Ipswich and Manchester City both go into this weekend's vital First Division clashes with injury worries. Town are definitely missing John McGreal (ankle, not back before play-offs if required), Jonas Axeldal (knee, likely to be out for the season) and Mike Salmon (groin, needs an operation). Marcus Stewart is hoping to be back from his back spasm problem, Mark Venus will be looking for his ankle injury to improve and Manu Thetis could well be back from his back problem sustained on Tuesday against Crystal Palace. Richard Naylor is still feeling his tendinitis which will require surgery over the summer.

Meanwhile Manchester City have problems of their own for tonight's home game with Birmingham. Shaun Goater, Mark Kennedy and Gerard Wiekens are all to take fitness tests.

The is that Town will play a 5-3-2 formation with Fabian Wilnis moving into the back three and Gary Croft making a return. James Scowcroft will continue up front with David Johnson with Martijn Reuser continuing in midfield. Included in the squad will be Richard Logan, back form Youth International duty and Titus Bramble, who is an outsider for a start. TWTD would like to express its good wishes to the players, directors, management and fans of Birmingham City.

Anyone driving to Charlton should note that contrary to the advice given by the club in the programme the other night parking around the Valley is very tricky indeed. The close proximity of the Millennium Dome has led police to make virtually the whole area around the Valley a parking-free zone.

Photo: Action Images

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