Swansea City boss Michael Duff believes Ipswich Town could achieve back-to-back promotions as he prepares his side for the daunting visit to Portman Road.
Kieran McKenna’s side have 36 points from 15 games and sit second in the Championship following promotion from League One last season.
Former Barnsley boss Duff played Ipswich twice last season, picking up a point in his two games against them.
“They have put themselves in a really good opportunity to go again,” he said.
Swansea, who battled to a 0-0 draw against Sunderland last weekend despite playing over half the match with 10 men, travel to Ipswich 17 points behind McKenna’s side.
Duff insists people should not be surprised by the success Ipswich have had so far this season.
“I think Kieron has had a long time there now in terms of football, in his first four or five months they did okay, they didn’t set the world alight, but they were obviously building something and then last year they were fantastic,” Duff told BBC Sport Wales.
“They recruited well, they almost recruited for the Championship in League One, but we’ve seen having good players doesn’t mean you will win, football isn’t that simplistic.
“It’s not whoever spends the most money always wins. Kieron has come in and has got a clear identity.
“The feeling around the place, because they’ve been in the doldrums so long… is fantastic.
“Coming out of the Premier League, for 10 years whenever you went to Ipswich in the Championship, it always felt like the club was feeling a bit sorry for itself.
“Then they dropped down and it is almost the kick-start they needed.
“They were getting 25,000 every week in League One and they’ve managed to keep that momentum this season.
“I think a lot of the metrics last year said they were the best team in League One history.
“Momentum is a funny thing, they have a good manager and good players who have been together a long time, who knows how far it can take them.
“It will be a tough game for us.”
Duff believes Ipswich have provided a blueprint he would be keen to follow at Swansea and he hopes fans will be enthusiastic about his side when he has fully established his ideas.
“Every manager wants an identity,” he said.
“It’s about finding a way that works for the budget you have and the club you are representing.
“We are starting to look like a team we want to look like, who can press and get on the front foot.
“I would love in two-years’ time to be sat here and have people saying ‘that looks like a Michael Duff Swansea team’.”
