CHANGES in personnel are a certainty as Ipswich Town – licking their wounds from Wednesday’s dismal 3-2 defeat at home to Bristol City – head to Nottingham Forest tomorrow.

Boss Paul Lambert had already indicated he would shuffle his pack, with his side’s trip to the City Ground being their third match in nine days.

The Scot has kept faith with the same starting 11 for his first four matches, meaning the team that started against the Robins was also the one that lined up against Preston, Reading and West Brom.

However, given the hectic nature of their week, coupled with another morale-sapping loss, alterations are guaranteed.

The biggest drawback on Wednesday was Town’s defending, with keeper Bartosz Bialkowski haplessly conceding an own goal and too many crosses being delivered from the left-hand side.

Jordan Spence has been Lambert’s right-back but he could be dislodged by Janoi Donacien.

The Town boss previously said he saw the latter as a centre-half but genuine alternatives, if he wants to make a change, are few and far between.

Luke Chambers and Matt Pennington should keep their centre-half berths, despite being unconvincing in midweek, while Jonas Knudsen should also continue at left-back, unless Lambert springs a surprise and brings in Myles Kenlock.

There will be calls for Bialkowski to be dropped, after an uncharacteristically poor display between the posts.

There’s no denying the Pole has been out-of-sorts since returning from the World Cup but I expect him to keep his place ahead of Dean Gerken.

Lambert was certainly sympathetic regarding his own goal, describing it as an “honest mistake”.

I’m sure there will be changes in midfield, with the exception of Cole Skuse – rightly praised and hailed “absolutely brilliant” by Lambert on Wednesday.

However, Trevoh Chalobah and Flynn Downes looked jaded and ineffective against the Robins.

Teddy Bishop could be ready for a start while Grant Ward was another unused substitute on Wednesday.

Andre Dozzell is another option, having been left out of the 18 in midweek, or Lambert could spring a surprise and bring in Jon Nolan.

My money is on a midfield trio of Ward, Skuse and Bishop.

Up front, two-goal hero Sears has to keep his place – unless fatigue is an issue – but I expect Kayden Jackson to replace Jordan Roberts.

Alternatively, Lambert clearly likes the fit-again Ellis Harrison, having put him on the bench and then thrown him into the action after just 45 minutes for the under-23s at Millwall on Monday.

Lambert could also rest Gwion Edwards, who battled manfully with little reward against Bristol City.

If so, young Jack Lankester, highly rated and bright in his cameo substitute appearances, could be handed a starting role on the right of the attacking trio.

My predicted XI: Bialkowski; Donacien, Chambers, Pennington, Knudsen; Ward, Skuse, Bishop; Lankester, Jackson, Sears.