Ipswich vs Hull Prediction, Match Preview, Tuesday, 3 March

Ipswich vs Hull Prediction and Match Preview sets the stage for an intriguing Championship clash this Tuesday, 3 March. The match will take place at Portman Road, where Ipswich host Hull in what promises to be a competitive encounter. Both teams are eager to make their mark in the league, and this fixture could prove pivotal in shaping their respective campaigns.

Ipswich, playing at home, will look to capitalise on familiar surroundings to secure vital points. Meanwhile, Hull, travelling to Portman Road, will be keen to challenge their hosts and improve their standing in the Championship. With both sides having much to play for, this match is set to offer plenty of action and could have significant implications for their positions in the league table.

Ipswich vs Hull Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Draw – Ipswich Town vs Hull City	3.3

Considering the form and what is at stake for both teams, our recommended betting tip is to back a draw. Ipswich’s strong home form, combined with Hull’s resilience on the road, suggests a balanced encounter likely to end in a stalemate.

• Hull have scored in 85% of their matches this season, showcasing their consistent attacking threat.
• Ipswich are unbeaten in 11 consecutive home matches in this competition, underlining their strong home form.
• Both teams are fighting for promotion and are evenly matched, making a draw a sensible bet.

Given the competitive nature of this fixture and the performances of both sides, a draw appears to be the most likely outcome.

Betting Odds

Ipswich enter this Championship clash as clear favourites, with the betting odds reflecting their impressive home form. Hull, meanwhile, are seen as outsiders, but their odds may appeal to those seeking an upset.

Betting Tip	Odds
Ipswich Victory	1.42
Draw	4.49
Hull Victory	7.02

For those interested in alternative markets, over 2.5 goals and both teams to score could be worth considering, given Ipswich’s attacking strength and Hull’s potential to spring a surprise.

Ipswich Analysis & Past Performance

Ipswich have shown strong form in recent matches, securing three wins from their last five outings. Their recent 3-0 triumph over Swansea highlights both their attacking prowess and defensive solidity. Ipswich have scored a total of 10 goals in their last five games, averaging 2.00 goals per match, while conceding an average of 1.40 goals per game.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Ipswich	Swansea	3 – 0 (Win)	Championship	28 Feb 2026
Watford	Ipswich	0 – 2 (Win)	Championship	24 Feb 2026
Wrexham	Ipswich	5 – 3 (Loss)	Championship	21 Feb 2026
Wrexham	Ipswich	1 – 0 (Loss)	FA Cup	13 Feb 2026
Derby	Ipswich	1 – 2 (Win)	Championship	7 Feb 2026

Recent Form:

• WWLLW

Ipswich’s home performances have been particularly impressive, boasting a win ratio of 80% in their last five home fixtures. They have managed two clean sheets in this period, underlining their defensive capabilities at Portman Road. Their league position of 4th, with 60 points, reflects a consistent season marked by 17 wins, 9 draws, and just 7 losses from 33 matches. The team’s top scorer, Jack Clarke, has been pivotal, contributing significantly to their attack with 12 goals this season.

Ipswich Suspensions & Injuries

Ipswich face some challenges with key players sidelined due to injury. Conor Townsend’s absence with a cruciate ligament injury until mid-April is a significant blow to their defensive options. His experience and stability at the back will be missed, and it will be important for Leif Davis and others to step up in his absence. With no suspensions affecting the team, manager Kieran McKenna can still field a competitive lineup.

The midfield is also affected, with Jaden Philogene and Ashley Young both out until mid-March with knee and muscle injuries, respectively. Philogene’s creativity and Young’s versatility are hard to replace, but Ipswich are likely to rely on the skills of Dan Neil and Marcelino Núñez to maintain midfield dynamism.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Conor Townsend	Cruciate ligament injury	Mid-April 2026
Jaden Philogene	Knee injury	Mid-March 2026
Ashley Young	Muscle injury	Mid-March 2026

These absences may prompt Ipswich to adopt a more conservative approach, perhaps focusing on a solid defensive setup while relying on quick counter-attacks. Tactical adjustments will be crucial against a Hull side looking to exploit any weaknesses.

With a few key players missing, Ipswich’s squad depth will be tested. However, the available players have shown resilience in recent games, and their ability to adapt could influence the betting markets, with some punters potentially seeing value in backing Hull due to Ipswich’s injury concerns.

