Town s 17-match home unbeaten run stretching back to April ended as West Ham went away from Portman Road with a 2-0 win. Keeper Kelvin Davis gifted the first in the opening minute, the second goal coming from Matthew Etherington in the final minute of normal time.
Town welcome back Kevin Horlock from his knee injury and Dean McDonald from his loan spell at Hartlepool ahead the Christmas fixtures which start with the Boxing Day home game with Crystal Palace (KO 3pm).
Town manager Joe Royle is set to make two changes ahead of Tuesday night s top of the table home clash with Wigan. Kevin Horlock misses the game through suspension while Drissa Diallo has picked up a hamstring injury which will see him miss the entire holiday programme.
Boss Joe Royle says he will make changes when the Blues take on Coventry at Portman Road on Tuesday night (KO 7.45pm). Kevin Horlock is the only new injury concern after Sunday s defeat at Reading.