Preview: Ipswich Town vs. Charlton Athletic

Ipswich Town can make it eight games without defeat on New Year's Day when they host a Charlton Athletic side who have won just once in December.

Mick McCarthy's Tractor Boys squeezed into the top six at the halfway point of the season thanks to Sunday's 1-1 draw at Bournemouth.

McCarthy is likely to name an unchanged XI for the sixth straight match, but he could include recent signing Sylvan Ebanks-Blake on the bench if he is deemed match-fit again.

Visitors Charlton were also held to a 1-1 draw at the weekend by fellow strugglers Sheffield Wednesday to make it three games without defeat.

Manager Chris Powell may be able to welcome back Ben Hamer in goal, but if the Addicks' number one isn't fit, then Ben Alnwick will continue between the posts.

Although a trip to Portman Road may be a difficult way to kick off 2014, things are looking up for Charlton as a takeover looms and with it the possibility to dip into the January transfer market.

In the reverse fixture that only took place a little over a month ago, Ipswich won at The Valley thanks to Tommy Smith's early goal.

Recent form

Ipswich: DWDDWW

Charlton: DWDLDL

Possible starting lineups

Ipswich: Gerken; Chambers, Berra, Smith, Cresswell; Hyam, Skuse, Tunnicliffe; Nouble, McGoldrick, Murphy

Charlton: Alnwick; Solly, Morrison, Wood, Wiggins; Cousins, Jackson, Stephens, Stewart; Kermorgant, Church

Sports Mole says: 2-0