Ipswich Town are facing a tough start to the Premier League season, with a daunting schedule that has seen them face off against top-flight heavyweights Liverpool, Manchester City, Aston Villa, and Brighton and Hove Albion. Yet, despite this challenging opening stretch, the Tractor Boys have managed to secure four draws and sit above the relegation zone, a promising sign for their survival hopes.
However, their recent performances have raised concerns, with two consecutive losses suggesting that they need to make some adjustments if they are to pick up their first win of the season. Kieran McKenna, the Ipswich manager, needs to make some key decisions to turn things around, and one potential solution is to drop Wes Burns, a winger who has failed to impress thus far.
Burns has been a consistent outlet for the Tractor Boys in previous seasons, but his form this year has been dismal, failing to score or assist a single goal in his six appearances. His performance against Everton was particularly disappointing, where he offered little going forward and gave the ball away for their opening goal, earning a paltry 4/10 rating from the East Anglian Daily Times’ Alex Jones.
One potential solution is to start Sammie Szmodics, a midfielder who has been in blistering form in the past. While he has primarily played on the left in his career, there’s no reason why he can’t adapt to the right wing. His ability to create chances and scoring opportunities will be a welcome boost for the Tractor Boys, given their recent struggles in front of goal.
Szmodics’ impressive form at Blackburn Rovers last season, where he averaged a goal involvement every 1.29 games, suggests that he has the quality to make a significant impact in the Premier League. His inclusion in the starting lineup could be the catalyst for a much-needed win for Ipswich, who are desperate to get their season back on track.
Ultimately, the decision to start Szmodics over Burns is a no-brainer. The 29-year-old has the pace, skill, and vision to trouble opposing defenders, and his inclusion in the lineup could bring a much-needed spark to the Tractor Boys’ attack. As Ipswich look to turn their season around, dropping Burns and starting Szmodics could be the key to unlocking their attacking potential.
