Portsmouth linchpin Paul Merson reckons that Town are potentially the second best side in the First Division - behind his Pompey side. The Blues travel to Fratton Park on Saturday to face Harry Redknapp's table-topping team.

Merson says: "I firmly believe that Ipswich are a better team than second-placed Leicester. They beat us down here, but were helped by a waterlogged pitch."

"We have to be sharp against Ipswich on Saturday. There is no doubt in my mind that they are potentially the best in this division. But the league table shows that we are the best. You don't do what we've done by accident.

"What Ipswich have done has been the biggest disappointment of the season for me. And I think the UEFA Cup has been partly to blame.

"Ipswich is a long way from most places, and to have league trips after coming back on a Friday from a Thursday game in Europe cannot have helped them. But they are a club that have the potential to be right up there."

Merson feels that although automatic promotion is out of the Blues' reach the play-offs are still achievable.

Good news for Town is that Chris Makin is back in training after his hamstring problem, but Jim Magilton is still a big doubt due to his groin injury.

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich Town Polls