Ipswich Town vs Middlesbrough Tips & Preview – Goals predicted in key promotion clash at Portman Road

Tolu Shotade

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Last updated: Fri 17 Apr 2026 11:57

Tolu Shotade 2 hours ago

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Ipswich hold strong home record with 16-game unbeaten streak.
Middlesbrough seeking to break poor form in pivotal clash.
Both teams expected to score, setting up a high-scoring match.

Ipswich Town vs Middlesbrough

The race for promotion intensifies in the English Championship this weekend as Ipswich Town host Middlesbrough at Portman Road.

With just three points separating the sides, both teams know how crucial this clash could be in the push for the top spots.

Ipswich Town News

Ipswich have impressed in the Championship this season and are eyeing an immediate return to the Premier League. A 2-0 defeat at Portsmouth in their last match ended a nine-game unbeaten streak for the hosts.

The Tractor Boys are second in the table and occupy one of the two automatic qualification spots. However, they hold only a three-point cushion over fifth place, making consistency vital at this stage of the season. They have won six of their last 10 matches and scored in nine of those. Their defence has been less reliable, with just two clean sheets in their last seven games.

Kieran McKenna's side have the second-best home record in the division this season, losing only once in 21 league games at Portman Road. They are unbeaten in their last 16 home ties, winning 11 and scoring at least twice in eight of those games. Ipswich's matches are entertaining, producing over 2.5 goals in five of their last 10 at home.

Middlesbrough News

Middlesbrough are struggling for form at a key stage of the season, going six league games without a win. They were also beaten 1-0 by Portsmouth in their last outing.

Kim Hellberg’s men sit fifth in the table and remain in the play-off places. But their recent form is a concern, with just two wins in their last 11 Championship matches. They have still managed to score in seven of those games but have kept only three clean sheets.

Away from home, however, Boro have been more competitive. They are unbeaten in their last four away games and have scored in eight of their last nine travels. Their away fixtures have also been high-scoring, with over 2.5 goals produced in eight of their last 10.

Head to Head

Middlesbrough have had the upper hand in recent meetings, winning six of the last 10 encounters. Ipswich have managed just one victory in that run and were beaten 2-1 in their most recent clash in October.

Verdict

Ipswich v Middlesbrough

Ipswich have scored in nine of their last 10 matches, while Boro have found the net in seven of their last 11. They both arrive with strong attacking trends, making goals at both ends a strong angle.

With over 2.5 goals produced in eight of Boro's last 10 travels, the visitors are set for an open contest. Ipswich have scored at least two goals in eight of their last 16 home games and are tipped to keep the trend alive.

Yes

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