Portsmouth vs Ipswich Prediction & Match Preview – Sunday, 4 January

Portsmouth vs Ipswich Prediction & Match Preview: On Sunday, 4 January, the Championship features Portsmouth hosting Ipswich at the historic Fratton Park. Both teams are eager to strengthen their positions in the league, making this fixture a pivotal one for their respective campaigns. Portsmouth, with the advantage of playing at home, will look to make the most of their familiar surroundings to secure a positive result.

Ipswich, meanwhile, will aim to disrupt Portsmouth’s plans and claim valuable points on the road. The match at Fratton Park is set to be a competitive affair, as both sides have demonstrated resilience and determination throughout the season. With both teams striving to climb the Championship table, this clash promises to deliver an intriguing contest on the pitch.

Portsmouth vs Ipswich Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Both Teams to Score – Yes	1.7

Given the recent form and attacking strengths of both Portsmouth and Ipswich, our recommended betting tip is Both Teams to Score – Yes. Both sides have been prolific in front of goal, with Portsmouth averaging 1.7 goals per game and Ipswich 1.8 in their last five fixtures. Despite some defensive qualities, both teams have shown vulnerabilities, making it likely that both will find the net in this encounter.

• Portsmouth and Ipswich have both averaged nearly 2 goals per game in their last five matches, demonstrating strong attacking form.
• Ipswich have scored in 83% of their away matches this season, underlining their ability to find the net on the road.
• Defensive lapses from both sides, as seen in recent matches, increase the likelihood of goals for both teams.

Betting Odds

Portsmouth are considered underdogs in this Championship clash against Ipswich, with the odds strongly favouring the visitors. Ipswich’s impressive form is reflected in their odds of 1.67, while Portsmouth are priced at 5. A draw is available at 3.63, indicating expectations of a closely contested match.

Betting Tip	Odds
Portsmouth to win	5
Draw	3.63
Ipswich to win	1.67

For those considering a wager, the over 2.5 goals market could be appealing, given both teams’ attacking strengths. Ipswich’s away performances have been particularly impressive this season and are worth monitoring.

Portsmouth Analysis & Recent Performance

Portsmouth’s recent form has been mixed, with two wins, two draws, and one heavy defeat in their last five matches. The 0-5 loss to Bristol City exposed some defensive weaknesses, particularly in away fixtures where performances tend to dip. However, at Fratton Park, Portsmouth have shown greater resilience, winning three of their last five home games.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Bristol City	Portsmouth	5 – 0 (Loss)	Championship	1 Jan, 2026
Portsmouth	Charlton	2 – 1 (Win)	Championship	29 Dec, 2025
Portsmouth	Queens Park Rangers	1 – 1 (Draw)	Championship	26 Dec, 2025
Derby	Portsmouth	1 – 1 (Draw)	Championship	20 Dec, 2025
Portsmouth	Blackburn	2 – 1 (Win)	Championship	13 Dec, 2025

Recent Form:

• LWDDW

Statistically, Portsmouth have averaged 1.20 goals per game across their last five fixtures, but have conceded an average of 1.80. They have scored in four of these matches, yet their defensive frailties are evident, having conceded in every game and failing to keep a clean sheet. This inconsistency is reflected in their 21st place in the league table, with a total of 25 points.

Portsmouth Suspensions & Injuries

Portsmouth are contending with several key absences due to injury. The absence of Thomas Waddingham and Josh Knight, both expected back in mid-January, could significantly impact the team’s defensive solidity. Connor Ogilvie and Florian Bianchini, both sidelined with knee injuries until early February, further weaken the defensive line. In attack, the potential absence of Colby Bishop due to an ankle injury could limit Portsmouth’s options, while Joshua Murphy and Callum Lang’s hamstring injuries also threaten their attacking depth.

The midfield will be without Márk Kosznovszky, out until mid-February, reducing the team’s ability to control the tempo. Marlon Pack’s hamstring injury, with a late January return expected, further strains midfield resources. With these key players unavailable, Portsmouth may need to adjust their formation or tactics to compensate.

