Wrexham vs Ipswich Prediction, Match Preview, Saturday, 21 February

Wrexham vs Ipswich Prediction, Match Preview, Saturday, 21 February. This Championship clash sees Wrexham hosting Ipswich at the SToK Cae Ras. With both teams eager to climb the league standings, this matchup promises to be a significant encounter in the race for promotion. Wrexham, playing at home, will look to use their familiar surroundings to gain an advantage over their English opponents.

Ipswich, meanwhile, will aim to secure valuable away points to strengthen their campaign. The dynamics of this match are intriguing, as both teams have shown competitive form in recent fixtures. The outcome could play a crucial role in shaping the playoff picture as the season progresses. Fans and bettors alike will be keenly watching to see which side can assert their dominance in this Championship fixture.

Wrexham vs Ipswich Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Both Teams to Score (BTTS) – Yes	1.8

Given the current form of both teams and the tactical setups expected, the best betting tip for this match is Both Teams to Score (BTTS). This is based on the attacking prowess and defensive vulnerabilities both teams have displayed recently.

• Wrexham have managed to score in every home game this season, showcasing their consistent attacking threat.
• Ipswich have shown they can find the net away from home, coupled with Wrexham’s average of conceding 1.3 goals per game.
• Both teams have key defensive absences, increasing the likelihood of an open, high-scoring encounter.

Betting Odds

In this Championship clash, Ipswich are tipped as the favourites with odds of 2.18, reflecting their strong form this season. Wrexham, playing at home at the SToK Cae Ras, are given odds of 3.22, suggesting a potential upset could be on the cards.

Betting Tip	Odds
Wrexham to win	3.22
Draw	3.29
Ipswich to win	2.18

The draw is priced at 3.29, which might attract punters looking for a balanced outcome. Given the attacking prowess of both teams, betting markets are also eyeing opportunities in the over 2.5 goals and both teams to score markets.

Wrexham Analysis & Past Performance

Wrexham have been experiencing a solid run of form in recent matches, securing three wins, one draw, and one loss in their last five encounters. Their 2-2 draw away against Bristol City displayed their resilience and ability to score under pressure, while their 1-0 FA Cup victory over Ipswich showcased their defensive tenacity.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Bristol City	Wrexham	2 – 2 (Draw)	Championship	17 Feb 2026
Wrexham	Ipswich	1 – 0 (Win)	FA Cup	13 Feb 2026
Wrexham	Millwall	0 – 2 (Loss)	Championship	7 Feb 2026
Sheffield Wednesday	Wrexham	0 – 1 (Win)	Championship	31 Jan 2026
Queens Park Rangers	Wrexham	2 – 3 (Win)	Championship	24 Jan 2026

Recent Form:
Wrexham’s attack has been consistent, averaging 1.40 goals per match over their last five games, with key contributions from top scorer Kieffer Moore, who has netted 10 goals this season. Defensively, they have managed to keep two clean sheets, indicating a well-organised backline. However, their defence has also conceded an average of 1.20 goals per game, hinting at potential vulnerabilities against more potent offences.

Wrexham’s home form has been mixed, with 2 wins, 2 losses, and a draw in their last five home fixtures. They maintain a win ratio of 40% at home, indicating room for improvement. Overall, Wrexham sit 7th in the league standings with 48 points, showcasing a robust campaign thus far. Their tactical discipline and ability to perform under pressure make them a competitive force in the Championship.

• DWLWW

Wrexham Suspensions & Injuries

Wrexham face a challenging situation with several key players unavailable due to injuries. The absence of Andy Cannon, dealing with a cruciate ligament injury, is a significant blow, as his dynamic presence in midfield will be missed. Aaron James, Lewis Brunt, and Zak Vyner are also out with injuries expected to see them return by late February, which affects both the defensive and midfield options. This leaves coach Phil Parkinson with fewer choices in these areas, potentially forcing tactical adjustments.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Andy Cannon	Cruciate ligament injury	Mid April 2026
Aaron James	Knee surgery	Late February 2026
Lewis Brunt	Thigh injury	Late February 2026
Zak Vyner	Ankle injury	Late February 2026
Liberato Cacace	Knee injury	Early March 2026
Matty James	Broken finger	Early March 2026

The unavailability of Liberato Cacace and Matty James further complicates the situation. Both players are pivotal to Wrexham’s defensive solidity and attacking versatility. Their injuries mean that Wrexham’s depth will be tested, especially in maintaining a balanced formation against Ipswich. The team may have to rely on less experienced players or shift their tactical approach to compensate for these losses.

