Ipswich V Blackpool at Portman Road - Match Preview




Tractor Boys to monitor doubtful duo

Ipswich will assess Lee Martin and Scott Loach ahead of the visit of Blackpool.

Midfielder Martin has missed Town's last two games - a 4-0 win over Middlesbrough and a disappointing 1-0 defeat at Blackburn - due to a hamstring injury and will be monitored in the build-up to the clash against the Seasiders.

As will goalkeeper Loach, who sat out at Ewood Park having sprained his thumb in training last week.

Loan stopper Stephen Henderson duly made his return between the sticks but he was helpless to prevent Jordan Rhodes' second-half winner.

The likes of Andy Drury, Michael Chopra, Anthony Wordsworth and Frank Nouble are pushing to start after Town recorded just one shot on target against Blackburn.

Blackpool are boosted by the return of Matt Gilks.

Goalkeeper Gilks missed last weekend's 2-1 win over Millwall, their second triumph in three matches, because of a one-match suspension he collected after being sent off for deliberate handball in the defeat to Barnsley.

Caretaker boss Steve Thompson will have to decide whether to recall Gilks or stick with Mark Halstead, who made his first league start for the club at Bloomfield Road.

On-loan Aston Villa striker Nathan Delfouneso came off the bench to net a late winner against the Lions and is pushing for a promotion to the starting line-up.

But defenders Ian Evatt (knee) and Bob Harris (toe) continue to be ruled out.

Thompson's temporary reign could come to an end after the Portman Road clash as reports have emerged that Paul Ince, the father of Tangerines star man Thomas Ince, is close to succeeding Michael Appleton.

Source: PA

Source: PA