PREDATORY Ipswich Town are today looking to exploit Charlton's poor run of results and gain revenge on last season's defeat at the Valley.While Blues boss Jim Magilton appreciates the Addicks have a quality-packed squad he knows they are suffering a slump after losing their past two home games and losing at rivals Crystal Palace on Tuesday.

Derek Davis

PREDATORY Ipswich Town are today looking to exploit Charlton's poor run of results and gain revenge on last season's defeat at the Valley.

While Blues boss Jim Magilton appreciates the Addicks have a quality-packed squad he knows they are suffering a slump after losing their past two home games and losing at rivals Crystal Palace on Tuesday.

Magilton said: “Charlton definitely have a good enough squad to be challenging. Losing two home games on the trot, as we found, can unsettle the side so if we can go there and quieten the crowd and do our jobs then we have a chance.

“We will go there and try to do a professional job and we certainly owe them one after last year when for the first 45 minutes we played probably the worst we have done since I have been manager.

“The second half was much better and we were excellent.

“So we have to go and try to take advantage of their home form. It is an opportunity for us to get a positive result before the break.”

After winning at Burnley and then drawing at Southampton and Sheffield Wednesday, Town's away form is decent, far better than last season anyway, but the Blues know they can't afford to relax on the road.

Magilton said: “We still have to earn the right to play. They came out the blocks quickly last year and scared us to death so we have to be more resolute. Our performances away from home have been better and our players understand what it takes to win away.

“It takes determination, grit and experience and we know we have to have the courage to get the ball down and play and we have enough about us in the side to do that.

“In the last three away games we have finished the game strong and that has been very pleasing.”

A win would make it six unbeaten since losing at Watford immediately prior to the last international break, with the next one looming.

Magilton said: “I like the break. It gives you time to take stock and gives you that quiet time to see what good things have been happening and what hasn't. People are nursing a few knocks and it gives them time to freshen up. We certainly needed the last one and came back strong.

“It is a long season and you are given these lads as much rest as you can.”

Although Moritz Volz has recovered well from a hamstring injury, he may be given a little longer to get fully up to speed as Magilton sticks with the same back five that have kept two clean sheets in three games.

Magilton said: “They have settled very well. Alex has come in and done a grand job for us. We have had moments no doubt but it is starting to come together as the clean sheets show.”

Counago took a knock in training, but is now fine and will compete with Jon Stead, Jon Walters and Pablo Counago, for a starting spot.