Ipswich vs Preston Prediction, Match Preview, Saturday, 31 January

Ipswich and Preston are set to clash in the Championship at Portman Road on Saturday, 31 January. This match is crucial for both teams as they look to climb the league table. Ipswich, playing at home, will be aiming to take advantage of familiar surroundings to secure a vital win. Meanwhile, Preston will be determined to disrupt Ipswich’s plans and secure valuable points on the road.

Portman Road will provide the backdrop for this intriguing encounter, with both Ipswich and Preston having much at stake. With the Championship as competitive as ever, every point is vital, making this a significant fixture for both sides. Fans can expect a closely contested battle as these teams vie for supremacy in the league.

Ipswich vs Preston Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Ipswich Town to Win	1.65

Given Ipswich Town’s impressive home form and Preston North End’s recent struggles, our recommended betting tip is to back Ipswich to win. Ipswich have been dominant at Portman Road, and Preston’s poor form, coupled with key suspensions and injuries, makes this a strong bet.

• Ipswich are unbeaten in their last 9 home matches, highlighting their strong home form.
• Preston have lost four of their last five games and have key players suspended or injured.
• Ipswich’s recent head-to-head victory over Preston and their current momentum further boost confidence in a home win.

Betting Odds

Ipswich enter this Championship clash as strong favourites, with betting odds reflecting their superior form at Portman Road. Preston, meanwhile, are seen as underdogs, offering an enticing return for those backing an upset.

Betting Tip	Odds
Ipswich to win	1.37
Draw	4.57
Preston to win	7.96

A draw is also a noteworthy option, with odds suggesting a decent payout. Punters may also consider the over 2.5 goals market, given both teams’ recent scoring trends.

Ipswich Analysis & Recent Performance

Ipswich have maintained strong form recently, securing four wins in their last five matches. Their recent fixtures include a commanding 3-0 victory over Blackburn and a solid 2-0 win against Bristol City. Despite a 3-1 setback against Sheffield United, Ipswich’s form remains impressive, particularly at home.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
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
Ipswich	Oxford	2 – 1 (Win)	Championship	1 Jan 2026

Recent Form:

• LWWWW

Ipswich’s attack has been consistently effective, averaging 2.00 goals per game over their last five fixtures. They have shown defensive resilience with two clean sheets during this period, contributing to their strong standing in the Championship. Their home form is especially formidable, boasting a perfect winning streak in their last five home games.

Ipswich Suspensions & Injuries

Ipswich Town face a challenging situation with several key players sidelined due to injuries. The absence of Janoi Donacien and Conor Townsend could significantly impact their defensive solidity. Townsend’s cruciate ligament injury rules him out until mid-April, leaving a gap in defence. This could force manager Kieran McKenna to rely on Darnell Furlong and Dara O’Shea to shore up the back line.

In midfield, injuries to Chuba Akpom and Marcelino Núñez present further difficulties. With Akpom expected back by mid-February and Núñez by late February, Ipswich will need Jack Taylor and Azor Matusiwa to step up in the meantime. These injuries may require a tactical shift, potentially prompting Ipswich to adopt a more conservative approach to maintain balance.

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

The absence of Jaden Philogene and Ashley Young further complicates matters for Ipswich, especially in terms of attacking options and experience. Philogene’s knee injury keeps him out until early March, while Young’s muscle problem rules him out until mid-February. These absences could influence betting markets, with Ipswich potentially seen as underdogs due to their depleted squad.

With no suspensions to contend with, Ipswich will look to adjust their tactics to mitigate these injury setbacks. The reliance on George Hirst for goals becomes even more pronounced, and the team will need to be more cohesive in midfield to compensate for the missing creative spark.

