We have an intriguing contest taking place at the Riverside Stadium in the Championship on Friday night as Middlesbrough welcome Ipswich Town to North Yorkshire.
Middlesbrough started the season exceptionally well under the management of Rob Edwards but the Smoggies have now managed just one win in their last five matches in the Championship.
They now face an Ipswich Town side that, following their relegation from the Premier League last season, have started slowly but the Tractor Boys began to motor a couple of weeks ago with an impressive 3-1 defeat of Norwich City in the so-called ‘Old Farm Derby’.
The Sporting News brings you the latest tips and odds for this weekend as two promotion challengers in ‘Boro and Ipswich face off at the Riverside Stadium.
Middlesbrough vs. Ipswich: Who Will Win?
The form and trajectory of these two sides are heading in different directions as Middlesbrough now prepare to welcome a strong Ipswich side up to North Yorkshire.
Middlesbrough most recently suffered a 1-0 loss to Portsmouth at Fratton Park a couple of weeks ago and that was a result that was coming. It was their first defence of the season but the loss was coming given their performance level. Ipswich, on the other hand, are going the other way and appear to be growing quite quickly after a late summer splurge over the transfer window.
Ipswich will believe they are still the team to beat in the Championship and so siding with them as they begin to grow into this campaign would appear a good bet.
EFL: Championship odds | League One odds | League Two odds
Head-to-Head: Middlesbrough vs. Ipswich
- The most recent clash between these two sides saw Middlesbrough and Ipswich Town share a 1-1 draw in April 2024 as the Tractor Boys closed in on Premier League promotion.
- That result does mean that Ipswich have now managed to defeat Middlesbrough on just one occasion in their last nine clashes against ‘Boro.
- Overall, there have been 72 meetings between these two sides with Middlesbrough winning 23 of those and Ipswich having the better of it with 32 victories.
Middlesbrough vs. Ipswich: Form Guide
Middlesbrough – Last 5 Matches (All Competitions)
- Portsmouth 1-0 Middlesbrough (Championship)
- Middlesbrough 0-0 Stoke City (Championship)
- Southampton 1-1 Middlesbrough (Championship)
- Middlesbrough 2-1 West Bromwich Albion (Championship)
- Preston North End 2-2 Middlesbrough (Championship)
Ipswich – Last 5 Matches (All Competitions)
- Ipswich Town 3-1 Norwich City (Championship)
- Bristol City 1-1 Ipswich Town (Championship)
- Ipswich Town 2-1 Portsmouth (Championship)
- Ipswich Town 5-0 Sheffield United (Championship)
- Ipswich Town 2-2 Derby County (Championship)
Middlesbrough vs. Ipswich Score Prediction
As was the case when he guided Luton Town to a surprise Premier League promotion, Edwards is getting early success in charge of Middlesbrough with a low-scoring and fine margin setup, but that could become more open should they be dragged into a game.
Ipswich are a side that could seemingly drag ‘Boro into something that is a bit more open but the sheer quality and depth of the Town side would have to mark them out as favourites as they find their form.
Prediction: Middlesbrough 1-2 Ipswich (9/1 on Bet365)
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Middlesbrough vs. Ipswich Team News
Middlesbrough Team News
- Middlesbrough do have an abundance of injury issues for this one, especially defensively, with centre-back duo George Edmundson and Darragh Lenihan remain sidelined.
- Rob Edwards has confirmed that Australia international Riley McGree is fit but he needs match fitness so is unlikely to start but could be involved.
- Middlesbrough do have to assess the fitness of those that have been away on international duty, such as Aidan Morris, Sontje Hansen and Sverre Nypan.
Ipswich Team News
- Jaden Philogene is in excellent form and has made the left-wing spot his own ahead of Jack Clarke, linking extremely well with left-back Leif Davis.
- As it stands, Sammie Szmodics has been playing in the so-called ‘number ten’ role ahead of marquee summer signing Chuba Akpom, who joined on loan from Ajax.
- The Tractor Boys have a couple of longer term injury absentees, such as Wales international Wes Burns, who is working his way back from an ACL injury.
Middlesbrough vs. Ipswich Predicted Lineups
Here’s how we think the two teams will line up for this Championship meeting:
Middlesbrough predicted lineup to play Ipswich
Middlesbrough (3-4-2-1)
Brynn (GK) – Ayling, Fry, Jones – Brittain, Morris, Hackney, Targett – Hansen, Sene - Conway
Out: Dieng, Lenihan, Edmundson
Doubtful: Morris, Hansen, McGree, Nypan
Ipswich predicted lineup to play Middlesbrough
Ipswich (4-2-3-1)
Palmer (GK) – Furlong, O’Shea, Kipre, Davis – Matusiwa, Cajuste – Egeli, Szmodics, Philogene - Hirst
Out: Townsend, Burns
Doubtful: None
Middlesbrough vs. Ipswich Betting Odds
- Middlesbrough to win (7/4 with Bet365)
- Draw (11/5 with SpreadEx)
- Ipswich to win (13/8 with AKBets)
Bet Builder Tips: Middlesbrough vs. Ipswich
Our big price bet builder for this game is Ipswich to win with both teams to score, Hayden Hackney to be carded, Jaden Philogene to have two or more shots on target in the match and over 9.5 corners, which comes to overall odds of 173.64/1 with Sky Bet.
You can use our bet builder tool below to create your own selections and find the best available odds for this Championship clash.
How to watch: Middlesbrough vs. Ipswich Live stream, TV channel
Here’s all the key information on how to watch Middlesbrough vs. Ipswich:
- Date: Friday, October 17
- Venue: Riverside Stadium, Middlesbrough, England
- Time: 8:00 p.m.
- TV/Stream: Sky Sports / Sky Go