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Betting on Town: Ipswich face Manchester City as record-breaking underdogs

Opinion

Ipswich Town prepare for their most formidable challenge yet against Manchester City, likely entering the match as the biggest underdogs in the club's history.

Ipswich Town will face reigning Premier League champions Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium this weekend, with even the most optimistic fans tempering their expectations.

Haaland celebrates his goal with his teammates
Manchester City's Erling Haaland celebrates with teammates Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva after scoring to make it 1-0 during the Premier League match at Stamford BridgeAlamy

Massive underdogs: Bookmakers have set odds as high as 28/1 for an Ipswich win, while odds of 36/1 have been readily available on the exchanges. This has to be the longest odds for an Ipswich victory in the club's long history.

Despite the slim chances of success: Many supporters hope for a strong performance similar to the recent match against Liverpool, where a respectable showing, even in defeat, would satisfy any semi-realistic fans.

Room for big moments: The City pitch is big. If they allow us time on the ball, we have players that can cause them problems – most notably Hutchinson, who's capable of moments of magic against any team in the league.

Team news: Manager Kieran McKenna is expected to make 3 or 4 changes to the starting lineup, and a formation change to counter Manchester City's world-class squad wouldn't surprise me either.

  • Goalkeeper Aro Muric faces a late fitness test

  • Wes Burns is out for several weeks with a hamstring injury

  • Kalvin Phillips is ineligible to play against his parent club

My prediction: I predict a 4-0 City win, but it shouldn't be forgotten that matches like this are exactly what the club fought so hard for by earning promotion.

It's a chance to compete against the world's best, so let's hope for positives to take into the Fulham match next week, where we're far more likely to pick up our first points of the season.

Community rallies to give 'much-loved' Ipswich man Billy McNicholl 'fitting send-off'

News

Friends of William 'Billy' McNicholl have launched a fundraising campaign to help give the 63-year-old Chantry resident the "dignity in his send off that he did not get in his passing."

The big picture: The fundraiser comes as Suffolk Police continue their murder investigation following the discovery of Mr McNicholl's body at his Hawthorn Drive home on New Year's Day.

Fundraising effort: A GoFundMe page has been set up with a target of £4,500 for Billy's funeral. The campaign has raised £530 so far from 23 donations.

William "Billy" McNicholl and his dog
William "Billy" McNicholl and his dogAmy Clarke

The community remembers: Friends describe Mr McNicholl, known locally as Billy, Bill, or Electric Bill, as a caring member of the community who touched many lives in Ipswich.

"We are all shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of one of Ipswich's most kind, funny, complex and unique characters," said Amy Clarke.

Terry Kevin Charles, who knew Mr McNicholl, said: "Billy was a lovely man who genuinely cared about the state of the world and supported anybody who wanted to do good things for the community."

About Billy: The fundraising appeal notes his journey "from his electrifying punk roots in the 80's to his dog daddy days of recent," highlighting his special bond with his beloved dog, Leo Junior.

How to help: Those wishing to contribute to Mr McNicholl's funeral fund can visit the GoFundMe page, which is being managed by Amy Clarke.

The bottom line: While police continue their murder investigation, the Ipswich community is working to ensure their friend, family member and neighbour receives a dignified farewell.

Donations can be made here.

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