Derby vs Ipswich Prediction, Match Preview, Saturday, 7 February

Derby will face Ipswich in an intriguing Championship clash this Saturday, 7 February, at Pride Park. As both teams aim to climb the league standings, this match promises to be a significant encounter for their respective campaigns. Derby, playing at home, will look to leverage their familiarity with Pride Park to secure a crucial win. Meanwhile, Ipswich will be eager to make their mark and challenge Derby’s home advantage.

The Championship is known for its competitive nature, and this fixture between Derby and Ipswich is no exception. With both teams striving for better positions in the league, the outcome of this match could have important implications for their season objectives. Fans can expect a closely contested battle as Derby and Ipswich bring their best to the pitch at Pride Park.

Derby vs Ipswich Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Ipswich Town Double Chance (Win or Draw)	1.6

Given the recent performances and historical records, our recommended betting tip is to back Ipswich Town on the double chance market (Win or Draw).

• Ipswich have won four of their last five league visits to Pride Park, keeping a clean sheet in each of those victories.
• Derby are missing key players like Carlton Morris, Max Johnston, and Owen Beck, which could hinder their performance.
• Ipswich’s consistent away form and defensive discipline make them a safer bet to avoid defeat.

Derby’s home form has been underwhelming, with only one win in their last eight home games, highlighting their vulnerability at Pride Park.

Betting Odds

Derby are hosting Ipswich at Pride Park, and the betting odds suggest a closely contested Championship fixture. Ipswich are slight favourites with odds of 2.03, reflecting their strong form this season. Meanwhile, Derby are priced at 3.69, offering value for those backing the home side to pull off an upset.

Betting Tip	Odds
Derby to win	3.69
Draw	3.28
Ipswich to win	2.03

The draw is also a tempting option at 3.28, especially considering the competitive nature of recent encounters between these two sides. Punters might also explore the over 2.5 goals market, given both teams’ attacking capabilities.

Derby Analysis & Past Performance

Derby have shown a mix of resilience and attacking prowess in their recent performances, securing three wins, one draw, and one loss in their last five outings. Notably, their recent 5-0 away victory against Bristol City highlights their potential to dominate matches when in form. However, their FA Cup loss to Leeds United (1-3) indicates vulnerability against higher-calibre opponents.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Bristol City	Derby	0 – 5 (Win)	Championship	30 Jan 2026
Derby	West Bromwich	1 – 1 (Draw)	Championship	23 Jan 2026
Charlton	Derby	1 – 2 (Win)	Championship	20 Jan 2026
Preston	Derby	0 – 1 (Win)	Championship	17 Jan 2026
Derby	Leeds United	1 – 3 (Loss)	FA Cup	11 Jan 2026

Recent Form:

• WDWWL

Derby’s attack has been consistent, averaging 2.00 goals per game in their last five matches, with a total of 10 goals scored. They have demonstrated defensive solidity with two clean sheets, although they have conceded five goals in this period, reflecting a goals conceded average of 1.00 per match. At Pride Park, Derby’s form has been less impressive, winning only one of their last five home games, which could be a concern.

Derby Suspensions & Injuries

Derby face a challenging fixture against Ipswich with several key players sidelined due to injuries. Notably, the absence of Owen Beck and Max Johnston, both nursing hamstring injuries, is set to disrupt the defensive solidity that Derby rely on. Their expected return by mid-February offers some hope, but their current unavailability means tactical adjustments are necessary.

With Carlton Morris also out with a knee injury, Derby’s attacking options are limited. His absence may prompt coach John Eustace to rely more heavily on Rhian Brewster and Ben Brereton Díaz to lead the attack. The midfield will need to step up creatively to compensate for Morris’s missing presence.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Owen Beck	Hamstring Injury	Mid February 2026
Carlton Morris	Knee Injury	Mid February 2026
Max Johnston	Hamstring Injury	Mid February 2026
Sondre Langås	Hamstring Injury	Early March 2026
Jacob Widell Zetterström	Illness	A few days

Sondre Langås’s hamstring injury, with a return expected in early March, further complicates Derby’s depth, particularly in maintaining consistent wing play. Jacob Widell Zetterström’s illness, expected to resolve in a few days, adds to the immediate concerns but may not significantly impact the long-term tactical plans.

