JIM Magilton is set to stick with the same defensive unit that has kept two clean sheets in three games when Ipswich Town visit Charlton tomorrow.

Derek Davis

JIM Magilton is set to stick with the same defensive unit that has kept two clean sheets in three games when Ipswich Town visit Charlton tomorrow.

The Blues go to The Valley looking to extend their unbeaten run to six games after going without a loss all through September.

It may not have been enough to get Magilton nominated for manager of the match won by Burnley's Owen Coyle, with Mick McCarthy, Paul Sturrock and Steve Coppell the other contenders, but it pushed Ipswich up to 11th in the Championship.

Town kept three clean sheets in that run, with Richard Naylor and Gareth McAuley the central defensive partnership, Richard Wright a constant in goal and David Wright on the left.

Alex Bruce coming in for Moritz Volz after the German tweaked a hamstring in the League Cup loss against Wigan, has been the only change and he played in the draw against Crystal Palace and the 3-0 win over Barnsley.

Bruce is likely to keep his place at Charlton tomorrow, although Volz is making good progress and is in contention for a return.

But with an international break coming up Volz may be given the extra time to recover as Magilton sticks with a successful a relatively successful formula.

Other longer term injuries to Thatcher, Tommy Smith and Pim Balkestein, mean Town are bit thin on the ground defensively although Iván Campo could go at centre half if needed.

The Blues have been looking to bring in another centre half on loan since the beginning of last month with Ryan Shawcross a top target although the Potters are still reluctant to let the former Manchester United defender, who played in City's reserves in midweek go out anywhere.

The Blues go to Charlton with two former Addicks in their midst, a third is Thatcher but he is out with a torn thigh muscle, as Kevin Lisbie and Danny Haynes look to haunt their old club.

Lisbie netted three times for Colchester United against Alan Pardew's side last year and will be keen to add to the three goals he has for town already this season.

Danny Haynes was an academy player at the Valley before being released and eventually joining Town after Norwich City first looked at him.

Charlton has two ex-Town players in their squad with Darren Ambrose and Matt Holland both looking to keep their places, although Alan Pardew has warned changes will be made after they lost to local rivals Crystal Palace during the week.