Ipswich vs Middlesbrough predictions: Tractor Boys to get back on track

- Ipswich have won 15 of 21 home games this season
- Middlesbrough have scored in nine of their last 10 away games
- Recommended bet: Ipswich to win and both teams to score

Ipswich remain firmly in the automatic promotion mix in the Championship despite failing to score across their last two games.

Boss Kieran McKenna has work to do in order to get his men across the line, but Saturday’s clash with Middlesbrough should be a better fit for them.

Michael Carrick’s visitors will likely be a bit more adventurous at Portman Road, which should get the Tractor Boys revving once more.

Team news

Ipswich rotated for their midweek clash with Watford and they should return to close to their best XI for this weekend, although George Hirst and Brandon Williams are among four absentees for the hosts.

Boro are unlikely to make changes for Saturday’s clash as they have no new injury concerns.

However, they are set to be without eight players, including Marcus Forss, Paddy McNair and Hayden Hackney.

The stats

Ipswich have won 26 of 38 games against sides placed fourth or lower, while Middlesbrough have lost four of their seven visits to teams above them this term.

Only Leeds have picked up more points at home than Ipswich this season and Town have scored twice or more in 18 of their 21 home matches.

The visitors have scored 36 goals in 21 away games, however, Boro have shipped 20 goals in nine trips to teams in the top 12

Prediction

Ipswich head into the weekend in second place, a point above Leeds and behind Leicester on goal difference. This promotion battle is likely to go to the wire, with even fourth-placed Southampton in the mix to finish second.

The Tractor Boys would be forgiven for feeling some nerves, especially in last weekend’s derby defeat to bitter rivals Norwich. They followed that up with a 0-0 draw against Watford, but Saturday’s game against Middlesbrough should be a more open affair.

The visitors have seen at least three goals in 71% of their away games this season, while they have scored in nine of their last 10 on the road.

Michael Carrick’s side average comfortably over a goal per game on their travels, but they have also struggled at the top teams.

Boro have lost four of their seven visits to the eight sides above them and have shipped 20 goals across nine meetings with teams in the top-half.

With Ipswich scoring at least twice in 18 of their 21 home games, they should be confident of out-gunning their visitors.

The hosts have won 26 of their 38 games with sides outside the top three, including their 3-2 victory over fourth-placed Southampton earlier this month.

We can expect a similarly open game, which should play into the home side’s hands and allow them to secure a high-scoring victory.

Back Ipswich to win and both teams to score @ 9/4 with LiveScore Bet

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