Ipswich vs. Portsmouth Prediction, Odds & Betting Tips

Posted on September 23, 2025 by author in Football

The EFL Championship is heating up as we approach the end of September 2025, and one of the intriguing fixtures on the horizon is Ipswich Town hosting Portsmouth at Portman Road. This match pits a recently relegated Ipswich side against a Portsmouth team that’s been battling to establish itself in the second tier. With both clubs eager for points to solidify their positions, this clash promises excitement, tactical battles, and potential goals. In this comprehensive preview, we’ll dive into the Ipswich vs. Portsmouth prediction, analyze the latest odds, and provide expert betting tips to help you make informed wagers.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the Tractor Boys or the Pompey faithful, or just a neutral looking for value in the betting markets, this article covers everything you need. We’ll explore team forms, head-to-head history, key players, injury updates, and more. Let’s break it down step by step.

The Context: A Championship Battle with Historical Roots

Ipswich Town and Portsmouth are two clubs with rich histories in English football, but their paths have diverged in recent years. Ipswich, founded in 1878, enjoyed a golden era under Sir Bobby Robson in the late 1970s and early 1980s, winning the UEFA Cup in 1981 and finishing runners-up in the First Division. More recently, they achieved back-to-back promotions from League One to the Premier League in 2023-24, only to suffer relegation back to the Championship after a tough 2024-25 campaign where they managed just four wins in 38 games.

Portsmouth, established in 1898, have their own storied past, including FA Cup triumphs in 1939 and 2008, and a Premier League stint in the 2000s. However, financial woes led to multiple relegations, bottoming out in League Two. Their revival began with promotion to League One in 2017, followed by a return to the Championship in 2024 after winning the League One title. Now in their second consecutive season in the Championship, Portsmouth are aiming to avoid the drop and perhaps push for playoffs.

This September 27, 2025, encounter at Portman Road (kick-off 10:00 AM EDT) comes at a pivotal time. Ipswich, under manager Kieran McKenna, are adapting to life back in the Championship after selling key assets like Omari Hutchinson to Nottingham Forest for a club-record £37.5 million. Portsmouth, led by John Mousinho, have shown resilience but are dealing with inconsistencies. The match could be a turning point for both sides’ seasons.

Recent Form: How Both Teams Are Shaping Up

Ipswich Town’s Form

Ipswich have had a mixed start to the 2025-26 Championship season, with a record of 1 win, 3 draws, and 1 loss in their opening five games (W-D-L-D-D). They kicked off with a solid 1-0 victory over a promoted side, showcasing defensive solidity, but have since drawn three of their last four, including a goalless stalemate against Brighton in a pre-season hangover fixture. Their only defeat came against a top-table contender, highlighting vulnerabilities against stronger attacks.

At home, Portman Road remains a fortress— Ipswich have conceded in all but one of their recent home games but have scored in four out of six overall. Their attack has been led by new signings like Liam Delap, who netted twice in a December 2024 win over Chelsea during their Premier League stint, and Sammie Szmodics, though the latter is nursing an injury. Defensively, Jacob Greaves has been a rock since joining from Hull City.

Overall, Ipswich’s form suggests they’re building momentum but need to convert draws into wins to climb the table. They’re currently mid-table, but with their quality, expect them to push for automatic promotion spots.

Portsmouth’s Form

Portsmouth’s start mirrors Ipswich’s in inconsistency: 2 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss (D-W-D-L-W). They began with a draw against a fellow mid-table side, followed by a convincing win over a struggling team, but suffered a setback in a derby loss to Southampton where tempers flared. Their latest victory came against a lower-half opponent, boosted by goals from forwards like Colby Bishop.

Away form is a concern for Pompey—they’ve won just one of their last five road games, conceding in four. However, their defense has improved, with Conor Shaughnessy anchoring the backline before his recent hamstring injury. Offensively, John Swift has been creative with assists, and Josh Murphy adds pace on the wings, though he’s sidelined with an ankle issue.

Portsmouth sit slightly above the relegation zone, and a positive result here could provide breathing room. Their resilience in comebacks—evident in a recent 2-2 draw—makes them dangerous underdogs.

Head-to-Head History: A Rivalry with Edge

The head-to-head record between Ipswich and Portsmouth favors the latter slightly, with Portsmouth winning 10 of 20 matchs, Ipswich claiming 5, and 5 draws. On average, these games produce 2.25 goals, suggesting entertaining affairs.

Recent encounters have been competitive. In their last match in December 2022 (League One), it ended 2-2 at Fratton Park, with both teams sharing the spoils in a high-energy clash. Ipswich’s last home win over Portsmouth was a 3-1 victory in April 2023, while Portsmouth triumphed 4-0 at Portman Road in October 2021.

Historically, Portsmouth have had the upper hand in cup ties too, but in league play, home advantage often prevails. Ipswich have scored in 4 of their last 6 home games against Portsmouth, while Pompey have conceded in 4 of 6 away trips. This points to a potential for both teams to score.

