CITY READY FOR RIGHT ROYLE BATTLE
City are five points behind Middlesbrough and they must win to bring the race for survival in the top-flight down to a dramatic last day of the season.
The Maine Road outfit were not helped when Derby County secured their safety with a surprise win at City's neighbours Manchester United, and Royle admitted he was surprised but not shocked by the result.
"I am disappointed but not surprised by the result - but beyond that I don`t want to say any more," Royle commented.
It is a must-win game for both clubs for different reasons, as Town are still chasing a place in the Champions League and they are currently three points off third placed Liverpool, who occupy the last berth.
Ipswich Town's in-form midfielder Matijn Reuser is confident that the Suffolk side can still reach the Champions League next season.
"I think we can still make it," said Reuser. "It is out of our hands to an extent. All we can do is try to win our last two games and hope the others drop points."
Ipswich striker Marcus Stewart is a major doubt for George Burley's men with a thigh strain and he faces a late fitness test.
Former Middlesbrough striker Alun Armstrong, who could do his old club a massive favour against City, is likely to be partnered by Mark Burchill if Stewart misses out as James Scowcroft is out with a groin strain.
Although both teams won promotion last season they have enjoyed contrasting fortunes this season and Royle is not surprised at the success had by Ipswich.
"Ipswich have been amazing and they have had a fantastic season," said Royle.
"I'm not surprised that they have been the most successful of the three promoted sides and they're certainly the most settled. They've had four years together and they are a good side.
"He (Ipswich boss George Burley) has brought in three or four players over the last 12 months but it's been a gradual thing.
"They've been together a while and they didn't need the radical changes that we needed.
"We are a bigger club than them, no doubt about that, but at the moment we are still finding our feet after a number of years of going backwards and forwards."
Royle is convinced that his side can get the all-important win they need to take their relegation battle to the final game at home to Chelsea.
"I think that on our best form there has not been that much between the sides and that's no disrespect to them because they have done remarkably well," said Royle.
"We've played them twice and lost twice by one goal. They've been close games and we are due to win one."
Royle is expected to keep faith with the side that beat West Ham United last weekend and he is hopeful that Shaun Goater will shrug off a groin strain to play
