Leeds vs Ipswich preview

Posted Saturday, March 12, 2011 by skysports.com

Team news ahead of Saturday afternoon's Championship clash between Leeds and Ipswich at Elland Road.

Leeds' latest signing Barry Bannan could make his first start for the club.

Scotland international Bannan made his debut off the substitutes' bench in the midweek win at Preston and is hoping to be included in manager Simon Grayson's starting line-up.

Grayson must decide whether to retain Billy Paynter up front or recall Argentinian Luciano Becchio.

Paynter made a rare start for Leeds on Tuesday and struck his first goal for the club, while fellow forwards Davide Somma, Ross McCormack and Sanchez Watt are all pushing for recalls.

Right-back Paul Connolly is close to a return after missing the last six games due to a hamstring injury, but Eric Lichaj is expected to start in his last match for Leeds before he is scheduled to return to parent club Aston Villa.

Grayson has no new injury or suspension problems as Leeds look to make up further ground on the second automatic promotion spot.

Ipswich will be without captain David Norris for the trip.

Midfielder Norris - who has just returned from an ankle injury - collected his 10th yellow card of the season against Reading in midweek and starts a two-game suspension.

Manager Paul Jewell could have a ready-made replacement available in Jimmy Bullard if the on-loan Hull man returns from a hamstring injury.

Mark Kennedy - who can play in midfield or at left-back - suffered a hamstring in the 2-0 win at his former club Cardiff last Saturday and will be out for several weeks so Darren O'Dea will continue at full-back.

Goalkeeper Brian Murphy has stepped up his comeback from a broken ankle after coming out of plaster but Marton Fulop will continue.

Promising forward Ronan Murray has joined League Two side Torquay on loan until the end of the season.