Key Players to Watch

For Ipswich Town

Liam Delap (Forward): The young striker, on loan from Manchester City previously but now permanent, has been prolific. His pace and finishing could exploit Portsmouth’s injury-hit defense.
Sammie Szmodics (Midfielder): If fit after his recent knock with Ireland, his creativity (goals and assists) will be crucial. He’s scored in big games before.
Jacob Greaves (Defender): A summer signing, his aerial dominance and passing from the back make him a linchpin.
Jaden Philogene (Winger): Joined in January 2025, his two goals in 10 games show flair; expect him to target weak spots.

New additions like Marcelino Nunez from Norwich and Darnell Furlong from West Brom add depth, with Ivan Azon on loan providing striker options.

For Portsmouth

Colby Bishop (Forward): The team’s top scorer last season, his hold-up play and finishing make him a threat.
John Swift (Midfielder): Leading in assists, his vision could unlock Ipswich’s backline.
Florian Bianchini (Winger): Quick and direct, he’s contributed goals and assists early on.
Conor Shaughnessy (Defender): If recovering from hamstring, his leadership is vital; otherwise, the backline looks vulnerable.

Players like Josh Murphy (injured) and Marlon Pack (out post-surgery) are misses, but young Franco Umeh’s return to training adds freshness.

Injury Updates and Team News

Ipswich Town Injuries

Ipswich face some concerns:

Sammie Szmodics: Doubtful after leaving Ireland duty with an unspecified injury.
Wes Burns: Progressing well from his issue, could feature.
Harry Clarke: Knee injury, expected back late September.
Cameron Humphreys: Leg injury, out until early October.
Charlie Townsend: Cruciate ligament tear, sidelined until mid-April 2026.
Chieo Ogbene: On loan to Sheffield United, unavailable.

McKenna has options, with Philogene and Delap likely starting.

Portsmouth Injuries

Pompey are hit harder:

Nicolas Schmid: Goalkeeper out 8-12 weeks with injury from Southampton clash.
Josh Murphy: Ankle injury, missed recent games.
Conor Shaughnessy: Torn hamstring, timeline uncertain.
Callum Lang: Hamstring, back early October.
Harvey Blair: Hamstring, late September return.
Marlon Pack: Post-surgery, out for several games.
Franco Umeh: Returning to training this week, possible bench spot.

Ben Killip deputizes in goal, and Mousinho may rely on youth.

Prediction: Who Wins?

Based on form, home advantage, and squad depth, Ipswich Town are favorites to win. Their superior quality from recent Premier League experience should shine through against a depleted Portsmouth. Expect Ipswich to control possession and create chances, while Pompey counter.

Score prediction: Ipswich 2-1 Portsmouth. Ipswich’s attack overwhelms, but Portsmouth nabs a consolation. Both teams have scored in recent H2H, so over 2.5 goals is likely.

Odds Analysis

Current odds reflect Ipswich’s favoritism:

Ipswich Win: 1.58
Draw: 4.4
Portsmouth Win: 6.25

Other markets (approximate from sources):

Over 2.5 Goals: 1.80
Under 2.5 Goals: 2.00
Both Teams to Score (BTTS): Yes 1.95, No 1.85
Ipswich -1.5 Goals: +142 (FanDuel)

Odds vary by bookmaker; check Oddschecker for best value.

Betting Tips: Where to Find Value

Ipswich to Win: At 1.58, solid bet given home form and Portsmouth’s injuries. Stake medium-high for reliability.
Over 2.5 Goals: H2H averages suggest goals; both defenses leaky. Odds around 1.80 offer value.
BTTS Yes: Portsmouth score away, Ipswich concede at home. 1.95 is tempting.
Liam Delap Anytime Scorer: If starting, his form makes him a 2.50 pick.
Half-Time/Full-Time: Ipswich/Ipswich: They start strong at home; odds ~2.50.
Asian Handicap: Ipswich -1: Push if one-goal win; safer than -1.5.

Avoid Portsmouth win unless long-shot parlay. Bankroll management: Bet 1-2% per wager.

Tactical Breakdown: How the Game Unfolds

McKenna’s Ipswich favor possession-based play, with full-backs overlapping and midfielders like Nunez dictating tempo. Expect high press to force Portsmouth errors.

Mousinho’s Portsmouth are direct, using wings for crosses to Bishop. Without Murphy, they may struggle for width. Set-pieces could be key for Pompey.

Weather at Portman Road: Mild September, no issues.

Historical Deep Dive: Memorable Ipswich vs. Portsmouth Clashes

Rewind to 2008 FA Cup: Portsmouth won 1-0 en route to trophy. Or 2010 Championship draw. These games often have drama—red cards, late goals.

Ipswich’s 7-0 thrashing of Portsmouth in 1964 remains a record, but modern matchs are tighter.

Fan Perspectives and Atmosphere

Portman Road will be buzzing with 30,000+ fans, Ipswich supporters eager for revenge after relegation. Portsmouth travel well, adding spice.

From X (Twitter): Fans predict Ipswich wins, with some tipping upsets.

Broader Championship Context

This match impacts the table: Ipswich aim top-six, Portsmouth survival. Watch for playoff implications later.