PREVIEW: IPSWICH v LEICESTER (P-KOC)

IPSWICH are set to hand a home debut to Emil Sayfutdinov when they take on Leicester in the first leg of their KO Cup tie at Foxhall tonight (Thursday).

Sayfutdinov made a stunning first Witches appearance at Peterborough, but home fans have had to wait to see him after their opening fixture was postponed a fortnight ago.

It’s a first outing in 2023 for the Lions, who are racing at Premiership level for the first time since 2018, and are captained by Chris Harris with Max Fricke at No.1.

Ipswich manager Ritchie Hawkins said: “With the early rain-offs everyone will be even keener to see us after one meeting and one away win. As I have said previously, we have to keep expectations realistic, but also we need to show everyone why they are so excited about this team.

“It is a Leicester side led by a world class No.1, and then you have potentially a very good side backing him up.  

“We know Jake (Allen) well at reserve, he has had a tough few years since Covid hit but if Jake finds form, they will be a strong side.”

Leicester boss Stewart Dickson said: “It will be great to get racing for the first time and whilst we know it’s going to be a tough one, sometimes when you go to a venue for their first home meeting it does give you a chance to get in and around them.

“There’s a lot of excitement for our first meeting back at this level, and we can’t wait to get going.

“Ipswich look a strong side and they had a great result at Peterborough, so we need to go there and look to keep things tight.”

IPSWICH: Jason Doyle, Keynan Rew, Danny King, Erik Riss, Emil Sayfutdinov, Danyon Hume, Joe Thompson.
LEICESTER: Max Fricke, Justin Sedgmen, Richard Lawson, Chris Harris, Nick Morris, Jake Allen, Dan Thompson.

Photo credit: JEFF DAVIES