It could have been even better for them too, but for a late equaliser robbing them of becoming the first side to beat Nottingham Forest in the league this season.

Even so, that result made it seven games without defeat for Mick McCarthy's men, and the manager was rewarded for that form by being voted Manager of the Month for September.

McCarthy will be delighted with how his side have bounced back from a disappointing derby defeat to Norwich City in August, particularly at home where they have won their last three matches without conceding.

In-form Daryl Murphy has taken some of the goalscoring mantle off David McGoldrick so far this season, and they are once again expected to lead the line this weekend.

However, Jonathan Williams could be forced to miss out having withdrawn from international duty recently, while the match is also likely to come too soon for Jack Collison to make his debut.

Blackburn went into the season expecting to do battle with the likes of Ipswich for a place in the playoffs, but so far they have not been able to string a run of good results together.

The same sort of inconsistency that cost them a top-six push last season has dogged them again so far this time around, with four wins, four defeats and three draws in their 11 matches.

Just one of those victories has come in their last five outings, while they have failed to even score in their last two matches in the league.

Rudy Gestede is expected to return to help improve their fortunes in front of goal, however, and he and Jordan Rhodes are likely to lead the line this weekend.

Gary Bowyer will be eager for his side to improve their away form, which has seen them lose three of their last four games on the road by a two-goal margin.

Recent form

Ipswich: DDWWWW

Blackburn: DLDWLW

Possible starting lineups

Ipswich: Gerken; Mings, Berra, Chambers, Parr; Bishop, Skuse, Hyam; McGoldrick, Murphy, Sammon

Blackburn: Steele; Baptiste, Hanley, Duffy, Olsson; Conway, Evans, Cairney, Marshall; Gestede, Rhodes

Sports Mole says: 2-1