Pre-Match Commentary

Ipswich are second and hunting automatic promotion, three points clear of the chasing pack. Middlesbrough sit fifth, just one point ahead of Southampton but their form has collapsed spectacularly. Ipswich won three of their last five and conceded just four goals in that stretch. Middlesbrough, meanwhile, took one point from their last five matches and shipped six goals.

At home, Ipswich are fortress material. Thirteen wins in twenty-one matches at Portman Road with just one defeat. Middlesbrough's away form is decent on paper with ten wins from twenty-one, but they've conceded twenty-five goals on the road this season. The head-to-head is split, though Middlesbrough won the most recent meeting earlier this season.

Ipswich's home advantage and superior momentum make them clear favourites here, but Middlesbrough have shown they can trouble Ipswich on their day. A draw isn't out of the question given their defensive frailties make a clean sheet unlikely for either side.