Ipswich forwards tipped to secure top spot

Ipswich defender Jason De Vos is backing Town’s strike duo Darren Bent and Shefki Kuqi to eclipse the much-praised Wigan front pairing of Nathan Ellington and Jason Roberts tonight.

The Coca-Cola Championship’s top two meet at Portman Road, with Joe Royle’s side just a point behind Paul Jewell’s northern raiders.

Ellington has netted 14 league goals and Roberts 11 already this season, inspiring Wigan’s flying start to their push for promotion.

However, Bent and Kuqi have also both now hit double figures and former Wigan star De Vos believes they can help Town to leapfrog tonight’s opponents at the head of the table.

“Benty and Shefki have really done the business this season without getting the same headlines as the Wigan strikers,” De Vos told the club’s official website, www.itfc.premiumtv.co.uk.

“We need them firing and, if they are, I think they can really hurt Wigan.

“Benty’s pace and Shefki’s strength will be a real problem for them and I can see their defence struggling to deal with them.”