Sunderland face a difficult test as they welcome Ipswich Town to the Stadium Of Light.

The Black Cats have enjoyed an excellent run of late which stretches back to the early December defeat against Gillingham.

However that unbeaten run came to a prompt end last week as Phil Parkinson's side fell to a 2-0 defeat against Portsmouth at Fratton Park.

But that shouldn't detract from what has been a stunning resurgence since the turn of the year.

Ipswich Town have promotion aspirations of their own as they sit in fourth place in the league, meaning that this one could have big permutations in the race for Championship football.

There's plenty at stake, but who will Phil Parkinson select? FLW writer Phil Spencer picks the team that he'd like to see face Ipswich Town.

"Phil Parkinson has some big decisions to make ahead of the clash with Ipswich Town.

"A couple of key injuries will give him plenty to think about as he looks to get the Black Cats back to winning ways following the 2-0 defeat to Portsmouth last week.

"That said, Jon McLaughlin will almost certainly start in goal, while Bailey Wright and Jordan Willis will start in defence.

"Joel Lynch misses the game with concussion, meaning that Tom Flanagan is expected to be drafted in to Sunderland's back line.

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"Luke O'Nien will continue on the right side of midfield, while Declan John's lack of match fitness means that Denver Hume is likely to keep his place on the left.

"Josh Scowen has been eased into the first team fold during the last couple of weeks, and he's one player who could be brought into the starting XI to face the Tractor Boys.

"Max Power has been impressive of late, meaning that George Dobson could be the man to drop to the bench on this occasion.

"Chris Maguire and Lynden Gooch will be determined to impress after a flat display against Pompey last week, while Parkinson could be forced into a change in attack.

"Charlie Wyke has been struggling with a shoulder injury and while he could be fit to feature, the Sunderland boss may see it as the ideal opportunity to hand Kyle Lafferty a first start for the club."