These absences could influence the betting markets, potentially shifting odds in favour of Ipswich given Derby’s weakened squad. The tactical impact will likely see Derby adopting a more cautious approach to compensate for the lack of key personnel.

Derby Key Players

In the absence of their top scorer Carlton Morris, Derby will rely heavily on the attacking prowess of Ben Brereton Díaz. Known for his agility and precision in front of goal, Brereton Díaz is expected to step up as the focal point of Derby’s attack. Alongside him, Rhian Brewster is another forward who brings speed and creativity, making him a potential game-changer against Ipswich. In midfield, Lewis Travis is crucial for his ability to control the tempo and break up opposition play, providing a solid foundation for Derby’s offensive manoeuvres.

Defensively, the pairing of Dion Sanderson and Matt Clarke forms a formidable barrier, with Clarke’s aerial dominance and Sanderson’s tactical awareness being pivotal in thwarting Ipswich’s attacking threats. These players collectively shape Derby’s tactical framework, balancing defensive solidity with attacking flair.

Expected lineup for Derby

• Goalkeeper: Richard O’Donnell
• Defenders: Joe Ward, Dion Sanderson, Matt Clarke, Callum Elder
• Midfielders: Lewis Travis, David Ozoh, Bobby Clark
• Forwards: Ben Brereton Díaz, Rhian Brewster, Patrick Agyemang

Derby Tactics and Formation

Derby Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-5-1
• Key Forward: Patrick Agyemang
• Midfield Core: Lewis Travis and Ben Brereton Díaz
• Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: High pressing and swift counterattacks.

In their recent matches, Derby have adopted a 4-5-1 formation, which has been instrumental in their ability to maintain defensive solidity while allowing flexibility in attack. The midfield, led by Lewis Travis and Ben Brereton Díaz, acts as the engine room, providing both defensive cover and attacking support.

Defensively, Derby have shown resilience, as evidenced by their two clean sheets in the last five games. The backline, featuring Joe Ward and Dion Sanderson, has been effective in disrupting opposition attacks and maintaining a compact shape.

Offensively, Derby’s strategy relies on high pressing and exploiting spaces during counterattacks. Patrick Agyemang plays a pivotal role at the front, supported by the creative play of Bobby Clark and Rhian Brewster, which was crucial in their recent 5-0 victory against Bristol City.

Ipswich Analysis & Past Performance

Ipswich have been demonstrating strong recent form, securing three victories in their last five matches, including a 3-0 win over Blackburn and a 2-0 triumph against Bristol City. However, they faced a setback with a 3-1 loss to Sheffield United, and most recently, a 1-1 draw with Preston at home.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Ipswich	Preston	1 – 1 (Draw)	Championship	31 Jan 2026
Sheffield United	Ipswich	3 – 1 (Loss)	Championship	24 Jan 2026
Ipswich	Bristol City	2 – 0 (Win)	Championship	20 Jan 2026
Ipswich	Blackburn	3 – 0 (Win)	Championship	17 Jan 2026
Ipswich	Blackpool	2 – 1 (Win)	FA Cup	10 Jan 2026

Recent Form:

• DLWWW

Ipswich’s offensive capabilities remain noteworthy, averaging 1.80 goals per game in their last five outings. Despite this, their defence has shown vulnerabilities, conceding an average of 1.00 goals per match, with only two clean sheets secured in this period. Away from home, Ipswich have struggled slightly, with just one win in their last five away fixtures, reflecting a win ratio of 20%. Their ability to score consistently, with goals in all but one of their recent games, indicates a resilient attack led by top scorer Jack Clarke, who has netted 12 goals this season.

Ipswich Suspensions & Injuries

Ipswich will be missing several key players due to injuries, which could significantly impact their tactical setup against Derby. Janoi Donacien’s groin injury leaves a gap in defence, potentially affecting Ipswich’s solidity at the back. Conor Townsend’s absence until mid-April due to a cruciate ligament injury further exacerbates the defensive issues, reducing options for Kieran McKenna.

