Kieran McKenna must make obvious Ipswich Town change vs Derby County after troubling start

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Two points in three games is not exactly the start to the season that Kieran McKenna would have envisaged for Ipswich Town.

After leaving it late to take a point against Birmingham City on the opening night, they were held by Southampton at Portman Road and then on Saturday the Tractor Boys were beaten 1-0 away at Preston North End.

The Suffolk outfit are looking for a new right-back, but competition from Leicester City and clubs in Europe for Issa Kabore means that it is not going to be easy for McKenna.

However, with Marcelino Nunez set to make the switch from Norwich City, there is the chance for Ipswich to head into the weekend feeling positive. But, their head coach has a huge decision to make against Derby County.

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Chuba Akpom must start for Ipswich Town vs Derby County

Chuba Akpom chose the Tractor Boys over Birmingham City earlier in August, and he made his debut for the club against Preston – coming off the bench in the defeat.

While it is still early days in his career in Suffolk, this weekend is the right time to hand the former Middlesbrough striker his full debut, as the Rams make the trip to Portman Road.

George Hirst is yet to truly find his feet this season, with his only goal coming against Birmingham from the penalty spot, and it’s now time for McKenna to make the switch and hand his new star forward the chance to shine at Ipswich.

Derby have had defensive issues in 2025/26, and this is the perfect opportunity for Akpom to build some early confidence into his game.

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Chuba Akpom can pick up from where he left off in the Championship

It’s been two years since the 29-year-old’s last Championship campaign, and he will have fond memories of that season.

He scored 28 goals in 38 league games, helping Middlesbrough to the play-offs. 15 of those came in a 15 match spell towards the end of 2022/23, and McKenna must unlock this kind of form in his new signing at Ipswich.

Derby are a work in progress, and if Akpom can get in behind and cause the Rams issues from the off, then the Tractor Boys have every chance of taking all three points.

Nonetheless, for Hirst, this would be tough to take, and he will be keen to prove to his manager why he deserves to lead the line at Ipswich.