Ipswich Town target points in crucial four-game Premier League run

Ipswich Town face what could be a defining four-game run after suffering back-to-back Premier League defeats against Manchester United and Liverpool.

Gary O’Neil’s side were always likely to view trips to Old Trafford and matches against Liverpool as difficult opportunities to collect points. However, there were positives in both performances despite the results.

Now the schedule appears more favourable.

Crystal Palace, Everton and Fulham are all dealing with their own problems, before Ipswich finish the sequence with the considerably tougher task of facing Manchester City at the Etihad.

For O’Neil, seven points would represent an excellent return. Nine could completely transform the outlook at Portman Road.

First comes a trip to Selhurst Park.

Crystal Palace have endured a difficult beginning under new manager Pierre Sage, with the squad still adapting to his methods following a disappointing transfer window.

Palace have already conceded eight Premier League goals, highlighting the defensive problems Sage needs to address.

That should encourage Ipswich.

Their intensity and ability to press aggressively could cause problems against a Palace side still searching for cohesion. After two difficult fixtures, this represents a genuine opportunity for Town to get points back on the board.

Ipswich then travel to the Hill Dickson Stadium to face David Moyes’ Everton.

The Toffees emerged from the transfer window with a particularly thin squad, including only 19 senior outfield players and limited options at centre-forward.

Everton will still provide the physical and combative challenge traditionally associated with a Moyes team, particularly at home.

However, their lack of depth could become increasingly significant as the season develops.

Ipswich’s mobility and intensity offer them another realistic opportunity to take something away from home.

This is arguably the fixture O’Neil will target most heavily.

Fulham have failed to win any of their opening three Premier League matches under Álvaro Arbeloa, who is still adjusting to senior management and English football.

The former Real Madrid defender arrived with only 28 senior matches as a manager behind him, and there have already been signs of pressure surrounding his early tenure.

Ipswich will also have Portman Road behind them.

Against a Fulham side still adapting tactically and showing defensive vulnerabilities, Town should view this as a match they are capable of winning.

Then comes the biggest challenge.

Manchester City have made a perfect start under Enzo Maresca despite undergoing their own transition following significant changes during the summer.

Ipswich will enter the Etihad as clear underdogs.

O’Neil’s side will need defensive discipline while being decisive whenever opportunities emerge in transition. Even without collecting points, producing a competitive performance against one of the league’s strongest teams would provide encouragement.

The next four matches could provide a much clearer indication of where Ipswich stand.

Palace remain vulnerable, Everton have limited squad depth and Fulham are struggling under a new manager. City represent a completely different level of challenge, but the other three fixtures provide legitimate opportunities.

Seven points from the available 12 would be an excellent return.

Nine would be even more significant, giving Ipswich momentum and demonstrating that O’Neil’s side can consistently collect points against Premier League opposition.

Ipswich now travel to Selhurst Park knowing the next three fixtures could be crucial before the considerably tougher trip to Manchester City. Getting a result against Palace would immediately change the mood after consecutive defeats and give O’Neil’s side a platform to attack the remainder of the run.