Ipswich v Crystal Palace: DON’T expect any more charity tonight.

That’s Ipswich Town manager Mick McCarthy’s message to Crystal Palace ahead of their game at Portman Road tonight.

The Blues self-destructed at Selhurst Park last November, giving away three penalties on their way to a 5-0 thrashing in McCarthy’s second game in charge.

Since then the Suffolk side have undergone an incredible transformation from the division’s softest-touches into one of the most disciplined, organised and hard-to-beat sides around.

And with the Eagles’ promotion campaign having hit the buffers in recent weeks with just two draws from five, Town – still not assured of safety with four games to go – are out to make it sweet revenge this evening.

“I’d want revenge even if we hadn’t been beaten at their place,” said McCarthy. “Get your retaliation in first.

“I’m not bothered about the first game. We’re a different side to the one that played at Selhurst Park when we were beaten by five. We are far stronger and harder to beat now. That was very early on in the development of the team and we’ve come a long way since.” He continued: “We were rock bottom with seven points when I arrived. It didn’t look a very healthy position. And even now, with 53 points, it’s looking precarious.

“It’s a lot better than what it was though. If I’d have been offered this position with four games to go when I first came here, and I think if everyone in the club had been offered it – from Marcus (Evans) down – then we’d have all taken it.

“I think 56 points will stay up, but that’s only me thinking and assuming. I do think that’s what will happen though. Fifty-six – I’d take it now.

“That doesn’t mean I’ll be celebrating wildly if we beat Palace, because it still won’t be guaranteed. While it’s still mathematically possible to go down I won’t be dancing on the pitch with my draws in the air, I’ll be preparing for Sheffield Wednesday (away) on Saturday.”

– See today’s EADT and Ipswich Star for full match preview. Follow @Stuart_Watson and @ChrisBramms on Twitter for live match updates.