Ipswich v Portsmouth

Last updated : 25 February 2011 By BBC Sport

Portsmouth midfielder Liam Lawrence remains doubtful with a calf tear despite undergoing intensive treatment in an oxygen chamber.

Kanu is expected to return to the squad after missing the midweek win against Crystal Palace for personal reasons.

MATCH PREVIEW

Ipswich have been a bogey side for Portsmouth, who have won only one of the last 17 league matches between these clubs and have failed to score in eight of their last 12 games against Town.

But Pompey make this trip to East Anglia in good form. They have won their last three league games without letting in a goal, going almost five-and-a-half hours of Championship football without conceding.

Ipswich have played more matches this season than any other team in the division. Their 2-0 defeat at leaders QPR - the Tractor Boys' 40th game of the campaign - was their first loss in seven league outings.

But their performances since the arrival of Paul Jewell have seen them transformed into possible play-off contenders. They were the better side for most of the first half on Tuesday, and are yet to lose at home since Jewell took over as manager.

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

• Ipswich have won 16 of the 35 previous matches between these clubs - twice as many as Portsmouth, who have beaten them only eight times.

Ipswich

• A defeat would be Ipswich's 400th in the second tier.

• Town have now won and lost as many league matches as they did during the whole of last season (W12, L14).

• They have dropped 14 points from winning positions this term, drawing four and losing two matches in which they have been ahead.

• Mark Kennedy is in line for his 450th league appearance, and Damien Delaney his 350th league start.

• Carlos Edwards is set to play in his 350th game in the Football League.

Portsmouth

• Portsmouth have scored only 13 first-half goals in the Championship this term - fewer than any other team.

• If selected, Hayden Mullins will be making his 550th career appearance.

• Hermann Hreidarsson could face his former club.

Source: BBC Sport

Source: BBC Sport