AHEAD of Swindon Town’s visit to Portman Road on Saturday, Adver Sport asked Ipswich Star - and former Adver Sport - journalist Andy Warren for his insight on Ipswich Town.

AS: How have Ipswich fared under Paul Lambert this season?

AW: This is Ipswich’s first game in 25 days, with their last four all called off due to Covid-19.

Results had been patchy prior to that with the big knock against Lambert linked to a complete inability to beat sides at the top end of the division.

That’s a theme which has continued from last season, with just four wins from 25 games against the top 10 from last season and this, and is not a good trend if you are expected to be a leading promotion contender.

Ipswich are seventh and well in the mix but it’s hard to be entirely convinced of their promotion credentials until Paul Lambert’s men are able to push the best teams in the league on a regular basis.

AS: Who have been the standout players this season?

AW: Injuries have been a real issue for Ipswich this season and, for that reason, it’s hard to pick out a player who has stood out throughout the campaign so far.

Teddy Bishop and Gwion Edwards have both had really good runs but have been sidelined of late, leaving Andre Dozzell and captain Luke Chambers as the most consistent performers who have managed to stay injury-free so far.

AS: Where do the Tractor Boys’ frailties lie?

AW: The final third. Only five teams have scored fewer than the 23 goals Ipswich have managed this season while they sit 14th in the expected goals table.

AS: Are any new signings expected to be involved?

AW: It doesn’t look like it. Ipswich have been working on deals and are getting closer to making new additions but it doesn’t look like it’s going to be done before this weekend’s game.

Creativity is the main target during this window as Lambert looks to address the previously-mentioned goalscoring issues.

AS: Game and score prediction?

AW: Ipswich have generally been able to deal with the sides in the lower half of the division. So for that reason I’ll go for a 2-0 Ipswich win.