Ipswich Town head coach Gary O’Neil has praised Adam Wharton ahead of Saturday’s Premier League meeting with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, describing the Eagles midfielder as an exceptional passer and a major player for his side to manage.
O’Neil said Wharton’s quality was clear and linked it to Palace’s success in European competition. The England midfielder will be among the home players Ipswich must prepare for when the game kicks off at 15:00 BST.
Ipswich are expected to have nearly their entire squad available. O’Neil confirmed that midfielder Jack Taylor is the only player not back in full training, while Azor Matusiwa and left winger Jaden Philogene have returned to work with the main group after not featuring so far this season.
Philogene, who scored 13 times for Ipswich in all competitions last season, is considered ready to start against Palace. Matusiwa is more likely to begin the match among the substitutes.
O’Neil also praised Brazilian striker Emersonn, who scored on his competitive debut against Sunderland in Ipswich’s Premier League opener. The manager said the 22-year-old had adapted particularly well despite his expectation that the forward might need more time to settle at Premier League level.
The Ipswich boss added that the club’s players and medical and fitness staff had worked well to put the squad in strong condition following a demanding pre-season and an early cup fixture.
