Ainsley Maitland-Niles finding plenty of the ball in this first 20 minutes, albeit coming from some scrappy play in midfield.

Few real chances being created, as both organised defences are stamping every sniff of an opening out with relative ease.

Daryl Murphy is a man that knows how to score goals for Ipswich Town. But we are also seeing a real dogged work ethic early on here.

The Tractor Boys look menacing going forward from all angles so far.

Ipswich Town earn a free-kick near halfway. They try get a hurry on with playing the ball, but are pulled back for stealing a few too many yards.

A long ball is floated toward the box, but Middlesbrough containing the hosts as they poke and prod for a weakness in Boro's defence.

It is more direct at the other end, with Christian Stuani doing well to direct a volley on target.

The 32-year-old has also scored six goals in his last three games.

Middlesbrough look comfortable with the ball at their feet. Following some neat lead-up work David Nugent tries to catch the Ipswich goalkeeper by surprise by letting fly from distance. 

Dean Gerken clutches it with ease. As your were everyone.

Ipswich Town roving forward with a fair bit of intent and have their second corner. Which comes to nothing.

However, the hosts maintain possession and Brett Pitman gets a shot on goal. Easily caught by Dimi Konstantopoulos.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles shakes that knock off and helps carve out the first look at goal, but Middlesbrough's defence clears.

At the other end Stewart Downing fires an effort from distance and Boro have a corner. However, nothing comes of it.

Image source, Rex Features

Just a settling in period in these early minutes.David Nugent looks to be the lone man up front for Middlesbrough.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles is down after a clash of heads with George Friend. Some early running repairs needed.

And Middlesbrough get us underway at Portman Road.

Are Middlesbrough one a one way track to the top of the championship tonight? Can Daryl Murphy maintain his hot streak in front of goal and fire Ipswich Town to victory against Boro?

Don't be shy, share your views with the friendly team at the BBC.

Get in touch via #bbcfootball on Twitter to tell us what you think.  

Image source, Getty Images

The teams are lined up in their usual pre-game pleasantries, hand shakes all round.

Visitors Middlesbrough are in their eye-catching alternative yellow shirts, while Ipswich Town are in their traditional blue.

I think it's fair to say Middlesbrough fans have warmed to Aitor Karanka since he took charge at the Riverside in November 2013.

He led Boro to last year's Championship play-off final, which resulted in a 2-0 defeat by Norwich.

However, the club are back in the mix once again this season and one of the favourites for promotion to the top flight.

Coming at you with the most random fact of the night... that I can think of anyway.

Middlesbrough's Albert Adomah and Ipswich Town's trio of Dean Gerken, Cole Skuse and Brett Pitman all joined their current clubs from Bristol City.

That is four players in the 22 involved tonight's activities at Portman Road. 

I told you, random fact.

Aitor Karanka reverts back to much the same side that beat Huddersfield in the Championship last week after Tuesday's League Cup exit to Everton.

The two changes to the league side sees Christian Stuani and Grant Leadbitter start against Ipswich tonight, with Diego Fabbrini and Bruno Zuculini making way.

Substitutes: Mejias, Amorebieta, Kike, Kalas, Fabbrini, Forshaw, Zuculini 

Ipswich boss Mick McCarthy has named an unchanged line-up from the 3-0 victory at Charlton in their last Championship game.

Daryl Murphy will be supported by Freddie Sears and Brett Pitman in attack.

David McGoldrick returns to the bench in place of Tommy Oar, who's out injured. 

Substitutes: Bialkowski, Malarczyk, Parr, Tabb, Coke, McDonnell, McGoldrick.

Image source, Getty Images

'Tis the season to light it up! Well, that certainly is the case when it comes to switching the Christmas decorations on, but with a busy period of festive football ahead it can also be the time of year where a club can fan the flames of title hopes and promotion aspirations... or simply see them go up in smoke.

Tonight at Portman Road we have hosts, Ipswich Town, looking to move back into the play-off spots against high-flying Middlesbrough, who can go top of the Championship with victory.

No jolly fat man is needed tonight to put smiles on either set of supporters' faces if they do come up trumps.