By Aston
December 15 2006

STB brings you team news, manager previews and betting odds ahead of Towns game against Leeds United tomorrow (KO 3:00pm).

The game will be preceded by a minutes silence and prayer from the Bishop of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich as a mark of respect for the 5 women who have lost their lives around Ipswich in recent days.

 

Alan Lee looks likely to be re-called to the starting line up after missing the draw with Cardiff because of a suspension, Billy Clarke won’t be able to partner him up-front as he is out with an ankle injury but other then that it is a fully fit squad for the game.  

 

Town manger Jim Magilton hopes his team can brighten up the Town of Ipswich after what has been a traumatic week, Jim: “It's been a traumatic week for everybody in the community and we've all got so much sympathy for the families who have lost their daughters, I can't begin to think what they are going through. It's a terrible thing. The community has been in a state of shock but hopefully for 90 minutes tomorrow we can get their minds off things.

 

“The people of Suffolk see the Club as a focal point of their attention, their lives and it would be nice to put a smile back on people's faces. To leave them with a little joy.”

 

On the subject of Leeds, Jim added: “In Dennis Wise and Gus Poyet, they have the right men to take them forward, injuries and the start they had, with changes in management have probably caught up with Leeds but Dennis has the experience of his time at Millwall and I'm sure they will be okay this season.

 

“We trained a little on (the newly laid) pitch on Thursday and I'm delighted we were able to do that. It eliminates another excuse, although in fairness to the players no-one here has used that as an excuse at all.

 

“The pitch is usually pristine so it was a bit of a problem this season and it has been acted upon. As much as we have not made excuses, a new pitch is always exciting. It is like starting the season. They will go on to it with no fear of any bobbles or anything like that again.”

 

Town squad: Bruce, Casement, De Vos, Garvan, Harding, Haynes, Legwinski, Lee, Macken, Moore, Naylor, Peters, Price, Richards, Roberts, Supple, Walton, Williams.

 

Leeds are with out striker Robbie Blake who has a hamstring injury while Gary Kelly and Matthew Kilgallon are doubts with back and ankle injuries respectively, Kevin Nicholls could return after a knee injury.  

 

Leeds manager Dennis Wise: no pre-match thoughts available.

 

Betting Odds (found using Sportsnetwork Odds Checker):

Town: 21/20

Draw: 12/5

Leeds: 61/20

 

Referee: K P Stroud

Assistants: G D Horwood and K G Yeo

Fourth Official: G S Hambling

 

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