Predictions & Statistics

Ipswich come into this fixture from a strong position, holding 2 place with 75 points after 41 matches. The return of 21 wins, 12 draws, and 8 defeats, together with goals at 71:40, reflects good form over their recent run. Much of their attacking edge comes through J. Clarke (14 goals), G. Hirst (10 goals), J. Philogene (10 goals), with creative support from L. Davis (4 assists), Conor Chaplin (3 assists), J. Cajuste (3 assists), while their defending has remained fairly stable. At home, the split of 13 wins, 7 draws, and 1 losses supports the view of a very strong split record. They are competing near the top and remain under pressure to hold that position. Their football identity still points toward balanced attacking football. They are not at full strength, with W. Burns, D. Button, C. Townsend unavailable, although the overall attacking core still looks largely intact.

Middlesbrough arrive from the upper part of the table, holding 5 place with 72 points after 42 matches. The record of 20 wins, 12 draws, and 10 defeats, together with a 62:42 goal balance, points toward poor form over their recent run. Much of their attacking threat comes through M. Whittaker (11 goals), Tommy Conway (9 goals), D. Strelec (5 goals), with creative support from H. Hackney (7 assists), M. Whittaker (6 assists), Tommy Conway (5 assists), while at the back they have looked quite vulnerable. Away from home, their split return of 10 wins, 6 draws, and 5 losses fits a very strong split record. They are pushing for upper-table objectives and still have something important to play for. Stylistically, they usually display balanced attacking football. Although they are without A. Jones, D. Lenihan, H. Hackney, that could reduce some of their usual creative supply in attacking areas.