Ipswich V Derby at Portman Road - Match Preview

Manager Paul Jewell will take his place in the dugout for Ipswich's home clash against Derby desperate for a turnaround in the ailing club's fortunes.

Jewell confirmed on Monday morning his intention to remain in the hot seat after Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Hull - which extended Town's winless run to 10 games - left him considering his own future.

But he admitted positive results must come soon as he attempts to steer Ipswich away from the relegation zone, and there would be no better time to start than against former employers Derby.

Jewell could be tempted to name an unchanged starting XI with no new injury or suspension problems to contend with. Striker Paul Taylor (foot) remains a long-term absentee while full-back Elliott Hewitt is unlikely to feature despite recovering from tonsillitis.

Danny Higginbotham's current month-long loan agreement from Stoke comes to an end after the fixture but the defender has signalled his desire to remain with Ipswich.

"I want to help the club get out of this position and whether I've been here four or 14 games, I feel partly responsible for the position we are in and I want to help us get out of it," Higginbotham told Town's official website. "So if something could be done to keep me here, then it's something I would certainly be open to."

Derby boss Nigel Clough could welcome veteran defender Gareth Roberts back to his squad.

The left-back was absent from the Rams' last two games due to a hamstring injury he picked up during County's game against Middlesbrough, but the former Wales international could return to the fold for the match at Portman Road.

If Roberts is unable to recover in time, defender James O'Connor could keep his place in Derby's back four for the third successive game.

The clash looks to have come too soon for Derby stopper Frank Fielding who is nursing a groin injury, while forward Jamie Ward remains a doubt as he continues to make his recovery from a hamstring problem.

Source: PA

Source: PA