Freddie Sears and Tom Lawrence replace Kevin Bru and Conor Grant, who both drop to the bench, in an otherwise unchanged Town side taking on Aston Villa at Portman Road this afternoon.

The Blues could start in a 4-4-2 system with full debutant Lawrence on the left and Sears - back after missing the Derby game with a groin problem - joining Brett Pitman up front or alternatively the on-loan Leicester man could play behind Pitman in the 4-4-1-1 system utilised in the first half at the iPro Stadium on Tuesday with Sears on the left.

Villa, who make four changes from the side which drew 1-1 at home to Brentford, are without striker Ross McCormack, who was considered a big doubt due to a knee problem, while fellow frontman Rudy Gestede also misses out.

Right-back Ritchie De Laet is also sidelined as he requires a knee operation, while Aly Cissokho drops to the bench.

Nathan Baker, Leandro Bacuna, Jordan Amivi and Jack Grealish all come into the starting line-up.

Town: Bialkowski, Chambers (c), Webster, Berra, Knudsen, Skuse, Douglas, Lawrence, Ward, Sears, Pitman. Subs: Gerken, Kenlock, Bru, Bishop, Grant, Varney, Best.

Aston Villa: Gollina, Bacuna, Elphick (c), Chester, Baker, Amavi, Westwood, Jedinak, Grealish, Ayew, Kodjia. Subs: Bunn. Richards, Kozak, Hutton, Gardner, Cissokho. Referee: Tony Harrington (Cleveland).

Photo: TWTD

Tractorboy1985 added 14:26 - Sep 17 We really should not fear that side! Take the game to them! Pleased Lawrence is starting as I believe he can make things happen with that killer pass! COYB!!!
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battyblue added 14:26 - Sep 17 Well Well who would have guessed it Skusey and Dougie and Searsey selected by Micksey again.
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Spanishblueblood added 14:27 - Sep 17 Game on bein sports guys
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cornishblu added 14:37 - Sep 17 ...little complaints about that side apart from the usual blind spot of RB ....with no gestede and McCormack this gives us a great chance.....I really believe we need to keep the faith with Sears...runs his heart out just is constantly played out of position....one goal and watch the self confidence coming flying back...literally COYB
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lilcornishblue added 14:37 - Sep 17 Good selection bit dissapointed that bishop isnt getting a starting spot. Is he still not up to mtach fitness yet?
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carsey added 14:40 - Sep 17 Scuse and Douglas!!! Can't believe we don't have just one holding midfielder and attack them that's the way to win the game and get the fans involved. Typical poor defensive starting line up.
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getawig added 14:54 - Sep 17 How does Sears come straight back in?? He has been poor all season and has clearly lost confidence.
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TimmyH added 15:18 - Sep 17 Sears has been played out of position for so long now no wonder he's lost his confidence glad Lawrence is starting but a tad disappointed that Skuse and Douglas are again there in the starting line up.
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