Ipswich Key Players

Ipswich’s attacking threat is led by their top scorer Jack Clarke, who has netted 11 goals this season. Clarke’s clinical finishing and ability to find space behind defenders make him a constant danger. His partnership with George Hirst, who brings physicality and strong hold-up play, is crucial for Ipswich’s attacking strategy. Clarke’s off-the-ball movement and Hirst’s ability to involve teammates ensure a dynamic forward line.

In midfield, Jack Taylor and Sammie Szmodics provide creativity and control, with Taylor’s vision and Szmodics’ energy key to dominating possession. Azor Matusiwa’s role as a defensive midfielder offers stability, breaking up opposition attacks and providing a platform for Ipswich’s attacking players. In defence, Dara O’Shea and Cédric Kipré form a solid centre-back partnership, vital for maintaining a strong back line.

Expected lineup for Ipswich

• Goalkeeper: Christian Walton
• Defenders: Darnell Furlong, Dara O’Shea, Cédric Kipré, Jacob Greaves
• Midfielders: Azor Matusiwa, Jack Taylor, Sammie Szmodics
• Forwards: Sindre Walle Egeli, Jack Clarke, George Hirst

Ipswich Tactics and Formation

Ipswich Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: Expected 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: George Hirst
• Midfield Pivot: Azor Matusiwa and Jack Taylor
• Defensive Strength: Solid defensive line, but only two clean sheets in the last five games.
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on possession play and attacking through the wings.

Ipswich have recently utilised a 4-2-3-1 formation, which allows them to maintain a balance between attack and defence. Azor Matusiwa and Jack Taylor in the midfield pivot play crucial roles in controlling possession and transitioning the ball forward.

Defensively, the back line of Darnell Furlong, Dara O’Shea, Cédric Kipré, and Jacob Greaves provides a formidable unit, although they have managed only two clean sheets in their last five games. Their ability to play out from the back is key to Ipswich’s possession-based approach.

In attack, George Hirst leads the line, supported by creative talents like Sammie Szmodics and Jack Clarke, the team’s top scorer. Ipswich often exploit the wings through Clarke’s pace and directness, aiming to stretch the opposition and create scoring chances.

Preston Analysis & Recent Performance

Preston’s recent form has been difficult, with just one win in their last five matches across all competitions. Their sole victory came against Bristol City with a 2-0 scoreline, but they have since suffered four consecutive defeats, including a heavy 4-0 loss to Middlesbrough in their most recent outing.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Middlesbrough	Preston	4 – 0 (Loss)	Championship	24 Jan 2026
Preston	Hull	0 – 3 (Loss)	Championship	20 Jan 2026
Preston	Derby	0 – 1 (Loss)	Championship	17 Jan 2026
Preston	Wigan	0 – 1 (Loss)	FA Cup	9 Jan 2026
Bristol City	Preston	0 – 2 (Win)	Championship	4 Jan 2026

Recent Form:

• LLLLW

Preston’s attacking output has been underwhelming, averaging just 0.40 goals per game in their last five fixtures. Defensively, they have conceded an average of 1.80 goals per match and managed only one clean sheet, indicating vulnerabilities at the back. Despite these struggles, they have shown slightly better form away from home, winning 40% of their last five away matches. Currently 9th in the Championship with 43 points, Preston have a win ratio of 38% this season, underlining their inconsistency.

Preston Suspensions & Injuries

Preston face notable challenges ahead of their clash with Ipswich, with several key players unavailable. The absence of Robert Brady due to a calf injury and Daniel Iversen with a groin injury could significantly weaken Preston’s defence and goalkeeping options. Andrew Hughes’s hamstring injury further complicates the defensive setup. Additionally, Brad Potts’s knee injury keeps him out until mid-March, reducing midfield depth. These injuries may force Paul Heckingbottom to adapt his tactics, possibly integrating less experienced players or adjusting formations.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Robert Brady	Calf Injury	Early February 2026
Daniel Iversen	Groin Injury	Mid February 2026
Andrew Hughes	Hamstring Injury	Mid February 2026
Brad Potts	Knee Injury	Mid March 2026

The suspension of Milutin Osmajic, following a red card, leaves Preston without a key attacking option for the next two matches. This could significantly hinder their offensive output. Jordan Storey’s one-match suspension, also due to a red card, adds to the defensive problems, necessitating further adjustments at the back. The absence of these players will require tactical reshuffling, potentially impacting Preston’s ability to control the game and maintain defensive resilience.

