Ipswich Town FC

Mick McCarthy says there are goals in both Town and Blackburn but he’s hoping for a stalemate at Ewood Park!

Blues need a point against Rovers on Saturday to guarantee a place in the top six and a date with either Norwich or Middlesbrough in the Play-Offs. 

Town could still qualify even if beaten but only if Brentford, who host relegated Wigan, and Wolves, who are at home to also relegated Millwall, fail to win their respective games or don’t close the gap in goal difference. 

Fifth placed Blues, who currently sit three points above those two clubs, are seven goals better off than Wolves and three better off than Brentford.  

Derby, who are at home to Reading, are a point behind Town and also need a draw to book their place in the top six, with their goal difference easily the best of the four contenders for the remaining two Play-Off places. 

“It’s in our own hands and it’s a huge opportunity for us to progress into the Play-Offs after what has been a long and hard season,” Mick told the Club website.

“It’s not done yet though. Blackburn won’t roll over and die. They will want to finish their season with a win in front of their own fans. 

“They won’t want us to be celebrating getting in the Play-Offs on their patch so we have to deal with that.

“I can’t see Wolves turning the goal difference around but Brentford are capable of scoring goals against Wigan, who are already down. Though Wigan could be relaxed and go for it, who knows. 

“We will be tuned into what is going on around us when we need to be but the focus is on what we do. 

“We know Blackburn have goals in them. Jordan Rhodes has scored 20 goals for the third season running and Rudy Gestede is just behind Murph’s tally and has had a great year. 

“They have goals in them, so have we - that means it will be a goalless draw - let’s hope so!”

Blackburn: Goalkeeper Jason Steele is available after missing last week’s draw against Huddersfield through illness but Matt Kilgallon, Alex Baptiste, Grant Hanley and Chris Taylor all miss out. Paul Taylor can’t play under the terms of his loan from Town. 

Town: Noel Hunt is in the squad after making a quicker than expected recovery from knee ligament damage. Richard Chaplow is a concern with a groin injury but should travel. Luke Hyam and David McGoldrick are still absent while Blackburn loanee Luke Varney is ineligible. 

Town: 5th 

Blackburn: 9th

Jordan Rhodes began his career at Town, after progressing through the Academy ranks. He made only 10 appearances, scoring one goal before Huddersfield tempted Blues in 2009 with a deal that eventually topped the £1m mark. Three years later, he joined Blackburn and the goals have continued to flow, with the Scotland international bagging 72 in 133 League games. 

Match officials

Referee: Graham Scott

Assistants: Shaun Hudson, Ross Joyce

Fourth official: Geoff Eltringham

For all the odds on Town’s end of season showdown at Ewood Park, click on www.skybet.com.