Ipswich v QPR preview

Tractor Boys without joint-top scorers

Last updated: 28th March 2008

Shefki Kuqi Ipswich

Kuqi: May return

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This Portman Road clash between Ipswich and OPR is a must-win game for both promotion-chasing teams.

The Tractor Boys are currently sitting in seventh in the Championship, with 59 points from 39 games - the same points as Plymouth in the last play-off berth, but with a game in hand.

They need to win as away from the top five, it is desperately tight among the chasing pack, with just two points separating the next five teams.

QPR are a little off the pace - in 14th place with 52 points from 40 games - and must win to keep their outside play-off hopes alive.

The home side are without joint-top scorers Jon Walters, who is out injured until the last game of the season after a knee operation, and the suspended Pablo Counago.

Team news

Manager Jim Magilton is hoping striker Shefki Kuqi can return from a hamstring injury, while youngster Jordan Rhodes will again be involved.

But midfielder David Norris is sidelined with a heel injury and defender Richard Naylor is set to miss the rest of the season with a neck problem.

For QPR, inspirational midfielder Martin Rowlands has been passed fit to play after a hip problem forced him out after half an hour in last Saturday's 3-3 draw at Wolves.

Rowlands was replaced at Molineux by Gavin Mahon, who will be pushing for a start after building up his match fitness following a knee injury.

Winger Hogan Ephraim should be on the bench after returning to the squad following a three-match ban.

But boss Luigi De Canio is still without back-up goalkeeper Jake Cole, who is about a week away from returning after undergoing a clean-up operation on his elbow.