Portman Road is the venue for Rotherham United’s trip to face Ipswich Town this weekend as the Championship campaign resumes.

The second tier was on hold last weekend to facilitate the hotly anticipated third round of the FA Cup as it does every January.

But attention for both sides turns back to matters for points rather than cup progression.

Paul Lambert’s side are ten points adrift of safety and have the worst goal difference in the league, adding an extra point handicap in essence onto their survival hopes.

One win in six and three straight defeats have left the Suffolk outfit outsiders to retain their Championship status this season.

Paul Warne’s men, meanwhile, are by no means safe either, winning one in six and will be looking to make it back-to-back wins this weekend when they travel south.

Ahead of the game, Sky Sports enlisted the help of pundit David Prutton to cast his eye over this particular fixture.

The EFL presenter said: “Ipswich have reached the point of no return now.

“Any enthusiasm that may have been building under Paul Lambert has been quelled by three defeats in a row, and they are now 10 points adrift of safety.

“Rotherham are the team just above the relegation zone, and this is a must-win for both. For that reason, I can see both being reluctant to open up. Draw for me, 0-0.”

The Verdict

This is a huge game at the bottom of the table.

Paul Lambert’s men had one on New Year’s Day and despite taking the lead, fell apart and ended up losing 3-2.

This one is even more important as if they lose; it will be another relegation rival three points further ahead of them.

Rotherham need the win to pull away from the drop zone, as they sit just three points above Bolton in 22nd.

Must not lose for either side, and I think Town would have learnt from the mistakes against Millwall.

I am going for a 2-0 home win.

Thoughts? Let us know!