Make or Break Spell

The Christmas period is traditionally the proving ground for any promotion bid. If you come through it, you are in for the long haul. If you dont, you are drifting away to a midtable finish. Which is where we find Ipswich, heading into possibly the most important 4 game spell of the season.

As Buckie pointed out in his article a couple of weeks ago, our christmas fixture list looks to be some way decisive.

The Ipswich team of 2007/08 so far has been remarkably consistent, as we all know. Unable to lose at home, unable to win away. Yet the mitigation for both of these ailments could be given as being the fixtures faced thus far- easier fixtures at home, harder fixtures away. Which leads to the heartening conclusion that things can get better.

Our home form has been so good, that there is little fear of defeat to any side. Therefore, being left with all the divisions top sides to play at home should not pose as must of a worry as it ordinarily might. Similarly, our away form, whilst being poor results wise, has been fitful performance-wise. Thus, having the weak teams still to play could prove to give us that bit of luck to turn things around.

What better benchmark to the rest of the season than the next four fixtures? If we can come through home fixtures with away specialists Burnley and league leaders West Brom unscathed, then the home record will be looking extremely formidable. Similarly, as The Blues Journals current poll indicates, fans seem quite optimistic that the run of games without an away win is bound to fall at either Leicester or Coventry, both of which having been far than convincing.

Of course, if the results were not to go for the team in these fixtures, it could be devastating. In just over 10 days time, we could be facing up to the fact that the away record was continued even in the face of the most meagre opposition. Whilst the home form fell apart as soon as we played any teams of real strength.

Im a glass half full man though. 8 points from 4 games, followed by transfer activity which demonstrates belief in a real promotion attempt this season.