Charlton manager Alan Pardew: "I didn't think we played well enough on Tuesday, I've seen some criticism that we weren't up for the fight and my team wasn't as aggressive as Palace. But my team isn't made up like that, whereas Neil Warnock's is.

"My side needs to play football a little bit more and get the ball down. We haven't done that to any great degree this year and part of me feels we lack a bit of control sometimes. So we've worked on that in training and hopefully we'll control Saturday's game to a greater degree.

"If there are some bonuses to come out of the game, the back four were brilliant, as was Nicky Bailey in midfield. But we haven't had enough offensively at times to unlock the door and get a second goal. That's something we really need to focus on.

"We need to take the pain of Tuesday and Sheffield Wednesday into the game on Saturday.

"We're coming up against a strong offensive side and we've lost our last home game, although it was a game that got away from us as we had 20 shots to their four. That suggests we should have scored at least got two goals.

"I know the Ipswich squad well; I've come up against them twice in the play-offs as manager at West Ham. They're a good side and they play great football, but it's a home game and I think they're vulnerable in areas which we will have to exploit.

"In the first half last season we were on fire; we sat a bit deep in the second half so we didn't have it all our way. But it's the sort of victory we'd love to have on Saturday, where we stamp our authority on the game, which I don't think we've really done this season.

"Hopefully the fans will get behind us for the first 60 minutes, and if we haven't delivered by then, I will understand a bit of frustration.

"But after losing two games on the spin, you need a bit of help from your fans. If they support us, then they will help us, it's as simple as that. If we don't get the win, they're entitled to moan, they pay their money and they want to see us do well."

Town will have Moritz Volz back in the squad after he missed the 3-0 win over Barnsley, Pablo Counago also travels despite injuring his ankle in training yesterday. Pim Balkestein and Ben Thatcher are both out so the back four may remain unchanged.

Town manager Jim Magilton: "We have been a bit nervy and were not at our best despite the 3-0 victory over Barnsley on Tuesday.

"We are confident we can build on that against Charlton, and it is nice to have the opportunity to extend our five-match unbeaten league run.

"In the first 45 minutes at the Valley last season we were very poor, so we have a chance to right a few wrongs.

"I will pick the side, and it will be one that will be prepared to win the game.

"Alex has done really well since he returned from his three-match suspension, while Ivan adds composure and experience.

"He is a little bit frustrated as he is still playing catch-up with his fitness after his delayed start to the season.

"Ivan has still a way to go to reach the match fitness levels of his team mates. He has a wonderful passing game, and we must ensure he is given the opportunity to express this during games."

Match Odds:
Charlton: 11/8
Draw: 5/2
Town: 23/10

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