decide how heavily to rotate following that impressive opening day result. However, with home advantage and confidence high at Portman Road, Town will understandably go into the tie as favourites.
Charlie Hodgson
“Leicester Cuty need a response after Saturday’s defeat, and this is a difficult game for Martin to have to deal with so early into his reign. The Foxes have shown some positive signs, particularly in their cup victory over Northampton, but their defensive performance against Burton will be a concern.
“Ipswich Town, on the other hand, have momentum after an excellent win over Sunderland. O’Neil will probably make changes, but I still expect Town to have enough quality to cause LCFC plenty of problems.
“I can see the Foxes making this competitive, particularly if they can rediscover the organisation they showed against Northampton. However, Ipswich’s home advantage and confidence should see them through.”
James Ray
“It hasn’t been a great start for Leicester City. Burton Albion are a side they absolutely have to be beating, but with a red card early on, the atmosphere turned toxic swiftly.
“It means heading away to a Premier League side isn’t exactly ideal. Ipswich Town will rotate after their opening day win over Sunderland but they will be expected to win regardless.
“LCFC may hope to spring a bit of a surprise if that Burton loss jolts life into a squad very low on confidence. I’m not sure I see that happening though.
“I’ll go for a routine home win as the Foxes drop out of the Carabao Cup.”