Given these injuries, Wrexham might opt for a more conservative setup to mitigate their defensive frailties, potentially impacting their attacking output. The betting markets could see Ipswich as slight favourites, given Wrexham’s current squad limitations and the tactical impact of these absences.

Wrexham Key Players

Wrexham’s attacking prowess will be heavily reliant on their top scorer, Kieffer Moore, who has impressively netted 10 goals so far this season. Moore’s physicality and aerial strength make him a constant threat in the opposition’s box, and his ability to hold up play allows teammates to join the attack effectively. His partnership with Sam Smith, expected to lead the forward line, could be pivotal in breaking down Ipswich’s defence.

In midfield, Oliver Rathbone and Ben Sheaf are expected to play crucial roles. Rathbone’s energy and ability to transition play from defence to attack will be vital, while Sheaf’s composure and passing range can dictate the tempo of the game. Defensively, Dominic Hyam’s leadership and Max Cleworth’s tackling will be key to maintaining a solid backline. Their performances could significantly influence Wrexham’s tactical approach, focusing on a balanced mix of defensive solidity and quick transitions.

Expected lineup for Wrexham:

• Goalkeeper: Arthur Okonkwo
• Defenders: Max Cleworth, Dominic Hyam, Callum Doyle
• Midfielders: Issa Kabore, Ben Sheaf, Oliver Rathbone, George Thomason, Nathan Broadhead, Lewis O’Brien
• Forward: Sam Smith

Wrexham Tactics and Formation

Wrexham Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: Likely 3-5-2
• Key Forward: Nathan Broadhead
• Midfield Pivot: Ben Sheaf and Oliver Rathbone
• Defensive Strength: Struggled for clean sheets; only two in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on wing play and maintaining possession.

Wrexham’s recent performances suggest a preference for the 3-5-2 formation, which allows them to exploit width and maintain midfield dominance. Ben Sheaf and Oliver Rathbone provide a solid midfield pivot, balancing defensive responsibilities with creative support to the forwards.

In defence, Max Cleworth, Dominic Hyam, and Callum Doyle form the back three, offering a balance between aerial presence and ball-playing abilities. However, maintaining defensive solidity has been a challenge, as evidenced by only two clean sheets in their last five outings.

Offensively, Nathan Broadhead and Sam Smith lead the line, supported by wing-backs Issa Kabore and Lewis O’Brien, who are crucial in providing width and delivering crosses. Wrexham’s strategy often focuses on maintaining possession and using the flanks to stretch opposition defences, though they must be cautious of leaving gaps during transitions.

Ipswich Analysis & Past Performance

Ipswich have experienced a mixed bag of results in their recent performances, securing two wins, two losses, and one draw in their last five matches across all competitions. Notably, they managed a solid 2-0 victory against Bristol City and a hard-fought 2-1 win over Derby County. However, they faced setbacks with a narrow 1-0 defeat to Wrexham in the FA Cup and a 3-1 loss to Sheffield United.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Wrexham	Ipswich	1 – 0 (Loss)	FA Cup	13 Feb 2026
Derby	Ipswich	1 – 2 (Win)	Championship	7 Feb 2026
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

Recent Form:

• LWDLW

Ipswich’s attack has shown potential, averaging 1.20 goals per game in their last five fixtures, with Jack Clarke being a standout performer, contributing 12 goals this season. While their ability to score is evident, their defence has been somewhat vulnerable, conceding an average of 1.20 goals per match. Their clean sheet ratio stands at 20%, indicating room for improvement in defensive solidity. Their away form mirrors their overall performance, with a win ratio of 40%, having won 2 out of their last 5 away encounters.

