Date of Tips: 03/10/2025
Disclaimer The odds for these selections were correct at the time of publishing (10:51 03/10/2025) but may have changed since. Please check the latest price before placing your bet.
Ipswich Town FC
v Norwich City FC
Portman Road
Championship Matchday 9
05-10-2025 11:00
Ipswich Town Form
Norwich Form
Date: 05/10/25
Kick-off time: 12:00
Venue: Portman Road
The East Anglian derby is back, and it’s shaping up to be a cracker. Ipswich host Norwich at a sold-out Portman Road, and if there’s one game Tractor Boys fans have circled every season, it’s this one. Sixteen long years have passed since Ipswich last beat their rivals. Could this finally be the day?
Kieran McKenna’s side are in great nick. They’ve been creating chances for fun this season and boast one of the tightest defenses in the Championship. No injury concerns here, which means McKenna can field his strongest eleven. Dara O’Shea is one to watch – he’s been a constant threat from set-pieces, and against a side that struggles to defend them, he could have a big say.
It’s a different story for Norwich. They’ve been leaking goals, especially away from home, and look fragile when teams press them high. The good news is Liam Manning has a fully fit squad to pick from, but confidence is low. Josh Sargent remains their main attacking spark, while Emiliano Marcondes offers a bit of creativity behind him.
Ipswich (4-2-3-1): Palmer; Furlong, O’Shea, Greaves, Davis; Matusiwa, Casjuste; McAteer, Akpom, Philogene; Hirst
Norwich (4-2-3-1): Kovacevic; Stacey, Darling, Cordoba, Fisher; McLean, Mattsson; Schwartau, Marcondes, Crnac; Sargent
I think Ipswich have the edge in this one. Their underlying numbers are superb – averaging 1.85 xG per game at home and winning the xG battle in five of their last seven matches. Norwich? They’ve conceded 11 goals in their last four and give up close to nine corners per game. That’s not the kind of record you want when walking into Portman Road.
Some betting angles worth a look:
So, what happens on Sunday? Ipswich will look to set the tone early, pressing high and forcing Norwich onto the back foot. The Canaries will try to ride it out and hit on the counter, but their away form is worrying. With the crowd behind them, Ipswich have the perfect chance to finally end that long wait for derby bragging rights.
Match Prediction: Ipswich to win. Bet with bet365.
I’m leaning towards a 2-1 Ipswich win. The hosts have too much balance in attack, but Norwich’s attacking moments – especially through Sargent – mean they can still get on the scoresheet.
Correct Score Prediction: Ipswich 2-1 Norwich. Bet with bet365.
The numbers scream goals. Over 2.5 goals has landed in most of Norwich’s recent games, and Ipswich rarely fail to score at home. Over 2.5 looks safe, but if you’re chasing value, over 3.5 is definitely in play.
Over/Under Prediction: Over 2.5 Goals. Bet with bet365.
Here’s a combo I like for the derby:
That’s your high-energy derby special – built for a game that rarely passes without drama.
Bet Builder Tip: Ipswich Win, BTTS Yes, O’Shea 1+ Shot, Over 2.5 Goals. Bet with bet365.
Key Stats
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Ipswich look stronger right now, with better numbers and momentum. Norwich’s poor away form makes Ipswich the favourites.
I’m predicting a 2-1 win for Ipswich, with chances at both ends.
It’s the East Anglian derby, known as the “Pride of Anglia.” These two sides hate losing to each other, and it’s been 16 years since Ipswich last beat Norwich.
Dara O’Shea for Ipswich at set-pieces, and Josh Sargent for Norwich if they manage to create something on the break.