BETTING GUIDE: Middlesbrough Vs Ipswich Town, Match Preview, Team News and Betting tips
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Reading Time: 5min | Thu. 16.10.25. | 13:44
Expect an open contest with both sides eager to reassert themselves in the promotion race. Boro have the edge at home, but Ipswich’s recent form can't be ignored
Middlesbrough will look to bounce back from their first league defeat of the season as they welcome Ipswich Town to the Riverside Stadium on Friday evening in a high-stakes Championship clash.
Just one point separates Boro from table-toppers Coventry City, and with the title race intensifying after the international break, every fixture counts.
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Ipswich, meanwhile, are beginning to find their feet in the second tier after a shaky start and will be eyeing a leap up the table with a potential statement win on the road.
Rob Edwards’ Middlesbrough side saw their unbeaten start to the campaign halted just before the break with a 1-0 loss away at Portsmouth.
That result dropped them to second in the table with 18 points from nine games (5 wins, 3 draws, 1 loss), just a point off the summit.
They had previously drawn with Southampton and Stoke, suggesting a dip in sharpness, but their form at the Riverside remains impressive.
Boro have collected 10 points from a possible 12 at home, winning three of their four fixtures.
Ipswich Town, under Kieran McKenna, began the season in underwhelming fashion after their relegation from the Premier League, picking up just three wins in their first eight games.
However, they hit form just before the international break. A convincing 3-1 victory over rivals Norwich City in the East Anglian Derby extended their unbeaten run to five matches, including three wins.
That result lifted them to ninth in the standings, and with a game in hand, they could rise as high as third with victory at the Riverside.
The challenge for Ipswich lies in improving their away record. They have yet to win on the road in the Championship this season, managing only two draws and a defeat from their three away fixtures.
In fact, the Tractor Boys have won just one of their last 13 away league games stretching back to last season, underlining the size of the task ahead against a Boro side with a strong home presence.
Historically, Middlesbrough have held the upper hand in this fixture, particularly at home.
They’ve won five of the last eight encounters between the sides at the Riverside, although Ipswich are unbeaten in the last two head-to-head clashes.
A continuation of their resurgence will require Ipswich to overcome both their travel woes and a tough Boro defence.
Team news gives Boro a slight edge, as despite a few absences, they boast better squad stability heading into this tie.
Edwards will be without goalkeeper Seny Dieng, defender Darragh Lenihan, and midfielder Riley McGree due to injury.
Nonetheless, the core of his team remains intact, and he may opt to stick with the same starting XI that narrowly lost to Portsmouth.
Tommy Conway is expected to lead the line again, flanked by Sontje Hansen and Kaly Sene, although Morgan Whittaker and Delano Burgzorg are pushing for starting roles.
Aidan Morris and Hayden Hackney should continue their solid midfield partnership in Boro’s 3-4-3 system, with the latter also contributing two assists this season.
Young Norwegian talent Sverre Nypan is another option, fresh off his senior national debut, though likely to feature from the bench.
Ipswich have fewer injuries but face more selection dilemmas due to their deep squad.
Conor Townsend and Harry Clarke remain sidelined in defence, while midfielder Cameron Humphreys is also unavailable.
Jack Clarke, who scored in the derby win against Norwich, is pushing for a start after four goals in his last five games, while Jaden Philogene, who leads the scoring charts for Ipswich with five goals, is a guaranteed starter in attack.
George Hirst is expected to lead the line again, supported by the creative energy of Philogene and Clarke. In midfield, the duo of Jens Cajuste and Azor Matusiwa should retain their places, although competition from Marcelino Nunez and others adds depth to McKenna’s options.
Statistically, the two sides present an interesting contrast.
Middlesbrough boast a solid defence, conceding just six goals in nine matches – the second-best defensive record in the Championship.
At home, they’ve been especially tight, conceding only twice in four matches. Offensively, they’ve been efficient rather than explosive, with 12 goals scored so far, led by the contributions of Tommy Conway and Whittaker.
Ipswich, on the other hand, have a more attacking approach, scoring 15 goals in eight matches.
Philogene and Clarke have been the standout performers, combining for nine goals and several assists. However, their defensive vulnerabilities remain a concern, with the team still searching for a clean sheet away from home this season.
In terms of betting, the form suggests a tight, competitive affair. Boro’s strong home form and Ipswich’s away struggles point toward a narrow home win or a draw.
Ipswich’s attacking resurgence, particularly with in-form wide players, means they’re unlikely to go down without a fight.
Key Pointers
In 13 away matches, Ipswich only posted one win.
Middlesbrough are unbeaten in their four home league games.
Ipswich are winless away from home in the Championship this season.
In their last eight away matches at Middlesbrough, Ipswich lost five times.
Given Ipswich’s attacking momentum and Middlesbrough’s home strength, this match has the potential for goals at both ends.
Expect an open contest with both sides eager to reassert themselves in the promotion race. Boro have the edge at home, but Ipswich’s recent form can't be ignored – making a goal-heavy game the best value pick here.
Prediction; Over 2.5 goals
Disclaimer: Whilst we do our utmost to offer good advice and information, we cannot be held responsible for any loss that may be incurred as a result of gambling.
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