PREVIEW: WOLVERHAMPTON v IPSWICH (Prem)

WOLVERHAMPTON host Ipswich tonight (Monday) with restrictions eased at Monmore – to the relief of promoter Chris Van Straaten.

The West Midlands side have operated with heavily reduced attendances so far in 2021, but all sections of the stadium are now open and supporters can pay on the gate.

Alfie Bowtell guests at reserve for the injured Leon Flint, whilst Ipswich have Jason Crump back at No.1 but continue with rider-replacement for Anders Rowe.

Van Straaten said: “It’s called ‘Freedom Day’ and that’s exactly what it is in terms of moving about the stadium. There are no limits, and people can pay on the day, so it’s a traditional meeting just like we used to have, which seems like ages ago now!

“I’ve never tried to belittle what Covid is, it’s changed a lot of people’s lives and we’re eternally grateful to the NHS – but it has been very stressful coping with it all.

“Now the restrictions as I understand it have gone completely, so we’re really looking forward to it and we have everything coming back – mascots coming out with the riders, everything that we used to do is back.”

Ipswich manager Ritchie Hawkins said: “As much as it is a tough place to go, that does not make a difference with the position we are in.

“We are still in a position where we are desperate for points and away wins so it is very much backs against the wall for the second half of the season.

“We need points on the road, but we also need to win at some places. It is a big ask at Wolves, but we are in a position where we need big performances and big shocks if we are to pull ourselves back round.”

WOLVERHAMPTON: Sam Masters, Luke Becker, Nick Morris, Ryan Douglas, Rory Schlein, Broc Nicol, Alfie Bowtell.
IPSWICH: Jason Crump, Anders Rowe R/R, Danny King, Jake Allen, Craig Cook, Drew Kemp, Paul Starke.