Top-of-the-table clash at Portman Road

After four long years in third-tier League One, Ipswich Town finally hit the big time last year. Together with Plymouth Argyle and play-off winners Sheffield Wednesday, the “Tractor Boys” were promoted back to the Championship. So far, coach Kieran McKenna’s team has really shaken up the league. With 55 points from 26 games, they are only behind Leicester City and are on course to march through to the Premier League. But AFC Sunderland are also pursuing ambitious plans this year

Sunderland also spent four long years in League One, but since last season the club has been back in the Championship and last year failed to win promotion to England’s top division in the play-offs. The club from the north of England currently occupies sixth place. With 40 points, they are well behind their opponents, but the chance of reaching the play-offs again is still alive. Based on the course of the season so far, a draw is the best bet for Ipswich v Sunderland

For the match between the two traditional clubs Ipswich vs. Sunderland, odds of 3.60 on a draw are available at Bet365. In a league as evenly matched as the Championship, where anyone can beat anyone, that seems like a realistic outcome. Furthermore, Ipswich are the team in the top 8 with the most draws so far. Nevertheless, this league remains so unpredictable that it seems impossible to make a bombproof prediction for Ipswich vs. Sunderland.  Either way, we can expect an exciting game that will set the tone for both teams as the season progresses.

Ipswich – Statistics & current form

So far, the promoted side’s first season since returning to the Championship is going absolutely to plan – even more than that. Currently in second place, the club from the east coast of Great Britain has its sights firmly set on the Premier League. After turbulent years and a painful relegation to the third division, today, five years later, the completely revamped team is at the top of the Championship. Under coach Kieran McKenna, the Tractor Boys’ offense in particular has been a weapon this season. Only Leicester City, who seem to be in a league of their own in the Championship, have scored more goals so far.

This is mainly thanks to Conor Chaplin and Nathan Broadhead. The two are Ipswich’s top scorers with eight goals each. George Hirst’s performances have been just as decisive. With six goals and just as many assists, he is an essential part of the offense. However, Hirst is currently suffering from a hamstring injury and is not expected back until the end of January

Ipswich Town in a slump

However, the worm has been in the works since mid-December. The team’s engine seems to have stalled somewhat. Ipswich have never emerged victorious from their last five league games. In addition to four draws, they suffered a bitter 4-0 defeat against direct promotion rivals Leeds. The attack has also not been as reliable as usual of late. They have now gone two games without scoring a goal of their own. Therefore, a bet on less than 2.5 goals is recommended for Ipswich v Sunderland.

Not everything went smoothly in the third round of the FA Cup last Saturday either. Against fourth-division side AFC Wimbledon, who were outnumbered for half an hour, they ultimately struggled to a 3-1 away win. Singer Ed Sheeran’s favorite club, who supports his club as a shirt sponsor, has already been eliminated from the EFL Cup. Fulham were too strong in the fourth round and won 3:1 at Portman Road.

Predicted Ipswich line-up:

Sunderland – Statistics & current form

After a strong sixth-place finish last season, they were beaten by Luton Town in the subsequent promotion play-off. This year, they would like to at least finish in the top six again to have a chance of promotion to the Premier League. Despite two defeats at the start of the season, the team has stabilized and is right on target with its current position. Above all, a strong defense and a lot of possession characterize the game of coach Michael Beale’s team. On average, the team from the north has a strong 58% possession and concedes the fourth-fewest goals in the Championship.

In offense, the team is dependent on the performance of one player. Jack Clarke is the top scorer in the league and leads the internal scoring charts with twelve goals. The 23-year-old Englishman was trained by Tottenham and, despite his young age, already has plenty of experience in England’s lower leagues.

Spurs initially had loan deals with Leeds, Stoke City and Queens Park Rangers before Sunderland signed the young striker permanently in the summer of 2022. Since then, Jack Clarke has been on the hunt for goals for the Black Cats. He has also been very successful this season. Clarke has scored two goals in the last three games. Risk-taking bettors can therefore play the odds of 4.00 on a goal from Clarke in the match between Ipswich and Sunderland

Can Sunderland score at Portman Road?

Based on the standings, Ipswich Town are naturally favored at home against Sunderland. Nevertheless, there are several reasons why the Black Cats could at least take a point from the East. In addition to the hosts’ recent run of draws, Sunderland’s statistics also speak in their favor. All of Michael Beale’s men’s draws this season have been away from home. The most recent away game at Rotherham on 29.12. also ended 1:1. The last five league games of the club from the far north of England present a balanced picture. Two wins, just as many defeats and the aforementioned draw in Rotherham.

Last Saturday, however, the team suffered a bitter defeat. They were beaten 3-0 by local rivals Newcastle in the FA Cup. It was the first Tyne-Wear derby in eight years. This duel is one of the most prestigious in the entire United Kingdom. Sunderland will therefore be looking to make amends against Ipswich.

Predicted Sunderland line-up:

Ipswich – Sunderland head-to-head comparison / H2H result

The overall record of the two teams is very even. Ipswich Town won 18 of 41 games. 16 matches went to Sunderland and the points were shared seven times. Sunderland have won three of the last five head-to-head meetings. One game ended in a draw at Portman Road. Ipswich Town won the most recent encounter on matchday one this season

Ipswich – Sunderland betting tip

Due to the current form crisis with many point splits for the hosts, the prediction of a draw is very promising for the match between Ipswich and Sunderland. Considering that the betting odds at Bet365 for Ipswich vs Sunderland are 3.60 for a points draw, this risk tip is almost inevitable. Since Ipswich in particular have been very stingy with their own goals in recent games, betting on less than 2.5 goals is also a good option

For those who prefer to rely on the performance of individual players rather than the team performance, there is also a recommendation. The league’s fourth-highest scorer, Jack Clarke, is back in form with two goals in the last three games. He is proving to be a reliable marksman, especially from penalties. For Ipswich vs. Sunderland, a bet on a Clarke goal with maximum odds of 4.00 is therefore also a good idea