Silva: 'Ambitious' Ipswich will make it difficult
01/03/2025 10:58 AM
Marco Silva is in no doubt that an ‘ambitious’ Ipswich Town outfit will make life difficult for his Fulham side at Craven Cottage on Sunday.
Kieron McKenna’s Town earned their first Premier League point against the Whites at Portman Road in August and have won two of their last four fixtures, including an impressive 2-0 win over Chelsea over the festive period, to give their battle against relegation a real boost.
Silva told his pre-match press conference at Motspur Park this afternoon:
"It'll be a really difficult game, I don't have doubts about that. Not just because they won against Chelsea, but they have been showing the quality to win games. They have good organisation, are well-managed and have very good players. What they did last summer showed their ambition as a club. They have some young players in certain areas of the pitch who can punish you at any time. They are really aggressive on and off the ball and they are always trying to match any team in this league.
Omari Hutchinson and Liam Delap are both top players. I know that they are different, playing in different positions, but they have been doing so well. Delap was on loan at Hull last season, but he has adapted so quickly to the quality and demands of this league. They are difficult players to control, they work hard both on and off the ball and have the right mentality to be strong in all parts of the game. As a team, they are a good side and they've been showing that.
"We went there on the third game of the season and we drew the game, but if we play at our best level then we can win.”
Silva also offered an update on the members of his squad currently sidelined through injury.
"Harrison Reed is [now] back in the [training] sessions. He now needs time to get the right fitness levels and to be confident again. Sander [Berge] needs a little bit longer, Reiss Nelson and [Kenny] Tete too. I believe that Sander is closer [to a return]. I wouldn't want to put a timeline on it but if he's not available for the FA Cup [fourth round tie against Watford], then maybe in contention for the game after. Reiss will be a little bit longer."