Division One: Ipswich Town v Blackburn Rovers - Peter White's match preview

EXPERIENCED midfielder Jim Magilton had already warned his Ipswich Town team-mates to beware the month of March.

And, after Saturday's shock home defeat by struggling Portsmouth, the much-capped Northern Ireland international has no reason to change his opinion.

Town will expect to bounce straight back from Saturday's debacle when they take on Rovers at Portman Road tonight.

But, when you consider their remaining fixtures this month, it is easy to see why Magilton feels it could be a watershed in their chase for an automatic promotion spot.

The visits of Fulham and derby rivals Norwich are games as big as they will face all season and this month also provides tricky away trips to Wolves and Tranmere.

So George Burley's side, who had enjoyed a remarkable run of 18 matches without defeat until Saturday, are doubly anxious to get back to winning ways tonight.

"We are facing an extremely tough month in March and the visit of Blackburn is certainly going to test us to the full," said Magilton, a £750,000 signing from Sheffield Wednesday who won back his international place last month to earn his 40th cap

"But Tony Parkes has done an excellent job since taking over and, when you run through their side, they have got an array of talent." Magilton was absent when Ipswich drew 2-2 at Ewood back in November so he is anticipating tonight's encounter with extra relish.

"I was out injured, which was a disappointment, but they are attractive opposition for us and we are hoping to get another 20,000 crowd," he added.

Midfield colleague Matty Holland also sees tonight's game as a crucial encounter.

"The fans were very disappointed with our performance against Portsmouth and you can't blame them for that," he said.

"But I am hopeful we can bounce back with a good win against Blackburn."

Rovers are well aware of the size of their task against one of the leading sides who have been so close to promotion in recent years.

Parkes himself is an admirer of the way Ipswich have rebuilt following their Premiership exit.

But he also knows the tensions of the promotion chase can tell just as much on the top dogs as those trying to play catch-up, like Rovers. "They seem to know how to play this division, that's for sure. They are one of the best sides and have a system they play where, no matter who comes in, they seem to do very well," he said.

"George Burley has done a fantastic job down there but they can be prone to losing games, as the pressure gets on the top sides as well as those like ourselves, who are pushing for a top-six place."

Rovers will hope to capitalise on any promotion jitters but Parkes admitted that he would rather be in Ipswich's position than where Rovers are at the moment.

"The nerves start to show and the crowd might start to get a bit impatient with them and we hope we can do well," he said.

"But there's no doubt which is the best position to be in. It's better to have the points."

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