Player	Suspension	Matches Remaining	Expected Return
Milutin Osmajic	Red card	2	Unknown
Jordan Storey	Red card	1	Unknown

With these key players out, Preston’s squad depth will be tested. Those stepping in will need to rise to the occasion, particularly in defence and attack. Tactical adjustments may see a more conservative approach, focusing on counter-attacks and set-pieces to exploit any weaknesses in Ipswich’s setup. This situation could affect betting markets, as Preston’s chances may be seen as diminished without a full-strength squad.

Preston Key Players

Preston’s main attacking threat is Lewis Dobbin, their top scorer with 6 goals this season. His ability to find the net makes him a constant danger to opposition defences, and his knack for getting into scoring positions is crucial for Preston’s attacking play. Up front, Dobbin is partnered by Daniel Jebbison, whose pace and agility complement Dobbin’s clinical finishing, potentially forming a dynamic duo capable of unlocking Ipswich’s defence.

In midfield, Ben Whiteman and Alistair McCann are pivotal for controlling the tempo. Whiteman’s playmaking and McCann’s box-to-box energy provide a balanced midfield presence that can both defend and support attacks. Their role in transitioning from defence to attack will be vital to dictating the pace against Ipswich.

Expected lineup for Preston:

• Goalkeeper: Jack Walton
• Defence: Odel Offiah, Liam Lindsay, Lewis Gibson
• Midfield: Ben Whiteman, Pol Valentin, Alistair McCann, Alfie Devine, Jamal Lewis
• Forward: Lewis Dobbin, Daniel Jebbison

Preston Tactics and Formation

Preston Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: Expected 3-5-2
• Key Forward: Lewis Dobbin
• Midfield Engine: Alistair McCann and Ben Whiteman
• Defensive Concerns: Conceded nine goals in last five matches
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on wing play and counter-attacks.

Preston, under Paul Heckingbottom, are likely to use a 3-5-2 formation. This setup allows them to strengthen the midfield with Alistair McCann and Ben Whiteman, providing both defensive cover and creative outlets. The wing-backs, Pol Valentin and Jamal Lewis, play crucial roles in stretching the opposition and delivering crosses.

Defensively, the trio of Odel Offiah, Jordan Storey, and Lewis Gibson form the back line. However, recent performances have been shaky, with nine goals conceded in the last five games, suggesting vulnerabilities, especially against teams with pace and directness.

In attack, Lewis Dobbin, Preston’s top scorer with six goals, will be pivotal. His ability to exploit space and link up with Daniel Jebbison is crucial, especially during quick transitions and counter-attacks, which are central to Preston’s attacking strategy.

Ipswich vs Preston Head-to-Head Record

In their head-to-head record, Preston hold a slight advantage over Ipswich with 12 wins to Ipswich’s 11, and 9 draws. The last meeting saw Preston defeat Ipswich 1-0 in the Championship, demonstrating their recent edge.

The last time Ipswich hosted Preston at Portman Road, they won 4-2 in October 2023. This suggests Ipswich may have a home advantage, especially considering their ability to score multiple goals in that fixture.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Preston North End	Ipswich Town	1 – 0	Championship	2025-08-23
Preston North End	Ipswich Town	3 – 2	Championship	2024-02-03
Ipswich Town	Preston North End	4 – 2	Championship	2023-10-07
Preston North End	Ipswich Town	1 – 2	Club Friendlies	2023-07-19
Preston North End	Ipswich Town	4 – 0	Championship	2019-04-19