City face tough test at Portman Road

City head to another of our bogey grounds on Saturday with a trip to high-flying Ipswich.

Roy Keane's side are unbeaten after the opening three games and find themselves in fifth position whilst City only have two points from our three games following a turbulent start to the season.

The game could be set up for new City striker Jon Stead, who is set to make his Robins debut after joining from Ipswich on Monday.

Ipswich boss Roy Keane on new City striker Jon Stead...

"In an ideal world I would have liked to have kept Jon here but he had a good offer from Bristol City.

"He showed what being a good professional is all about and I'm sure he will get a good reaction from our supporters."

City gaffer Keith Millen talks a good game...

"We've worked on our shape and the team is beginning to gel. It's a new group really, with lots of new players.

"Ipswich have had a good start to the season and the fact Jon Stead is going back there will add some more spice to the game."

Ipswich could hand a Championship debut to new striker Jason Scotland after his move from Wigan on Monday.

The Tractor Boys will be without winger Andros Townsend after he was sent off in the 2-1 win at Crystal Palace last Saturday. He serves the second game of a three-match ban.

Centre-half Gareth McAuley - a target for former City boss Steve Coppell earlier this summer - is from a back injury and winger Carlos Edwards is set to keep his place.

Mark Kennedy is the only other absentee (hamstring) whilst keeper Martin Fulop and right-back Jaime Peters are both set for recalls after being rested in midweek.

The flying winger is set to retain his place on the right flank and his pace and direct running down that side should ensure another torrid day at the office for City left-back Jamie McAllister, following a dismal start to the season for the Scottish international.

Kalifa Cisse has given Bristol City a much-needed boost on the injury front by declaring himself fit ahead of the trip to Portman Road.

The Mali international came through a behind-closed-doors practice match against Aldershot on Wednesday.

Midfielder Cole Skuse picked up a knee injury in the 3-3 home draw with Barnsley last weekend and is not expected to travel.

Lee Johnson and Gavin Williams offer manager Keith Millen options in the engine room, but he may decide to recall the combative Cisse now that he has proved his fitness.

New strike duo Brett Pitman and Jon Stead both go into the squad after joining the Robins on three-year deals this week.

Skipper Louis Carey (heel) could also feature after returning against Aldershot, while young full-back Christian Ribeiro got 90 minutes under his belt in that game after recovering from a back problem.

Stead makes a swift return to Portman Road after joining from Ipswich on Monday.

Having featured in all three of the Tractor Boys' Championship games so far, the game could be set up for Stead to mark his debut in spectacular fashion.

- Both league matches between the two sides ended goalless last season.
- Ipswich have won 5 and drawn 2 of the last 7 home games against City.
- City have conceded at least 3 goals in all four of our league and cup games in 09/10.
- City's Gavin Williams, Danny Haynes and Jon Stead are all past Ipswich players.
- And finally... both teams have a habit of shipping stoppage-time goals!

Mick Russell (Hertfordshire)

Last took charge of a City game against Scunthorpe in April which resulted in a 3-0 defeat. Has only presided over one City win in 9 games, that coming in 1-0 win at Crystal Palace earlier this year. Promoted to the Ref's list in 2004.

IPSWICH 2-1 CITY

Given their start to the season and our past record of only 2 wins in 25 at Portman Road, I can't see past another home win but a point would be a welcome return.

IPSWICH
Sat 11 Sept: Pompey (a)
Tues 14 Sept: QPR (h)
Sat 18 Sept: Cardiff (h)

CITY
Sat 11 Sept: Scunthorpe (a)
Tues 14 Sept: Watford (h)
Sat 18 Sept: Coventry (h)

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