Ipswich Town host Blackburn Rovers at Portman Road tonight looking to get their pursuit of a top six place back on track.
The Tractor Boys suffered at the hands of fellow play-off chasers Cardiff City at the weekend after losing 1-0 in South Wales to a Bruno Ecuele Manga header.
Mick McCarthy’s men have the opportunity to put themselves back in the race tonight as they face a Blackburn Rovers side that has stuttered in form of late.
Paul Lambert’s men are only seven points adrift of the relegation zone, and can’t afford to be too inconsistent at such a crucial time of the season.
Rovers have won four out of their last ten games in the league and will be looking to pin Ipswich’s side back tonight.
This is a big game for the two Championship sides for different reasons. A win for Ipswich could put them level on points with 7th placed Cardiff City - only one point off Sheffield Wednesday.
While, Blackburn can climb two places into 14th in the league ahead of Nottingham Forest.
Football League World Writer, Ashley Williams identifies THREE things to look out for in the game…..
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PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE THREE THINGS!
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David McGoldrick comeback
The Ipswich striker is on target to make his return from a lengthy hamstring injury and could be on the bench for tonight.
The Irishman was sidelined at the end of December last year when they lost 1-0 to Derby County.
McGoldrick has had a stop-start few years after suffering various setbacks due to knee problems.
The striker has made eight starts this season and eleven substitute appearances. When McGoldrick is match fit, he gives Mick McCarthy another option up front and is a capable Championship striker that can score goals.
He will be looking to make an immediate comeback tonight to help Ipswich in their pursuit for the play offs.
Are Rovers feeling the effect of fixture pile-up?
Blackburn’s month of fixtures looks like it is starting to take a toll on the side.
This could give Lambert the option whether to consider rotating his squad around to rest some players.
It is thought that the Blackburn boss is considering making changes for either tonight or for their trip to Brentford on Saturday.
Tonight will be Rovers' 10th game in 31 days and with Gomez being withdrawn in the second half of the 2-1 loss against Leeds, Craig Conway could be among those in consideration to replace him.
It is also likely that Corry Evans and Matt Grimes could also be called upon.
Blackburn’s poor away form contrast to Ipswich’s home form
The Tractor Boys have lost just one of their last six home games in the Championship.
Meanwhile, Rovers are winless in their last seven away league games, though they've conceded just once in each match.
Ipswich’s solid home form does stand them in good stead, but they will not face an easy ride against Blackburn tonight who have not performed exceptionally away from home, but have a good defensive away record.
Ipswich need the three points tonight and with Blackburn likely to avoid the drop this season, I feel that Paul Lambert would be happy to come away with a point.
Ipswich and Blackburn fans… What is your score prediction? Can Ipswich get their top six chase back on track? Can Blackburn pull of a victory? Let us know in your thoughts and opinions below!