Sixto Peralta is looking increasingly unlikely to make the Town line-up facing Southampton at Portman Road on Saturday. The Argentinian is still a long way from getting over his thigh strain.

George Burley says he will miss the 22-year-old: "It's disappointing because Sixto has been doing very well for us, but it looks like he will miss the game on Saturday."

Finidi George seems likely to come into the midfield after missing out while he was away with Nigeria at the African Nations' Cup.

Jim Magilton and Jermaine Wright look set to fight it out to join Matt Holland in the centre of midfield. Magilton has revealed that he offered to end his international career in order to give the Northern Irish youngsters a chance. Manager Sammy McIlroy turned down his offer. Magilton has won 51 caps for Northern Ireland and has captained them on several occasions.

Jamie Clapham looks the favourite to take the left midfield role with Martijn Reuser once again on the bench.

George Burley has already said that Titus Bramble will replace the suspended John McGreal at centre-back while Marcus Stewart and Marcus Bent are the most likely starters in attack.

Southampton have a number of their strikers on the mend with Marian Pahars hopeful of making it after injuring his groin against Bolton last week.

James Beattie, out with an ankle injury of late is now suffering with a calf problem, but is likely to play some part in Saturday's game.

Kevin Davies, back from suspension, and Brett Ormerod, just back from a knee injury, are also in with a chance of a start. Agustin Delgado is back in Ecuador with a knee injury.

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