Town visit Middlesbrough on Saturday with manager Mick McCarthy determined that his side should finish their season strongly, despite now having no realistic chance of making the play-offs. The Blues, who are without a win in six, are eighth in the table, eight points from the play-offs with just three games left to play.
Andre Dozzell is handed his full debut and Cole Skuse and Brett Pitman return to the Town line-up, while Kevin Bru, Kevin Foley and David McGoldrick drop to the bench.
Town visit Fulham on Saturday looking to continue their winning run at Craven Cottage under Mick McCarthy and chasing back-to-back victories for the first time this season.
Goals from Floyd Ayité, Scott Malone and Stefan Johansen saw Fulham to a 3-1 victory over the Blues at Craven Cottage, Christophe Berra heading a late consolation for the Blues. Ayité netted in the 17th minute and Malone doubled the margin on the half hour before Town missed a number of good chances to pull a goal back prior to Johansen sealing it with the home side’s third on 61.
Town’s play-off push looks all but over following a 0-0 home draw with relegation-threatened Charlton Athletic. Ben Pringle came closest for the Blues in the first half with a strike well saved by Addicks keeper Nick Pope, while Jonathan Douglas headed and then shot over in the second.