Dutch midfielder Martijn Reuser misses tonight's away league clash with Wigan Athletic due to a groin injury. The former Ajax man picked up the problem in training yesterday.

Better news for Joe Royle is that Matt Richards is OK after he suffered a similar injury prior to Saturday's visit of Coventry.

Georges Santos is also OK after having stitches over the weekend and Fabian Wilnis is included despite receiving an elbow to the jaw on Saturday.

Royle says he is making changes to his side but is keeping his cards close to his chest. While the 4-3-3 formation has been less than successful at home it was at its most effective in the second half at Crewe ten days ago.

However, with the Blues looking an improved side in the second half Saturday he could well switch to a 4-4-2 with Ian Westlake possibly making a first senior start. Striker Dean Bowditch could do the same, although up to now Royle has indicated that he feels the young striker is a greater danger coming off the bench.

For Wigan Lee McCulloch and Steve McMillan were both injured in the weekend's 2-0 win at Burnley and are doubtful.

Despite their win at Turf Moor manager Paul Jewell feels his side can put in a better display against Town: "Even the players were disappointed with the way we played, but we must take the positives from it. I want us to be better against Ipswich."

Town and the Latics have never faced one another in the league, the only previous games a two-legged Coca-Cola Cup tie in 1992 which the Blues won. The Wigan leg of that tie was played at their old Springfield Park ground and not the new JJB Stadium.

This evening's referee is Trevor Parkes from Birmingham who has not previously officiated in a Town game.

Town squad: D Bent, M Bent, Bowditch, Couñago, Davis, Diallo, Magilton, Makin, Miller, Naylor, Price, Richards, Santos, Westlake, Wilnis and Wright.

Photo: Action Images

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