Ipswich V Birmingham at Portman Road - Match Preview




No new worries for McCarthy

Ipswich boss Mick McCarthy has no fresh injury or suspension concerns ahead of Saturday's clash with Birmingham.

McCarthy's only absentee is striker Paul Taylor, who has been out since September with a foot injury.

Midfielder Jay Tabb opened the scoring against Sheffield Wednesday in his side's last outing and he is expected to retain his place in the side against Birmingham.

Patrick Kisnorbo could return to the starting XI. The defender has come off the bench in the Tractor Boys' last two games and he is in contention to be restored to McCarthy's team.

Winger Lee Martin is close to returning from an ankle injury, but he is unlikely to be ready in time to face the Blues.

Ipswich currently sit 14th in the npower Championship table, knowing a point on Saturday would be enough to ensure their safety.

Birmingham boss Lee Clark is expected to stick with a winning side.

Hayden Mullins scored the only goal of the game when Blues recorded a 1-0 win over Leeds last weekend, and Clark is unlikely to make changes.

Jonathan Spector, Keith Fahey, Marlon King, Stephen Carr, David Murphy and Will Packwood remain long-term absentees.

Blues offered new deals to youngsters Callum Reilly and Mitch Hancox on Thursday and they could both be in the starting line-up at Portman Road.

Defender Hancox, who has been a regular this season, was part of the back four which kept a clean sheet against Leeds, while Reilly was an unused substitute.

Source: PA

Source: PA