Championship: Ipswich Town v Burton Albion
By Sam Taylor
Ipswich Town are aiming to register their first home win since 27th August when they face Burton Albion for the first time.
Manager Mick McCarthy is under pressure after not managing a win in their last five games. He told BBC Radio Suffolk: “Go back four years. If the club were in this position four years ago, whose phone did they ring? Apparently I’ve got lousy now, I’m not good and I can’t do my job.”
Ipswich have found goals hard to come by scoring only five goals since their 4-2 win on the opening day of the season. They lost Republic of Ireland international Daryl Murphy to Newcastle in August while strikers Bret Pitman and David McGoldrick have long term injuries.
Luke Varney, who missed their weekend game to Blackburn with a slight hamstring issue, will once again be out, meaning Leon Best will lead the forward line. Welsh international Jonny Williams who managed 16 minutes at Ewood Park and is expected to start.
Burton are unbeaten in their last three games and will be hoping to overtake the Tractor Boys who lie just one place above them.
Manager Nigel Clough will have a full fit squad to choose from for the first time in 18 months. Clough is boosted by the return of Australian international Jackson Irvine. Irvine has been the surprise package of the Championship season, becoming Burton’s lead scorer with five goals from midfield since his move from Scottish Premiership side Ross County.