Ipswich Suspensions & Injuries

Ipswich face a challenging situation with several key players unavailable due to injuries. The absence of Conor Townsend with a cruciate ligament injury sidelines a crucial defensive option until late April. This significantly impacts Ipswich’s defensive solidity, as Townsend’s experience and versatility have often been pivotal for the team. The injuries to Jaden Philogene and Marcelino Núñez, both expected back in late February, further deplete the squad’s depth in midfield and attack, potentially forcing coach Kieran McKenna to rely on less experienced players or shift his tactical approach to compensate for these absences.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Conor Townsend	Cruciate ligament injury	Late April 2026
Jaden Philogene	Knee injury	Mid March 2026
Marcelino Núñez	Ankle injury	Late February 2026
Ashley Young	Muscle injury	Late February 2026
Wes Burns	Muscle injury	Late February 2026

The muscle injuries suffered by Ashley Young and Wes Burns also pose a tactical headache for Ipswich. Both players are crucial to the side’s width and attacking transitions. Their expected return by late February means Ipswich will need to find temporary solutions to maintain their attacking threat. Players like Kasey McAteer and Sindre Walle Egeli might be tasked with stepping up, although they lack the experience and dynamism of Young and Burns.

With these injuries, Ipswich may need to adopt a more conservative approach against Wrexham, potentially focusing on a compact defensive setup to mitigate the loss of key players. The tactical adjustments will be crucial as Ipswich seek to maintain their competitive edge despite these setbacks. The betting markets may view these absences as a potential vulnerability, affecting Ipswich’s odds and perceived chances of success in this matchup.

Ipswich Key Players

Jack Clarke stands out as Ipswich’s top scorer with 12 goals this season, leading the frontline with his clinical finishing and sharp attacking instincts. His ability to exploit defensive weaknesses and position himself in goal-scoring opportunities makes him a constant threat in the opposition’s half. Clarke’s partnership with Ivan Azon in the forward line could be pivotal, as they aim to dismantle Wrexham’s defence.

In midfield, Anis Mehmeti plays a crucial role as the team’s playmaker, orchestrating attacks with his vision and passing accuracy. His ability to link up play and create chances will be vital for Ipswich’s offensive strategy. Defensive solidity is provided by Dara O’Shea and Cédric Kipré, whose robust partnership at the back is essential for maintaining a strong defensive line and neutralising Wrexham’s attacking threats.

Expected lineup for Ipswich:

• Goalkeeper: Christian Walton
• Defence: Darnell Furlong, Dara O’Shea, Cédric Kipré, Leif Davis
• Midfield: Azor Matusiwa, Jack Taylor, Anis Mehmeti
• Forward: Kasey McAteer, Jack Clarke, Ivan Azon

Ipswich Tactics and Formation

Ipswich Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: Flexible, often 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: George Hirst
• Midfield Pivot: Jens-Lys Cajuste and Daniel Neil
• Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Emphasises possession and dynamic wing play.

Ipswich tend to favour a 4-2-3-1 formation, allowing them to maintain control in midfield while providing flexibility in attack. Jens-Lys Cajuste and Daniel Neil are pivotal in this setup, offering a blend of defensive cover and creative passing options. Their ability to transition from defence to attack quickly is a key component of Ipswich’s strategy.

Defensively, Ipswich rely on a solid backline featuring Ben Johnson and Jacob Greaves, which has contributed to their two clean sheets in the last five matches. The defensive setup is designed to absorb pressure and quickly redistribute the ball to initiate counterattacks, showcasing their tactical discipline.

Offensively, Ipswich’s approach focuses on maintaining possession and utilising dynamic wing play, with players like Kasey McAteer and Sindre Walle Egeli providing width. George Hirst acts as the focal point in attack, supported by Chuba Akpom’s playmaking abilities, which has been instrumental in their recent positive performances.

Wrexham vs Ipswich Head-to-Head Record

In the head-to-head record between Wrexham and Ipswich, Wrexham have the upper hand with one win and one draw in their two encounters. The most recent meeting saw Wrexham triumph 1-0 in the FA Cup on their home turf, SToK Cae Ras, just last week.

The last time these two sides met in the Championship, it ended in a goalless draw at Ipswich’s ground. Wrexham will be looking to maintain their unbeaten record against Ipswich, especially with the home advantage this time around.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Wrexham	Ipswich Town	1 – 0	FA Cup	2026-02-13
Ipswich Town	Wrexham	0 – 0	Championship	2025-11-22