Ipswich vs Bristol City preview - Ipswich boss Mick McCarthy faces a selection poser for Robins clash

Posted Friday, September 25, 2015 by PA

Ipswich manager Mick McCarthy is facing a selection dilemma ahead of Saturday's home game against Bristol City.

McCarthy made 11 changes for the Capital One Cup match at Manchester United and although Town lost 3-0, a few of the players impressed and could be retained.

Australian Tommy Oar played well on his debut at Old Trafford, as did fellow midfielder Kevin Bru.

The likes of Freddie Sears, Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Brett Pitman are expected to return to the starting XI, but Luke Hyam is still out with a knee injury and Teddy Bishop is a doubt due to a hamstring problem.

Loan signing Nathan Baker returns to the Bristol City squad at Portman Road after a back injury.

Centre-half Baker, signed from Aston Villa on transfer deadline day for the rest of the season, was forced off in the early stages of City's 1-1 draw at Preston on September 15 and missed last weekend's 2-0 home defeat to Reading.

But midfielder Korey Smith's prospects of playing are rated no better than 50-50.

Smith sustained a groin injury in the Reading reverse and Bobby Reid could make only his third Championship start of the season if he fails to recover in time.