Ipswich Key Players

Ipswich’s attacking threat will be led by their top scorer, Jack Clarke, who has impressively netted 12 times this season. Clarke’s dynamic playing style, with his ability to exploit spaces and his clinical finishing, makes him a constant danger to any defence. His role will be pivotal in breaking down Hull’s backline.

In midfield, Azor Matusiwa and Marcelino Núñez are expected to control the tempo. Matusiwa’s defensive solidity and ability to break up play provide Ipswich with a strong foundation, while Núñez’s vision and passing range could unlock Hull’s defence. Up front, Wes Burns’ pace and Ivan Azón’s physical presence add further dimensions to Ipswich’s attacking options.

Expected lineup for Ipswich

• Goalkeeper: Christian Walton
• Defenders: Darnell Furlong, Dara O’Shea, Cédric Kipré, Leif Davis
• Midfielders: Azor Matusiwa, Dan Neil, Marcelino Núñez
• Forwards: Wes Burns, Anis Mehmeti, Ivan Azón

Defensively, the partnership of Dara O’Shea and Cédric Kipré will be crucial to maintaining a solid backline. Their aerial ability and composure under pressure will be tested against Hull’s forwards. The tactical impact of these key players is significant, as they collectively contribute to Ipswich’s strategy of maintaining a high-intensity game while exploiting any defensive weaknesses in their opponents.

Ipswich Tactics and Formation

Ipswich Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Ivan Azón
• Midfield Pivot: Azor Matusiwa and Dan Neil
• Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Balanced approach with strong midfield control and counter-attacking potential.

Ipswich’s 4-2-3-1 formation is designed to provide a solid defensive setup while allowing flexibility in attack. The midfield pivot of Azor Matusiwa and Dan Neil plays a crucial role in dictating play, offering both defensive protection and the ability to transition quickly into attack. Marcelino Núñez, as the central attacking midfielder, provides the creative spark needed to link up with the forward line.

Defensively, Ipswich rely on the experience of Darnell Furlong and Leif Davis in the full-back positions, with Dara O’Shea and Cédric Kipré as the central defensive partnership. Their recent form has seen them keep two clean sheets in the last five matches, indicating a solid defensive structure.

Offensively, Ipswich’s strategy often involves quick transitions and utilising the pace of wingers like Wes Burns and Anis Mehmeti to support striker Ivan Azón. This approach has been effective, contributing to their recent 3-0 victory over Swansea.

Hull Analysis & Past Performance

Hull City have shown mixed results in recent outings, with fluctuating form. Their last five games have produced two wins and three losses, highlighting a lack of consistency. The recent 1-0 victory away at Portsmouth demonstrated their resilience, although previous matches saw them concede heavily, such as the 4-0 defeat to Chelsea in the FA Cup.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Portsmouth	Hull	0 – 1 (Win)	Championship	28 Feb 2026
Hull	Derby	4 – 2 (Win)	Championship	24 Feb 2026
Hull	Queens Park Rangers	1 – 3 (Loss)	Championship	21 Feb 2026
Hull	Chelsea	0 – 4 (Loss)	FA Cup	13 Feb 2026
Hull	Bristol City	2 – 3 (Loss)	Championship	7 Feb 2026

Recent Form:

• WWLLL

Offensively, Hull have maintained a respectable scoring average of 1.60 goals per game across their last five matches, but this is offset by a concerning average of 2.40 goals conceded per match. Defensively, they have managed only one clean sheet, indicating vulnerabilities at the back. Notably, their away form has been outstanding, with five consecutive away wins, in stark contrast to their home performances. Currently sitting 5th in the Championship with 60 points, Hull’s away prowess could be key to solidifying their league position as they continue to push for promotion.

Hull Suspensions & Injuries

Hull’s injury list presents significant challenges for manager Sergej Jakirović, particularly in midfield and defence. With Eliot Matazo sidelined indefinitely due to a cruciate ligament injury, the team loses a vital component in central midfield. Additionally, Nathan Tinsdale’s ligament injury further reduces their depth, potentially forcing tactical adjustments.

