Ipswich Town have the chance to return to the automatic promotion places once again this weekend as they prepare for another test of their title credentials.

After being in the Championship for longer than any other club currently competing in the second tier, Ipswich fans are unlikely to mind which route their side takes to the Premier League.

However, with just seven points separating leaders Bournemouth and sixth-placed Watford, the Tractor Boys are fully aware that slip-ups need to be few and far between in the final few months of the season.

Ipswich make the trip to Rotherham United just three points behind Bournemouth, and Mick McCarthy knows that it is imperative to pick up all three against the sides struggling near the relegation zone.

If the transfer window had gone slightly differently, the visitors may be lining up with a new attack, but Leeds United striker Billy Sharp revealed this week that he rejected the chance to join the promotion hopefuls.

Sharp's arrival would have come as a boost to the squad, but there is good news ahead of the match as top scorer Daryl Murphy prepares to make his return from injury.

Murphy is likely to replace Noel Hunt as David McGoldrick's partner in what could be the only change from the goalless draw with Wigan Athletic.

Rotherham finished January with a win and a draw over Bolton Wanderers and Charlton Athletic, respectively, and they welcome Ipswich to the New York Stadium with renewed confidence in their battle to avoid relegation.

Heading into the weekend with a three-point advantage over 22nd-placed Millwall, Steve Evans will be urging his side to look up as they aim to drag the likes of Fulham and Reading into the fight at the bottom of the table.

Evans is unlikely to make major changes to his side, but there could be a debut for Jack Hunt following his loan move from Crystal Palace last weekend.

Rotherham United:

Form in Championship: DDLLWD
Form in all competitions: DLLLWD

Possible starting lineup: Collin, Hunt, Morgan, Arnason, Fryers, Newton, Green, Smallwood, Pringle, Sammon, Derbyshire

Ipswich Town:

Form in Championship: WWLWLD
Form in all competitions: DLLWLD

Possible starting lineup: Bialkowski, Chambers, Smith, Berra, Mings, Andersen, Skuse, Bru, Tabb, McGoldrick, Murphy

Sports Mole says: 1-3

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