Preview: Watford vs. Ipswich Town

Leaders Watford will face a stern test of their title credentials when they host fellow promotion hopefuls Ipswich Town on Saturday afternoon.

In a promotion race which has taken so many twists and turns, it could be Watford's form in 2015 which makes the biggest difference when the top teams reach the final days of the campaign.

Slavisa Jokanovic's side have lost just one of their previous 11 league games, and a 2-0 victory over Wigan Athletic in midweek means they are currently leading second-placed Middlesbrough only on goal difference.

The safe bet would be to assume there will be more drama in the coming weeks, but Watford will be fully aware that a win over Ipswich would give them a big confidence boost.

For Ipswich, the weekend will be mainly about not losing further ground as they look to force their way back into the playoff places.

Mick McCarthy watched his side end a four-match winless run with a 1-0 victory over Bolton Wanderers in midweek - a result which leaves them just a point behind Brentford.

However, Wolves are just two points adrift of the Tractor Boys, and McCarthy knows that he cannot afford for his men to go on another frustrating run of results.

Ipswich are likely to name an unchanged side from the win over Bolton, with Bartosz Bialkowski expected to keep his place in goal as Dean Gerken remains out with an injury.

Watford have added a defensive option to their squad with the loan signing of Matthew Connolly from Cardiff City, and he will almost certainly be handed a spot in the squad on Saturday.

Watford:

Recent form: WWWWDW

Possible starting lineup: Gomes; Cathcart, Angella, Ekstrand, Hoban; Forestieri, Watson, Guedioura, Munari; Deeney, Vydra

Ipswich:

Recent form: WLLDLW

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

Sports Mole says: 2-0