The absence of Mohamed Belloumi and Darko Gyabi, both expected back by mid-March, alongside Semi Ajayi, also hampers Hull’s flexibility in midfield. These players’ unavailability may see increased responsibility placed on Regan Slater and Amir Hadžiahmetović to maintain stability in the centre of the park. This is likely to impact Hull’s ability to control the tempo and transition between defence and attack.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Eliot Matazo	Cruciate ligament injury	Unknown
Nathan Tinsdale	Ligament injury	Unknown
Mohamed Belloumi	Hamstring injury	Mid March 2026
Darko Gyabi	Groin injury	Mid March 2026
Semi Ajayi	Hamstring injury	Mid March 2026
Matty Jacob	Hamstring injury	Early April 2026
Toby Collyer	Hamstring injury	Mid March 2026
Yu Hirakawa	Knee injury	Out for season
Ryan Giles	Hamstring injury	Mid April 2026

Defensively, the lack of Matty Jacob until early April and Yu Hirakawa for the remainder of the season will test Hull’s backline resilience. This could lead to tactical shifts, with Akin Famewo and Charlie Hughes likely to take on more prominent roles. With Ryan Giles also out until mid-April, options at wing-back are limited, requiring creative solutions from Jakirović.

These injuries not only affect Hull’s immediate tactical choices but could also sway betting markets, as their chances may be perceived as diminished against Ipswich. The depth of Hull’s squad will be under scrutiny, and any missteps could exacerbate the challenges posed by their current injury crisis.

Hull Key Players

Leading the line for Hull is their top scorer, Oli McBurnie, who has netted 13 goals this season. McBurnie’s clinical finishing and ability to find space in the box make him a constant threat to opposing defences. His presence up front is crucial, providing both a focal point and an outlet for Hull’s attacking play.

Supporting McBurnie in attack is Kyle Joseph, whose pace and dribbling skills on the flank can unsettle defenders and create opportunities. In midfield, Amir Hadžiahmetović plays a pivotal role as a playmaker, orchestrating the game with his passing range and vision. His ability to transition play quickly will be vital in breaking down Ipswich’s defensive lines.

Defensively, John Egan commands the backline with authority, using his experience and aerial prowess to thwart opposition attacks. His leadership is integral to maintaining defensive solidity, especially against a potent Ipswich attack.

Expected lineup for Hull

• Goalkeeper: Ivor Pandur
• Defence: Lewie Coyle, John Egan, Charlie Hughes, Akin Famewo
• Midfield: Amir Hadžiahmetović, Regan Slater, Joe Gelhardt
• Forward: Kyle Joseph, Lewis Koumas, Oli McBurnie

Hull Tactics and Formation

Hull Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: Likely 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Oli McBurnie
• Midfield Pivot: Amir Hadžiahmetović and Regan Slater
• Defensive Strength: Recent clean sheet against Portsmouth
• Notable Strategy: Compact defensive setup with quick counter-attacks.

Hull City under Sergej Jakirović typically line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, emphasising a compact defensive structure. The midfield partnership of Amir Hadžiahmetović and Regan Slater is pivotal, combining defensive resilience with the ability to launch counter-attacks.

Offensively, Hull rely heavily on Oli McBurnie, their top scorer with 13 goals this season. Supported by Joe Gelhardt and Lewis Koumas in advanced midfield roles, McBurnie is tasked with spearheading the attack and capitalising on the few opportunities created.

Defensively, the back four of Lewie Coyle, Charlie Hughes, John Egan, and Akin Famewo aim to maintain solidity, as evidenced by their clean sheet against Portsmouth. However, Hull’s tendency to concede possession, as seen in their last match with only 34% possession, could be a vulnerability against high-pressing teams.

Ipswich vs Hull Head-to-Head Record

Ipswich and Hull have met 24 times, with Hull leading the head-to-head record with 13 wins to Ipswich’s 5, alongside 6 draws. The last meeting saw Ipswich triumph 2-0 away at Hull in the Championship, showcasing their ability to perform on the road.

The last time these two sides met at Portman Road, Ipswich secured a convincing 3-0 victory back in October 2023. This suggests Ipswich may have the upper hand at home, despite Hull’s overall dominance in the head-to-head statistics.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Hull City	Ipswich Town	0 – 2	Championship	2025-11-25
Hull City	Ipswich Town	3 – 3	Championship	2024-04-27
Ipswich Town	Hull City	3 – 0	Championship	2023-10-03
Hull City	Ipswich Town	0 – 1	League One	2021-02-23
Ipswich Town	Hull City	0 – 3	League One	2020-11-24