Town's must win game at Preston is an occasion that the players should relish says Blues' boss Jim Magilton.

Jim takes his side to Deepdale on Saturday looking for the three points that will keep the Club right in the Play-Off frame.

With sixth placed Crystal Palace facing a visit to high flying Hull and Wolves at relegation threatened Coventry, it's a crucial weekend in the race for the top six. Victory for Blues would take Town level on points with Palace if the Eagles lose at the KC Stadium with Neil Warnock's side four goals better off on goal difference.

Wolves are a point above Town so Jim concedes that Blues need three points from the Preston visit.

"It comes down to a two game season for us and we do need to win at Preston," Jim tells Ipswich World.

"If we get the three points there then we will see where that leaves us for the last game of the season.

"It's a crucial weekend for all the clubs involved but games like the one at Preston are what players play football for. We know what's at stake, we know what we have to do.

"We need a performance. We need to present ourselves. Everything is on the line and the players need to cross that white line and perform."

Preston have worked their way free of any relegation worries under Alan Irvine's leadership after looking destined for the drop over the first few months of the season and Jim is expecting a testing 90 minutes at Deepdale.

"Preston are a team in form and they will be playing without any fear which can make them dangerous," adds Jim.

"Neil Mellor is scoring goals for them and it will be a difficult game but it's one that we are ready for.

"The players have been flying in training this week. They know how big the next 90 minutes are."

Shefki Kuqi and Velice Sumulikoski have been named in the squad after recovering from injury while Preston have West Brom loanee Craig Beattie available after his return from injury.  Town are in blue for the 3pm kick-off.

Subscribers to Ipswich World can watch an in-depth preview of the game with Jim and Town midfielder Alan Quinn in today's special matchday TV News show.