Following Ipswich?s recent win over Crystal Palace and their draw at Sheffield Wednesday, they are on 57 points, six off the bottom three. However, their goal difference of -13 is inferior to other sides at the foot of the table, including Wolverhampton Wanderers, so they still need a result against Birmingham.
Birmingham are safe from the drop because they beat Leeds United last weekend. They are on 60 points in the league, nine off the bottom three but six off the playoffs, which are virtually now impossible due to goal differences.
Patrick Kisnorbo may return from injury for Ipswich however Lee Martin remains absent due to an ankle problem.
Birmingham have no fresh injury concerns and are expected to name the same starting line-up that beat Leeds last week.
Youngsters Callum Reilly and Mitch Hancox were both offered new contracts this week and should feature at Portman Road.
Mick McCarthy?s first game in charge of Ipswich was the reverse fixture this season between this two sides. A DJ Campbell goal, against his old club, was enough for a shock win for Ipswich back in November. If Ipswich win this weekend, it will be their first double over Birmingham since 1981.
In recent years however, Birmingham have had the better of these exchanges. The loss in November was only their second league defeat to Ipswich in 10 games.
Ipswich have scored the fewest goals in the Championship this season, just 45 in 44 games. Birmingham, meanwhile, have found the net in their last 11 league outings, the longest current scoring streak in the division.
Source: DSG
Source: DSG