Ipswich's youth and experience will need some containing

Ipswich Town are aiming for a top six spot this Christmas period and their form has been formidable in spells, although a few draws have hindered the speed of their rise up the table. Like so many Championship sides though, Ipswich are packing their team with some interesting young players.

Ones to watch out for include young 22-year-old Luke Hyam who was an academy product at Ipswich who plays in midfield. The unforgiving Tractor Boy fans booed him during their 1:1 draw with Watford, but to be playing in the team at his age means he has more than a bit of talent. But it's David McGoldrick who is their star man and Elphick and Ward are going to be busy keeping him at bay. The inform striker has already netted 11 times this season, including two against Doncaster in the last match, and is ably supported by Daryl Murphy who has 6 goals.

Another young striker they have is Frank Nouble, who has scored twice this season. Nice and small at 6ft 3in I don't think we'll miss this 22-year-old. He also has some pedigree having been at Chelsea and West Ham in his early career and he has loads of loan moves under his belt, plus U17 and U19 caps for England. Midfielder, Ryan Tunnicliffe is also a youngster at 20 years old and is on loan from Man Utd.

The Scottish international Christophe Berra will be the man Lewis Grabban will more than likely have to get the better of, while Luke Chambers is another experienced centre back that has played over 200 games for Nottingham Forest and scored last time out against Doncaster Rovers. 

So it's a good combination of youth and experience while Mick McCarthy certainly knows a thing or two having managed in the Premiership and in internationals right up to World Cup level. Still, the bigger they come ... !

Please take a look at Rival Lines today as well where you will be given even more information about Ipswich Town from a man in the know, Blair Furgeson who contributes to TWTD.