Ipswich Town forward Conor Chaplin confident team heading in the right direction ahead of test at his former club Portsmouth
Conor Chaplin is confident that Ipswich Town are moving in the right direction ahead of tonight's Sky Bet League One trip to his former side, Portsmouth (7.45pm), writes Mikey Hale.
Following Saturday's 2-2 draw at Cambridge United, Paul Cook's 15th-placed side go into the game at Fratton Park having lost just once in their last seven games. And Chaplin is confident that the Blues are making positive steps as they look to progress up the League One table.
"Earlier on this season we had a lot of stages in games when we were a bit shaky," said the left-footed forward.
"You could tell we were a brand new team and relationships within certain areas of the team weren’t quite there yet. I don’t think that can be levelled at us too much anymore.
"I really do think we’re starting to go in the right direction and it’s one loss in seven at the moment, albeit we would like to have more points of course. We’ll be going out to get all three at Portsmouth."
This evening's game sees Chaplin return to the club where it all started, having spent 16 years on the south coast before moving permanently to Coventry in 2019.
The 24-year-old admits that facing his former side, as well as Saturday's draw at Cambridge, will add further motivation.
"The manner of the result at Cambridge on Saturday was very frustrating for us but that’s done now," he added.
"We can’t do anything about it, so it’s all about trying to rectify things with a good result at Fratton Park.
"The disappointment can drive us on, as will the fact that Portsmouth are one of my former clubs, which adds a little something to it.
"I played a lot of games in that stadium so it’s somewhere that means a lot to me. There are a lot of good memories and their fans are special; among the very best for creating an atmosphere. I can’t wait for it, especially since it will be under the lights.
"All my family and friends in the stands will be supporting Ipswich, no question. That’s the over-riding factor, they support the team I’m playing for even when it’s against Portsmouth."
The player who arrived from helping Barnsley to the Championship play-offs last season is expecting a tense atmosphere to greet them at Fratton Park.
"Portsmouth is a football city," he said.
"The fans are passionate about the game, and particularly the club.
"As the away team, though, we should relish these fixtures. We have to take nights like this in our stride and enjoy the occasion. Any player that has played at Fratton Park under the lights will tell you that it's special.
"But, like at any big club, there is an expectancy. If things aren't going their way then you might hear some moans and groans - it's just part of football and we will look to capitalise.
"This will be my third time back at Pompey since I left the club, and I'm really looking forward to it."
Danny Cowley's Portmsouth side lie 12th in the table, having picked up one more points than the Suffolk side from their opening 12 matches.
The hosts will be looking to bounce back from Saturday's painful 4-1 defeat at Rotherham.
Those not travelling to Hampshire can purchase a £10 match pass to watch the game on iFollow Ipswich here.
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