Manager John Mousinho may have to rely on squad depth to fill the gaps left by injuries. Players such as Andre Dozzell and Zak Swanson, who featured in the previous midfield lineup, may be called upon to provide stability. The shortage of experienced forwards could force Mousinho to adopt a more conservative approach, possibly strengthening the midfield to make up for a weakened attack.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Thomas Waddingham	Hip injury	Mid-January 2026
Connor Ogilvie	Knee injury	Early February 2026
Josh Knight	Back injury	Mid-January 2026
Florian Bianchini	Knee injury	Early February 2026
Joshua Murphy	Hamstring injury	Mid-January 2026
Márk Kosznovszky	Knee injury	Mid-February 2026
Callum Lang	Hamstring injury	Late January 2026
Marlon Pack	Hamstring injury	Late January 2026
Colby Bishop	Ankle injury	Doubtful

Portsmouth Key Players

Portsmouth’s attacking hopes rest largely on Adrian Segecic, the club’s leading scorer with three goals this season. As a forward, Segecic’s movement and clinical finishing make him a constant threat to the Ipswich defence. His understanding with fellow attackers Ibane Bowat and Makenzie Kirk will be vital in breaking down the opposition backline.

John Swift stands out as a crucial playmaker in midfield, orchestrating attacks with his vision and passing. Alongside him, Andre Dozzell and Luke Le Roux provide balance and stability, helping Portsmouth control the game’s tempo. Defensively, the experienced Conor Shaughnessy and Regan Poole are key figures, tasked with organising the backline and repelling Ipswich’s attacking efforts.

Expected lineup for Portsmouth:

• Goalkeeper: Nicolas Schmid
• Defence: Terry Devlin, Conor Shaughnessy, Regan Poole, Zak Swanson
• Midfield: Andre Dozzell, Luke Le Roux, John Swift
• Forward: Adrian Segecic, Ibane Bowat, Makenzie Kirk

Portsmouth Tactics & Formation

Portsmouth Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Adrian Segecic
• Midfield Engine: Terry Devlin and Andre Dozzell
• Defensive Concerns: Conceded 9 goals in last 5 games, no clean sheets.
• Notable Strategy: High pressing and reliance on wing play.

Portsmouth are expected to line up in a 4-3-3 formation, aiming to maximise their attacking potential while maintaining control in midfield. The trio of Terry Devlin, Luke Le Roux, and Andre Dozzell offers dynamism, with Dozzell’s creativity pivotal in linking play. This setup supports their strategy of high pressing and quick transitions.

Defensively, Portsmouth have struggled, conceding nine goals in their last five matches and failing to keep a clean sheet. The backline, featuring Regan Poole, Conor Shaughnessy, and Ibane Bowat, will need to improve their organisation. This vulnerability may prompt Portsmouth to adopt a more cautious approach against Ipswich.

In attack, Adrian Segecic, their top scorer, is crucial for breaking down defences, supported by wide players like Makenzie Kirk and John Swift. Portsmouth’s reliance on wing play and crossing could be decisive, especially if they can capitalise on set-pieces and counter-attacks.

Ipswich Analysis & Recent Performance

Ipswich Town have displayed strong form in recent matches, recording three wins, one draw, and a single defeat in their last five outings. Notable results include a 2-1 victory over Oxford and a convincing 2-0 win against Coventry.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Ipswich	Oxford	2 – 1 (Win)	Championship	1 Jan 2026
Coventry	Ipswich	0 – 2 (Win)	Championship	29 Dec 2025
Millwall	Ipswich	0 – 0 (Draw)	Championship	26 Dec 2025
Ipswich	Sheffield Wednesday	3 – 1 (Win)	Championship	20 Dec 2025
Leicester	Ipswich	3 – 1 (Loss)	Championship	13 Dec 2025

Recent Form:

• WWDWL

Ipswich’s attack has been effective, averaging 1.60 goals per game over their last five fixtures. They have found the net in four of these matches, underlining their offensive capabilities. Defensively, they have kept two clean sheets, maintaining a balanced approach. However, their away form shows room for improvement, with only one win in their last five away games, suggesting some vulnerability on the road.

