Town caretaker-manager Tony Mowbray says that on their day any side in the First Division can beat any other. Mowbray added that it was important that sides like Gillingham are beaten at home.

Mowbray has a few injury worries ahead of the visit by the Gills, Marcus Bent has worked with physios on his back problem this week, although this isn't seen as a major doubt. Jim Magilton's hamstring is still coming on fine, but still a little way off fitness.

Mark Venus may join in training on Friday after picking up a back injury in the match against Burnley while Thomas Gaardsøe missed training on Thursday as he also has a back/hamstring problem, although it isn't thought to be too serious.

All three players who underwent surgery, Richard Naylor, Keith Branagan and Martijn Reuser, are all continuing their comebacks, but are still a few weeks away from fitness.

Mowbray says that Town's weekend opponents have had a good season so far: "Gillingham have done well, they are a very organised side and they work hard as every team in this division seems to. I think when some sides come to Ipswich, and particularly at Portman Road, it's a big game for them as we've been in the Premiership and have a few high profile players compared their players, no disrespect to them.

"It lifts their energy levels and desire in any given game and our players have got to match that extra effort the opposition give and the extra determination they have against us, and then produce the extra bit of quality they've got.

"I think there is some truth in the suggestion that every side in this division is capable of beating any other. That's why in this division you do lose a game but it isn't the end of the world because teams do beat each other. We can look at ourselves and say we haven't had a great early season, and yet if we do string three or four wins together then we'll be right in contention.

"We're working to get the players in a mind where when we do win one or two games they are looking towards that top six, and realise that in a few games time we're going to be up there and putting severe pressure on.

"It's important that we get results against the likes of Gillingham at home, it's an opportunity for three more points."

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