Ipswich Town vs Cardiff City. Sky Bet Championship.
Portman RoadAttendance13,205.
Wednesday 21 February 2018 11:09, UK
Ipswich boss Mick McCarthy could name an unchanged starting line-up for the home game against Cardiff.
McCarthy confirmed several players are nursing bumps and bruises following Sunday's draw at derby rivals Norwich, but has no major new injury worries.
Teenage defender Tristan Nydam has recovered from illness but is still lacking full match fitness and midfielder Tom Adeyemi (hamstring) is still out. Long-term absentees Emyr Huws, Luke Hyam, Andre Dozzell (all knee) and goalkeeper Dean Gerken (hip) are all working their way back from surgery.
Cardiff defender Craig Bryson could return to contention following a two-month injury lay-off. Bryson has been sidelined with an Achilles injury, but had no reaction after a recent run out with the under-23s and may be in boss Neil Warnock's plans.
Warnock will also monitor Kadeem Harris, who has been restricted to just one appearance this season due to ankle problems. Striker Gary Madine is expected to be fit for Sunday's visit of Bristol City after breaking his nose in the recent draw at Millwall and defender Jazz Richards (severe bruising) is still out.
Ipswich have only lost one of their last seven home league games against Cardiff (W4 D2), losing 2-1 in October 2012.
Cardiff's last league double over the Tractor Boys came in the 1946/47 season in the Third Division South.
After winning nine of his first 11 matches (L2) against Neil Warnock in all competitions, Mick McCarthy has won just one of his last nine (D2 L6).
Warnock has won eight of his last 10 league meetings with Ipswich (D1 L1).
Ipswich were so, so close to a dramatic victory in the East Anglian derby on Sunday, and they'll be so disappointed with the way they threw it away.
Cardiff are back on top form and are right in the battle for the top two. They haven't lost in the league since New Year's Day and I can't see that run ending at Portman Road. Away win.
Prutton predicts: 0-1 (5/1 with Sky Bet)