Ipswich Town v Middlesbrough betting tips and predictions – Promotion race heats up as big contenders clash

Apr 17, 2026 - 16:30

Two of the prime suspects in Championship promotion race lock horns on Sunday lunchtime as Ipswich host Middlesbrough at Portman Road.

Ipswich v Middlesbrough best bets

Ipswich to win – 6/5 with Sky Bet
Both teams to score – 4/6 with Midnite
Odds Boost: Luke Ayling to be carded (was 21/10) NOW 5/2 with Midnite

Ipswich v Middlesbrough betting tips and predictions

Ipswich v Middlesbrough latest odds

Find the latest Ipswich v Middlesbrough betting odds here, odds courtesy of Sky Bet and are subject to change.

Ipswich – 6/5
Draw – 5/2
Middlesbrough – 2/1

Ipswich v Middlesbrough prediction

Fast forward a week and Ipswich looked like they were galloping to second place at promotion back to the Premier League.

They’d just beat arch-rivals Norwich at Carrow Road for the first time since 2006 to consolidate their position as promotion favourites.

But then came Portsmouth in midweek. A 2-0 loss at Fratton Park ripped up the script and have the Tractor Boys looking over their shoulder.

Southampton are on a tear and sit just three points behind Ipswich. But so too are Middlesbrough, and the pair clash in a huge Sunday lunchtime tussle.

Boro had been on a roll under Kim Hellberg and were in the top two for much of mid-season. But having claimed just three points from their last five matches, they need to spark back into life if they are to return to the Premier League for the first time since relegation in 2009.

The Tractor Boys are favourites to get maximum points in this one, their performances at Portman Road has them second in the home form table, winning 13 of 21 matches.

Ipswich have goal scoring threats from all areas of the pitch. Jack Clarke is their top scorer with 14 goals. But they have a clutch of players all on 10 league goals George Hurst, Jaden Philogene and Anis Mehmeti (albeit most of those were for Bristol City).

Hellberg will have to be wary of the attacking prowess of the home side. And will want to avoid his side blurring out of the automatic promotion picture.

A statement victory on Sunday would put them right back into the mix.

Ipswich v Middlesbrough betting tips

Home comforts

Ipswich have the second best home form across the entire season, having lost just once at Portman Road this campaign.

Taking that a step further, the Tractor Boys are fast starters. They have not trailed at half-time in 20 of their last 21 home matches, winning the first half in 10 of their last 13.

This early dominance often allows them to control the tempo and dictate play.

It could easily play a big part in the outcome of the match, especially against an out-of-sorts Middlesbrough.

Goals on the menu

Boro haven’t scored loads of goals in recent weeks, but they’re still getting on the scoresheet despite not winning.

Ipswich have conceded in four of their last six matches and may be vulnerable if not fully focused, case in point being the recent defeat to Portsmouth last Tuesday.

Boro will have to go hell for leather at some point in the game and that pressure may pay dividends with a goal.

Before Tuesday Ipswich hadn’t drawn a blank since late December. They should have enough to hit the onion bag once more on Sunday.

Ipswich v Middlesbrough predicted lineups

Ipswich Town (4-2-3-1): Walton; Furlong, O’Shea, Greaves, Kipre; Matusiwa, Neil; McAteer, Nunez, Clarke; Hirst

Middlesbrough (4-4-2): Brynn; Brittain, Fry, Malanda, Targett; Browne, Morris, McGree, Sarmiento; Conway, Strelec

How to watch Ipswich v Middlesbrough

Location: Portman Road, Ipswich, UK
Date and time: Sunday 19th April 2026, 12pm
How to watch: Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Football, Sky Sports Ultra HD

More Championship predictions

Find more predictions and betting tips from our expert punters in our match previews on the Premier League, Championship, League One and more!

Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to talkSPORT. 18+. T&Cs apply.

Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
Never chase their losses
Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk

Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.

For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.