The Tractor Boys kept touch with those above them in the table and remain just one point off the pace despite being held to a goalless draw against Bolton Wanderers last time out.

That result extended their unbeaten record in the league to eight matches, while they have only lost one of their last 17 stretching back to August.

Such is the proximity of the teams at that end of the table, though, that Ipswich could end the weekend either top of the pile or holding on to the final playoff place.

However, they will be confident of picking up what would be a huge victory given their home form, which has seen them amass 23 points from 10 matches at Portman Road - the best points-per-game record in the division.

In addition to that, they have the joint-best defensive record at home having only conceded seven times in front of their own fans, two of which have come in three consecutive victories.

Mick McCarthy's side boast the league's top scorer in Daryl Murphy, while strike partner David McGoldrick is also showing signs of returning to his best form.

Jack Collison and Cameron Stewart are both nearing returns for the Tractor Boys, but this weekend will come too soon for the injured duo.

The visitors will know that they are in for a stern test this weekend, but they will approach it full of confidence having climbed into the automatic promotion places last Saturday.

A 2-0 victory over Derby County not only knocked the Rams off top spot but also saw Boro replace former manager Steve McClaren's side in the top two, with only goals scored preventing them from leapfrogging leaders Bournemouth as well.

Aitor Karanka's side have the best defensive record in the league this season having shipped just 15 goals in their 21 matches, including four clean sheets in their last seven outings.

Like Ipswich, they are also unbeaten in eight games, and while McCarthy's side have an impressive home record, no team has amassed more points on the road than Boro this season. Indeed Karanka's side have enjoyed more success away from home than they have at the Riverside so far.

The form of Patrick Bamford has been particularly impressive in recent weeks, with the Chelsea loanee having scored in four games in a row and six of the last seven.

He will once again play this weekend, and Karanka could opt to name an unchanged side following their win over Derby, despite the return to training of Jonathan Woodgate.

Ipswich:

Recent form: WWDWWD

Possible starting lineup: Bialkowski; Chambers, Berra, Smith, Mings; Hunt, Skuse Tabb; Anderson, McGoldrick, Murphy

Middlesbrough:

Recent form: WDDDWW

Possible starting lineup: Konstantopoulos; Nsue, Ayala, Gibson, Friend; Adomah, Clayton, Leadbitter, Reach; Vossen, Bamford

Sports Mole says: 2-2