Preview: Town - Palace

Town take on Neil Warnock's Crystal Palace side on Saturday in the tea-time kick-off, Town will be looking to bounce back from the defeat against Wigan on Wednesday with three points.

Town will be missing Ben Thatcher who tore a thigh muscle in the Wigan defeat, David Wright and Moritz Volz are doubts leaving Town short on full backs. Pablo Counago is a doubt but Jon Stead is available again after being cup tied in mid-week.

Town manager Jim Magilton: "We have got to gain a stranglehold in the game and then take the ball to the opposition.

"The difference this season from last at Portman Road is that we have not found the net when we have been dominant.

"We must start doing this again, and hopefully from tomorrow.

"This is a more important match than our Carling Cup game against Wigan last Wednesday as the league campaign is paramount to us - although the two competitions can go hand in hand.

"We have Alex Bruce and Pim Balkestein who can play at full back while Richard Naylor will be back in the team after being rested on Wednesday.

"The fact that Palace have lost their three previous away league matches will make them more dangerous and we will have to be aware of this.

"People might expect us to be on top and gain the points but it will not be that easy.

"I am pleased that neither Alan Lee nor James Scowcroft will be in the side as there is always danger when former players return.

"Both served Ipswich Town very well and I am sure would have got a great ovation if they had been here tomorrow.

"And Craig Beattie will feel he has a point to prove and will be a serious threat which we will have to take care of."

Palace could be without former Town strikers Alan Lee and James Scowcroft. Calvin Andrew is also a doubt meaning Craig Beattie will make his debut after coming in on-loan.

Palace manager Neil Warnock:

Got a prediction? Leave it below.