Ipswich Suspensions & Injuries

Ipswich are also dealing with several important absences due to injury. Janoi Donacien’s groin injury and Harry Clarke’s knee problem mean the defensive line will require adjustments. With Clarke expected back in mid-January, his absence will likely see manager Kieran McKenna turn to Darnell Furlong and Dara O’Shea, who both featured in the previous match. Conor Townsend’s long-term cruciate ligament injury further limits defensive options, making backline stability essential against Portsmouth.

In attack, Samuel Szmodics’ illness casts doubt over his availability, potentially reducing creativity in midfield. George Hirst, another absentee due to a groin injury, is also expected back around mid-January. This leaves Chuba Akpom as the primary forward, with support from Jaden Philogene-Bidace, who will need to step up in the absence of other attacking options.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Janoi Donacien	Groin injury	Unknown
Harry Clarke	Knee injury	Mid January 2026
Conor Townsend	Cruciate ligament injury	Mid April 2026
Samuel Szmodics	Illness	Doubtful
George Hirst	Groin injury	Mid January 2026

These injuries require tactical adjustments from McKenna, likely focusing on a more conservative approach to preserve defensive solidity. Ipswich’s ability to adapt without key players could have a significant impact on the match outcome, as they face a determined Portsmouth side.

Ipswich Key Players

Ipswich will depend heavily on Jaden Philogene-Bidace, their top scorer with nine goals, to lead their attack against Portsmouth. Philogene-Bidace’s dynamic style, marked by pace and an ability to score from various positions, makes him a constant threat. His partnership with Chuba Akpom in attack is expected to be crucial, as both can exploit defensive gaps with their technical skill and finishing.

In midfield, Azor Matusiwa and Jens Cajuste are set to play vital roles. Matusiwa’s defensive qualities and Cajuste’s vision and passing range will be key to controlling the game’s tempo and linking play to the forwards. At the back, Dara O’Shea and Cédric Kipré provide stability and aerial strength, essential for dealing with Portsmouth’s attacking threats.

Expected lineup for Ipswich:

• Goalkeeper: Christian Walton
• Defenders: Darnell Furlong, Dara O’Shea, Cédric Kipré, Leif Davis
• Midfielders: Azor Matusiwa, Jens Cajuste, Marcelino Núñez
• Forwards: Sindre Walle Egeli, Jaden Philogene, Chuba Akpom

Ipswich Tactics & Formation

Ipswich Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: Expected 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Chuba Akpom
• Midfield Engine: Azor Matusiwa and Jens Cajuste
• Defensive Record: Two clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: High possession play and exploiting width with wingers.

Ipswich are likely to adopt a 4-2-3-1 formation, focusing on maintaining high possession and using the width of the pitch effectively. The midfield pairing of Azor Matusiwa and Jens Cajuste provides a blend of defensive stability and offensive support, crucial for dictating the tempo.

In the attacking third, Chuba Akpom leads the line, supported by the creative flair of Marcelino Núñez and the pace of Jaden Philogene-Bidace on the wings. This setup allows Ipswich to create numerous scoring opportunities, as shown by their average of 1.6 goals per game in recent matches.

Defensively, the back four, led by Dara O’Shea and Cédric Kipré, has shown resilience, contributing to two clean sheets in their last five games. Full-backs Darnell Furlong and Leif Davis play important roles both in defence and in advancing play down the flanks.

Portsmouth vs Ipswich: Head-to-Head Record

Portsmouth have the advantage in the head-to-head record against Ipswich, with ten wins to Ipswich’s six, and six matches ending in a draw. The most recent meeting came in September 2025, when Ipswich secured a 2-1 home victory in the Championship.

The last time Portsmouth hosted Ipswich at Fratton Park was in December 2022, a thrilling 2-2 draw in League One. Portsmouth have generally performed well at home and will be hoping to make the most of their home advantage once again.

Home Team	Away Team	Score	Competition	Date
Ipswich Town	Portsmouth	2 – 1	Championship	2025-09-27
Portsmouth	Ipswich Town	2 – 2	League One	2022-12-29
Ipswich Town	Portsmouth	0 – 2	EFL Trophy Final Stage	2022-11-22
Ipswich Town	Portsmouth	3 – 2	League One	2022-10-01
Ipswich Town	Portsmouth	0 – 0	League One	2022-03-12