Hitting top spot at Christmas - that is the present Ipswich Town chief Joe Royle wants to gift-wrap and send Blues fans home with tonight.

Portman Road hosts Town's biggest Coca-Cola Championship game of the season so far when they entertain leaders Wigan Athletic (7.45pm kick-off).

But, with just a point separating the front runners, victory for the Blues would see them leapfrog their opponents to top the league for the third time this season.

Looking ahead to the eagerly-awaited contest, relaxed boss Royle said: "It's a mid-season showdown coming at a great time, with it coming up to Christmas.

"I'm looking forward to it immensely.

"With it being on TV, it gives us a chance to show viewers what we can do and I'm hoping we put in a better performance than we did when we were last on Sky and lost at Sunderland (2-0). Last Updated on Tue 21 December 19104 at 11:0

Published Tuesday, December 21, 2004

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