George Burley's men go into tonight's crucial clash with Leeds at Elland Road knowing that Blackburn are just one point behind them after their victory over Villa last night. Burley's changed side will be looking for a repeat of last year's 2-1 win in West Yorkshire.

TWTD understands that the Blues will line-up 5-3-2 with the full-back position not yet decided. Chris Makin injured his ankle in the 3-1 home loss to Southmapton on Saturday, but George Burley says he could well be fit this evening.

With Jermaine Wright also out injured (groin strain), Fabian Wilnis could be in for a surprise recall should Makin fail to make it. Last week Wilnis was told by George Burley that he can leave on a free should a club come in for him.

The other wing-back will be Jamie Clapham who was one of the few players to come out of Saturday's game with any credit. Martijn Reuser is set to drop to the bench.

The central three defenders will be (from the left) Mark Venus, Hermann Hreidarsson and John McGreal. The ex-Tranmere man returns after missing Saturday's match through suspension.

Despite his hesitant performance at the weekend we believe that Andy Marshall will continue in goal, but Matteo Sereni says he is ready should George Burley want him: "I don't know when my chance will come but I have been working hard in training to make sure I keep my form.

"I always hope to play. If the manager puts me in the starting 11 then I won't let anyone down."

The central midfield three is set to be Jim Magilton, Matt Holland (making his 250th appearance for the club) and Finidi George.

Up front we hear that George Burley may be about to spring a surprise with Marcus Bent dropping to the bench in favour of a Stewart-Armstrong partnership. The Blues are flying up to Leeds this morning.

Leeds will be without Oliver Dacourt, Jonathan Woodgate and Seth Johnson through injury, while Lee Bowyer and Danny Mills are both in the middle of six-match suspensions. Rio Ferdinand is set to return after missing Sunday's match with Everton with a back spasm picked up in the warm-up.

Tonight's referee is Dermot Gallagher.

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich Town Polls