Brighton v Ipswich: Anthony Wordsworth is a surprise starter for Ipswich Town for this afternoon’s Championship match at Brighton.

The former Colchester United midfielder replaces the injured Cole Skuse in what is the only change following last weekend’s 3-1 home defeat to Wigan.

Wordsworth’s last league start came on the final game of the 2012/13 season more than 10 months ago, with his only start this season being the 1-1 home draw with Preston in the FA Cup third round back in January.

McCarthy spoke about his side’s lack of goals from midfield in the build-up to this crunch match, the Blues looking to keep pace with the eighth-place Seagulls as the season enters the final straight. Wordsworth will certainly add creativity and a goal threat to what has been a largely industrious midfield, Paul Green and Jay Tabb left on the bench.

Frank Nouble – fit again after a tight hamstring – replaces Paul Taylor on the bench, the latter having travelled but not been selected for the 18-man squad.

Brighton boss Oscar Garcia has made just once change to his side following their 2-0 win at Bolton last weekend. Former Blues loanee Keith Andrews, who was unavailable to face his parent club, returns to the starting line-up, with Dale Stephens dropping to the bench.

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BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION (4-3-3): Kuszczak; Bruno, Greer (cot), Upson, Ward; Ince, Andrews, Forster-Caskey; Buckley, Ulloa, Lingard.

Subs: Brezovan, Dunk, Stephens, Rodriguez, Calderon, LuaLua, March.

IPSWICH TOWN (4-4-1-1): Gerken; Chambers (cpt), Berra, Smith, Cresswell; Anderson, Wordsworth, Hyam, Hunt; Williams, Murphy.

Subs: Loach, Richardson, Mings, Green, Tabb, Nouble, Ebanks-Blake.

Referee: Darren Drysdale