DINO Maamria believes the Brewers have what it takes to compete with the top sides in the division.
Albion visit Portman Road this weekend, where they will look to put a dent into Ipswich Town’s promotion push as the East Anglian side sit third in the league standings.
Despite Ipswich’s strong squad and impressive campaign, Maamria believes that the Brewers are in a better place than ever to go into these types of games, with Albion losing just one of their last six games.
Dino found the positives in the recent stalemate against Accrington, stating that whilst the Brewers would’ve preferred three points, a draw isn’t the end of the world.
“Obviously we were disappointed we didn’t take all three points, but what’s important is that we aren’t losing games,” said Maamria. “We’ve made a lot of changes, defensive and attacking wise. The team is in a much better place, and we are ready to play these type of games against Ipswich and other top teams.”
Maamria also spoke proudly about his defensive unit, and the Brewers manager was full of praise for the efforts of all the competing first-team defenders and shot-stoppers.
“Sam (Hughes) is huge for us,” exclaimed Maamria. “He is instrumental in what we do and I’m glad we have him under contract for the next 18-months.
“As a back three or five – however you look at it – they all defend well together. They look solid, and on top of that we have brilliant goalkeepers.
“They’ve been giving me a selection headache because Jordan (Amissah) has been sensational in training, whilst Craig (MacGillivray) has been faultless since arriving.”
Whilst the Brewers recorded yet another clean sheet last weekend, they were without impactful January signing Zac Ashworth and had to re-shuffle the backline to provide alternative cover on the left.
Ashworth is available for selection after recovering from a minor injury which saw him miss the recent fixture. Conor Shaughnessy could feature as his recovery continues.
Jonny Smith and Mark Helm are ready to go after returning for short cameos last weekend, and Bobby Kamwa is also back to match fitness after getting an hour under his belt.
Chris McCann remains absent through injury. Gassan Ahadme is unable to face his parent club.