Preview: Ipswich Town vs. Bolton Wanderers

Ipswich Town will be keen to boost their chances of securing a playoff place when they host Bolton Wanderers in the Championship this weekend.

Mick McCarthy's side looked like automatic promotion candidates earlier in the season, but a run of four defeats from their last six outings has seen them slip to eighth.

Their last match saw the Tractor Boys thrashed 4-1 by high-flying Middlesbrough at the weekend, leaving them with no win in four.

The hosts could be without goalkeeper Dean Gerken, who was stretchered off with a head injury at the weekend less than 10 minutes into the tie following an accidental clash with one of his teammates.

Gerken underwent scan at a nearby hospital following the incident, but Bartosz Bialkowski could continue between the posts if the regular first choice is not available.

Meanwhile, Bolton will be looking to make it back-to-back wins after a difficult run in the Championship in recent weeks.

The Trotters had suffered four defeats in six matches during February and March, but a 2-0 win over Millwall at the weekend halted their slide down the table, leaving them 16th in the standings.

Neil Lennon could be without Saidy Janko for the trip after he picked up a glute problem while warming up at the Macron at the weekend, leaving his involvement in doubt.

Neil Danns is also out as he was booked for the 10th time this season in the match against Millwall, meaning he is suspended for Bolton's next two fixtures.

On-loan goalkeeper Ben Amos will be under pressure to perform between the sticks now that Adam Bogdan and Andy Lonergan are available again, while Dorian Dervite is also back fit following a knee problem.

There are still plenty of players sidelined though, with Mark Davies still a week away from match fitness and Kevin McNaughton, Darren Pratley, Zach Clough and Marc Tierney among the notable absentees.

When the two sides met at the Macron Stadium earlier in the season, the teams played to a goalless draw.

Ipswich:

Form in Championship: LWLLDL Form in all competitions: LWLLDL

Possible starting lineup: Bialkowski, Chambers, Smith, Berra, Mings, Parr, Skuse, Bishop, Tabb, Sears, Murphy

Bolton:

Form in Championship: LLWDLW Form in all competitions: LLWDLW

Possible starting lineup: Amos, Vela, Mills, McCarthy, Ream, Walker, Coke, Bannan, Feeney, Davies, Le Fondre

Sports Mole says: 1-1