Ipswich Town vs Middlesbrough: Who Wins Final Fight For Premier League Promotion?

by Geoffrey Ejiga | by Geoffrey Ejiga

image Ipswich Town vs Middlesbrough: Who Wins Final Fight For Premier League Promotion?
This may perhaps be the most dramatic conclusion to the English Championship in decades. Outside Coventry, who secured promotion, as many as four teams fight for the number 2 spot and the automatic qualification that comes with it. Two of those names are the hosts Ipswich, with 75 points, and the visiting Middlesbrough, trailing with 72 points. With just four more games to go, the winner here could do just enough to finish number 2 come Matchday 26.

Ipswich’s Bid and Why It Matters

The Tractor Boys are in a very special position than it seems on the surface.

Because of their two games in hand, they’re the only team that could still mathematically win the league over Coventry.

While unlikely, they’re practically the only thing standing in Coventry’s parade before the final day. What’s interesting is that sitting in 3rd with 75 points and two games in hand puts Ipswich Town in the driving seat to usurp the 2nd-placed Millwall with 76 points but two games more.

Returning to the Premier League wouldn’t just be a great fit for Ipswich. It’s a golden chance to prove themselves after their brief EPL spell in the 2024–25 season.

However, the road, while short, is marred with serious roadblocks like today’s visit from fellow contenders Middlesbrough, who beat The Tractor Boys 2-1 earlier this season.

Current Championship Standing in Matchday 43

PosTeamPlayedPts
1Coventry4386
2Milwall4376
3Ipswich4175
4Southampton4375
5Middlesbrough4272

From Title Contenders to Top 6 Fighters

It only seemed like a few weeks ago that Middlesbrough toppled Coventry’s regime and went top of the table briefly.

Now two months later, The Boro have sunk to 5th and are now 14 points off the same Coventry City. And it’s thanks to an incredibly poor run of form that has seen Middlesbrough win only three of their 12 games since the day they went top of the table.

The Boro entered this bout with Ipswich on a six-game winless run, which ended with a 1-0 defeat to Portsmouth.

However, all isn’t lost as Middlesbrough remains just four points off the 2nd position with a game in hand. But that game will be their toughest yet in this final chapter.

They may have edged Ipswich out in the first encounter. However, Ipswich have not only been unbeaten in nine of their last ten games, but are also practically the best team at home this season.

Ipswich’s Town Case for All Three Points

In truth, if there’s any team that is second-best after Coventry City, it’s Ipswich Town. Their numbers have been outstanding, and their recent form makes a case for their lower betting odds of winning this game.

Here’s what Ipswich has achieved entering this game:

  • Ipswich has lost only one of 21 games at home this season (the fewest).
  • The Tractor Boys have conceded the fewest goals at home this season (15).
  • Ipswich has scored the 3rd-most goals so far (71), with two games still in hand.
  • Not just at home, but Ipswich have also conceded the fewest goals in the league (42).
  • Ipswich have lost the second-fewest games this season (8).
  • Also, The Tractor Boys boast the 3rd-most clean sheets in the league (15).

It’s going to be an uphill battle for Middlesbrough with their current poor form. But it’s good to remember that of the only 8 games Ipswich has lost this season, The Boro were responsible for one (2-1).