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  • Pre-season promotion protagonists look for first win after shocking starts

    Kieran McKenna (left), Ruben Selles(right)

    Ipswich Town will host Sheffield United tonight in what looms as a crucial encounter for both managers chasing momentum. For Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna, this match is another opportunity to pull his side up the table after stumbling out of the blocks on their return to the championship. Their opponents, Sheffield United, have also struggled to regain the form that saw them make the playoff final last year as they have lost all four of their Championship games coming into this one, registering just one goal in that time from the left boot of Tyrese Campbell on the opening weekend. McKenna has made it clear that he expects the Blades to “climb the table,” stating that the men from the steel city have “had chances and most of their games have been tight. The margins are small.”  On the other side, Blades boss, Ruben Selles isn’t quite as optimistic for his sides hopes this season, arguing that the recruitment “has not been good enough this summer” and warned that his squad must show competitiveness and “a willingness to win the game.” These comments frame a match between two teams under pressure, but arguably in different kinds of trouble.

    Ipswich and McKenna are optimistic that they will be towards the top of the table come crunch time in May as they now don’t have the fear of losing their top talent with the transfer window coming to a close. The summer saw The Tractor Boys lose key players such as Liam Delap, Omari Hutchinson, and captain, Sam Morsy, but also a number of new arrivals and one who is yet to make an appearance is former rival Marcelino Nunez, who made the rare move from Norwich in a deal worth around £5 million. McKenna has said that the Chilean is “fit and could be involved on Friday night. You can see his quality in training.” Norwegian talent, Sindre Walle Egeli is also in contention for his first minutes in English football tonight after making a £17 million move from Danish side Nordsjaelland.

    Sheffield United left their business until late in the window, making four signings on deadline day, including Chiedozie Ogbene on loan from today’s opponents, who will be unavailable for today’s game, Alex Matos from Chelsea, and two much-needed centre-backs in Ben Mee and Mark McGuiness and the Irishman is optimistic that his new sides fortunes can change for the better as “the quality is there, it is a top draw squad, we need one little turn, and we’re hoping for that on friday evening.” 

    Ipswich last won this fixture in 2011, so The Blades can be optimistic of picking up their first points of the season but all eyes will be on their disjointed attack to see if they can convert the chances they are given.

    Written by: Tyreid Savage.

  • Bayer Leverkusen Vs Eintracht Frankfurt Preview: 12/09/2025

    Leverkusen host Frankfurt tonight in a battle of two sides who have lost an abundance of key players since January. However, since the turn of the year ,the two have gone in drastically different directions, with Frankfurt flying high towards the top of the table whilst Leverkusen sit winless in 12th, having already hit the reset button. The hosts shocked the footballing world by sacking an established manager like Erik ten Hag after just two Bundesliga matches, but Sporting director, Simon Rolfes doubled down on the clubs decision to part ways with the Dutchman, stating that “the past few weeks have shown that building a new and successful team with this set‑up is not feasible.” 

    As a result, all eyes will be on the former Denmark boss, Kasper Hjulmand, as he takes charge of his first Bundesliga game since 2015 when he led Mainz 05 to a mid-table finish. The Dane will be expecting his newly constructed Leverkusen side to achieve greater success than that, but is remaining measured, ensuring that” You don’t push a button. You have to work every day… and make it work.” Fans can expect a more pragmatic approach from Hjumland as he looks to re-establish himself in club football. 

    On the other hand, Frankfurt have hit the ground running this season, signaling intent with a convincing 4-1 win against Werder Bremen, in which Can Uzun stole the show by scoring the opener and setting up two goals for Jean‑Mattéo Bahoya. Uzun is expected to have a breakout season following the departures of Omar Marmoush and Hugo Ekitiké and the Turkish international featured prominently again in a 3‑1 away victory at Hoffenheim. Doan has also been in fine form, contributing with goals and assists and helping stretch opposition defenses. His link‑up play has added a new dimension to Frankfurt’s attacking threats. Bahoya, meanwhile, has shown maturity beyond his years: sharp in movement, clinical when chances arise, and already weighing in with several key goals. With those young attackers performing well, Frankfurt look confident, dangerous, and well‑balanced as they approach tonight’s match against Leverkusen.

    Leverkusen can take some confidence from their recent form against Frankfurt, having won their last five meetings as well as having home advantage, but the form table points towards Frankfurt extending their winning start to the season. 

    Written by: Tyreid Savage.