Ipswich Town boss Gary O'Neil looks set to return to a 4-2-3-1 formation for the visit of Nottingham Forest. (Image: Ross Halls)

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Gary O'Neil has made it clear that his pragmatic switch to a 3-4-2-1 system at league leaders Manchester City isn't something he wants to do too often.

"If we're just picking a game where I want my team to look like my team, I'll pick two really wide wingers either side," he said. "I much prefer being the more aggressive team and the team that tries to take it to the opposition."

Friday night under the Portman Road lights against a Forest side that have just five points and five goals to their name so far means it will almost certainly be a return to 4-2-3-1.

Christian Walton has made some smart stops since reclaiming the No.1 spot. (Image: Steve Waller)

Goalkeeper: Christian Walton

Solid on his return to the team at Everton, produced a match-winning late save against Fulham and, for me, did far more good than bad in last weekend's narrow defeat at Man City. His shirt to lose.

Abdoul Ouattara will be excited to play again at Portman Road after his sensational strike against Fulham. (Image: Steve Waller)

Right-back: Abdoul Ouattara

Impressive full Premier League debut at Everton, attacking threat and stunning equaliser against Fulham, then a well-weighted assist for Daizen Maeda's goal at Man City. Backing up Abdul Fatawu he has an important role trying to overwhelm left wing-back Neco Williams (Forest's POTY last season).

Issa Diop is set to battle with former Ipswich striker Liam Delap. (Image: Ross Halls)

Centre-back: Issa Diop

Former Blues wrecking ball striker Liam Delap tends to pull over to the left. Diop needs to keep a cool head, use his physicality and position himself smartly to win this duel.

Dara O'Shea has started 88 consecutive league games for Ipswich. (Image: Ross Halls)

Centre-back: Dara O'Shea

Town skipper knows exactly what he's going to get with former team-mate Delap, but he'll need to be equally alert to the danger of Morgan Gibbs-White arriving in the box. Role is not just about defending his goal, but starting moves and attacking set-pieces.

Leif Davis' battle with Daniel Munoz looks key. (Image: Ross Halls)

Left-back: Leif Davis

Daniel Munoz is a supremely athletic right wing-back, but the ultra fit Davis will prefer this sort of cat and mouse running battle to last week's face-off with the tricky Iliman Ndiaye. Throw in the added threat of Delap looking to exploit any space down this channel and it means Town's left-back is going to have to be on it.

Sasa Lukic will hopefully return to the team having sat out the Man City game with a groin injury. (Image: Ross Halls)

Centre-midfield: Sasa Lukic

Really hope the Serbian is good to go again after missing the trip to Man City with a minor groin issue because he was excellent in the home win against Fulham prior to that. If not, Florentino Luis will keep his place.

Argentine international Exequiel Palacios is looking at home in the Premier League. (Image: Ross Halls)

Centre-midfield: Exequiel Palacios

Argentine looks at home in the Premier League. He turned the game against Fulham after stepping off the bench and was central to the Blues impressively working their way through the thirds at the Etihad. His bite, drive and class can be a difference maker.

Abdul Fatawu hasn't started a game for Ipswich in almost five weeks. (Image: PA)

Right-wing: Abdul Fatawu

It's been almost five weeks since the Ghanian was dismissed for diving at Everton. Having seen his direct-running trickster come on and win a penalty at the Etihad, O'Neil will be itching to unleash him from the start again in this one. Backed up by the athletic Ouattara, this is the area of the field that Ipswich can create overloads.

Julio Enciso is due a goal or assist. (Image: Ross Halls)

No.10: Julio Enciso

Paraguayan banked a lot of credit with his electric opening day display against Sunderland, but there's no getting away from the fact his form has tailed off since. Hopefully this can be one of those nights where he looks unplayable. There is an argument that Zian Flemming, no stranger to the No.10 role, should be given a chance.

Daizen Maeda is one of three strong left-winger options. (Image: Ross Halls)

Left-wing: Daizen Maeda

The one starter I really can't call. Jack Clarke is the most in form (but is arguably more effective off the bench), Jaden Philogene has the highest ceiling (but is still working his way back to full sharpness), while Maeda helps the team out most off the ball. Forest's right-sided threat, plus Maeda's goalscoring display at City, makes me think it might be the Japanese international who gets the nod.

Emersonn has started all seven of Ipswich's Premier League games so far. (Image: Steve Waller)

Striker: Emersonn

Brazilian has started all seven Premier League games so far and, even though he's got both Flemming and Chuba Akpom breathing down his neck, I see no reason why he won't go again in this one. Love the way he can pin centre-backs and manipulate the ball with his chest.