AMID the aftermath of Ipswich Town's dismal FA Cup showing against Coventry City, one of the accusations levelled at boss Paul Lambert was whether he knows his strongest team. Or best formation, for that matter.

He fielded a capable, experienced side for the second-round replay but sweeping changes - eight, to be precise - undoubtedly muddied the water.

His use of substitutes gave an indication of the likely team for Saturday's home date with Bristol Rovers, though.

Will Norris, James Wilson and Flynn Downes were left kicking their heels on the bench, while Will Keane and Jon Nolan were only thrown on for the last few minutes, clearly being saved for the Pirates.

I'm pretty sure that had his hand not been forced, Lambert would have preferred not to bring on Luke Garbutt as a half-time substitute for the beleaguered Barry Cotter, too.

Norris appears the first-choice keeper and looks set to return - perhaps a touch harsh on Tomas Holy, who was Town's best player (the pick of a very poor bunch) against Coventry.

Janoi Donacien and Garbutt will be the full-backs, with centre-half Wilson hopefully joined by a fit-again Luke Chambers.

Downes and Nolan will start in midfield, presumably alongside Cole Skuse.

James Norwood and Kayden Jackson will resume their partnership up front, perhaps alongside Alan Judge.

Like every fan, the one thing I'm hoping for this weekend is more entertainment and much more attacking intent.

Town arguably fielded their six most forward-thinking players against Coventry yet managed alarmingly few chances and shots on target (five in total, of which only two were on target).

Individually, I want more from Norwood.

The striker arrived to a fanfare - deservedly so, given his prolific goalscoring record - but has flattered to deceive so far.

Things started well, with five goals in August.

But just two since have raised serious questions about his form and fitness.

Depressingly, in terms of form, at least, the same criticism can be levelled at Jackson.

Without a goal in six games, four of his seven goals came in the first month of the season - another example of a player hitting the buffers and having lost his way.

Collectively, a vast improvement is both needed and expected.

Nine points from seven matches is a meagre return for a team harbouring genuine promotion/title hopes, meaning the stakes are sky-high heading into the pivotal Christmas period.