In midfield, the team will miss the dynamic presence of Jaden Philogene, who is sidelined with a knee injury until early March. Marcelino Núñez’s ankle injury also keeps him out until late February, which could affect Ipswich’s ability to control the game in the middle of the park. Ashley Young’s muscle injury limits the attacking options from the flanks, though he is expected to return by mid-February.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Janoi Donacien	Groin injury	Unknown
Conor Townsend	Cruciate ligament injury	Mid April 2026
Jaden Philogene	Knee injury	Early March 2026
Marcelino Núñez	Ankle injury	Late February 2026
Ashley Young	Muscle injury	Mid February 2026

These absences may force Ipswich to rely on less experienced players, possibly leading to a more conservative approach. The team might need to adjust their formation or rely on more defensive tactics to compensate for the missing players. This could influence betting markets, as Ipswich’s reduced squad depth might lower their chances against a full-strength Derby.

Ipswich Key Players

Ipswich’s offensive threat is spearheaded by top scorer Jack Clarke, who has impressively netted 12 goals this season. Clarke, known for his pace and clinical finishing, is expected to be a constant menace for the Derby defence. His ability to exploit spaces and capitalise on defensive errors makes him a pivotal figure in Ipswich’s attacking setup. Alongside Clarke, Wes Burns offers additional dynamism on the wing, using his speed to stretch the opposition and create opportunities.

In midfield, the presence of Jens-Lys Cajuste is crucial as he orchestrates play and maintains possession. His vision and passing range are vital in transitioning the ball from defence to attack, providing the forwards with quality service. Anis Mehmeti, another key midfielder, adds flair and creativity, often breaking lines with his dribbling skills, which could be decisive in unlocking Derby’s defence.

Expected lineup for Ipswich

• Goalkeeper: Christian Walton
• Defence: Darnell Furlong, Dara O’Shea, Cédric Kipré, Leif Davis
• Midfield: Azor Matusiwa, Jens-Lys Cajuste, Anis Mehmeti
• Forward: Wes Burns, Jack Clarke, Ivan Azon

Defensively, Ipswich rely on the solid partnership of Dara O’Shea and Cédric Kipré at the back. Their ability to read the game and intercept plays will be essential in neutralising Derby’s attacking threats. The tactical impact of these key players, combining defensive resilience and attacking prowess, positions Ipswich as a formidable opponent, capable of dictating the match’s tempo and exploiting any weaknesses in Derby’s setup.

Ipswich Tactics and Formation

Ipswich Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Ivan Azon
• Midfield Engine: Azor Matusiwa and Jens-Lys Cajuste
• Defensive Solidity: Two clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: High possession and extensive use of flanks.

Ipswich Town generally set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, which has proven effective in maintaining a balance between attack and defence. The midfield pairing of Azor Matusiwa and Jens-Lys Cajuste offers both defensive cover and the ability to control possession, as evidenced by their 67% possession in the last game against Preston.

In defence, the inclusion of Darnell Furlong and Leif Davis as full-backs provides width and support for the attack, while Cédric Kipré and Dara O’Shea form a solid central defensive partnership. This setup has contributed to Ipswich securing two clean sheets in their last five outings.

Offensively, Ipswich rely heavily on the pace and skill of wingers Wes Burns and Jack Clarke, with Clarke being the top scorer with 12 goals. Ivan Azon spearheads the attack, supported by Anis Mehmeti in the attacking midfield role, focusing on exploiting spaces in the opposition’s defence.

Derby vs Ipswich Head-to-Head Record

In the head-to-head record between Derby and Ipswich, Ipswich have the upper hand with 21 wins compared to Derby’s 11, and they’ve drawn 8 times. Their last encounter ended in a 2-2 draw at Ipswich in the Championship, showing that both teams can be quite evenly matched.

The last time Derby hosted Ipswich at Pride Park was back in August 2018, where Derby secured a 2-0 victory in the Championship. Despite Ipswich’s overall dominance in the head-to-head, Derby’s home advantage could play a crucial role in this fixture.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Ipswich Town	Derby County	2 – 2	Championship	2025-08-30
Derby County	Ipswich Town	0 – 2	League One	2023-04-01
Ipswich Town	Derby County	1 – 0	League One	2022-10-21
Ipswich Town	Derby County	1 – 1	Championship	2019-02-13
Derby County	Ipswich Town	2 – 0	Championship	2018-08-21