Dean Whitehead has called for a big improvement from Huddersfield Town when they resume their Championship campaign at Ipswich Town.
The former Middlesbrough midfielder is looking forward to visiting Portman Road on Saturday.
But he is still hurting from the 3-0 defeat at Wolves which snapped the Town revival which had previously brought seven points from nine.
Having climbed to 13th, Chris Powell’s side are back down in 18th and just two points above a drop zone occupied by Bolton Wanderers, Preston North End and Bristol City.
Ipswich are 12th, five points better off than Town, while MK Dons, in 19th, visit the John Smith’s Stadium on Tuesday.
Improving Derby County, complete with former Town midfielder Jacob Butterfield, then come to Huddersfield on Saturday week.
It’s a key phase of games, and Whitehead said: “We must improve and we will improve.”
Meanwhile the 33-year-old urged supporters: “Stay with us.”
Stand-in skipper Whitehead could hand the armband back to Mark Hudson at Ipswich.
The centre-back is fit again after an ankle injury and was on the bench against Wolves.
He also featured in a behind-closed doors friendly against Manchester City last week.
Ipswich will be seeking a first win in four in the league and five in all competitions.
Mick McCarthy’s side were beaten 2-0 at Blackburn Rovers after drawing at home to Birmingham City and Bristol City.
And they lost 3-0 to Manchester United at Old Trafford in the third round of the Capital One Cup.
Ipswich tickets are on sale at £32.50 adults, £23 over 60s and NUS card holders, £22 under 20s and £11.50 under 16s.
Family enclosure tickets are available (maximum two adults to each junior and no under 5s).
Adult prices remain, with under 16 tickets £8.50.
