Derby boss John Gregory has tipped Town to be somewhere near the top of the division at the end of the season, despite some recent disappointing results. Gregory's Derby visit Portman Road tomorrow with his side similarly stumbling.

The former Villa boss said: "They are suffering similar problems to ourselves at the moment, but I believe they will be in the top six come the end of the season and we know it will be a difficult game tomorrow.

"Like us, Ipswich are not the biggest of teams. They are not too aggressive and play neat and tidy football.

"They are suffering because of the physical approach of some teams.

"Ipswich play a passing game and will play their way out of trouble.

"It is the kind of approach that will see them win more games than they lose."

Gregory is looking to his side for a more focussed approach on Saturday: "Concentration levels among the players are not as good as they should be. It is all about switching on the minute you step onto the pitch."

He is without Fabrizio Ravanelli who is still in Italy having an achilles problem sorted while Branko Strupar injured his knee in a reserve game in the week.

Malcolm Christie has recently played up front on his own with Kinkladze sat just behind him in a free role.

Argentinian Horacio Carbonari could be involved for the first time since Town beat Derby at Pride Park last January.

Defender Steve Elliott could be back in the squad after a knee injury.

Last week Derby lost 2-0 at home to Preston, a result they will certainly be looking to improve upon.

Photo: Action Images

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