Professional sports trader and lifetime Town fan Rob Hogger shares his views on the upcoming Premier League season and his predictions for the opener against Liverpool.
So here we are, 15 long weeks after securing promotion back to the promised land on that beautiful day versus Huddersfield.
It has been over 22 years since we last kicked a ball in the Premier League. A quarter of a century almost, and what will be, 8,134 days since we last kicked a ball in the greatest league in the world.
Here's how I think we'll get on.
Most fans would agree that after a strong start in the summer transfer window, things have dropped off; however, I would not say that is cause for concern...yet.
Business takes time in any walk of life, especially football. As a newly promoted club, we do not want to be pushed around, and the hierarchy will not allow it.
As we get nearer the end of the window, the knock-on effect from transfer activity worldwide will enable us to get more players in. I do not doubt that. So please, no one panic on that front.
For those of you who remember 2000, who would have thought players like Venus, Clapham, McGreal, Jermaine Wright, and Scowcroft would be regulars all season on a team that finished fifth?
This time, people are unsure about players like Burgess, Taylor, and Chaplin cutting it in the Prem could be pleasantly surprised; let's hope so.
Maybe we have the weakest squad on paper, but as the saying goes, football is not played on paper. If it were, we'd have finished about 10th last season.
We might just have the best team spirit in the league, with Hladky the only regular leaving. That spirit and momentum can, and I think, will count for a lot, which is why I am so optimistic.
Let's not forget Paul Scholes has us to finish in the top 12.
And, of course, then we have our manager, Kieran McKenna.
The salary we have given him would suggest he's one of the best managers in the Premier League, and when that turns out to be the case, that will be worth a handful of points on its own.
As the song goes, he knows exactly what we need – no matter the situation, which will stand us in good stead.
Pre-season has seen defensively sound displays; if we can carry that forward with the attacking patterns of play continuing, I think we can survive and survive well.
There will be tricky times, and Ipswich will undoubtedly take a few hammerings from the bigger boys, but I predict we will more than hold our own against the rest.
One thing is for sure: whatever happens, all Ipswich fans need to enjoy the ride. The 22-year wait since last time is a testament to that.
My prediction for the season: A comfortable 15th.
As for the Liverpool game: This is a baptism of fire if there is ever one, and despite a raucous crowd, it's a big ask. A draw would be amazing. I think Ipswich will score, but despite playing well, I'm going for 3-1 to Liverpool. Sorry.
About Rob
Rob is a professional sports trader from Ipswich who's been following Town for over 30 years. Betting on Town covers ITFC through the lens of a betting professional, before and after every Town game.
