Ipswich Town face a stern test in their promotion push when they travel to Fratton Park to take on Portsmouth in the EFL Championship on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 (kick-off 7:45pm GMT). The Tractor Boys, managed by Kieran McKenna, arrive in fourth place and remain firmly in the race for an immediate return to the Premier League following last season’s relegation. However, recent dropped points have heightened the pressure, making this rearranged fixture a pivotal one.

Ipswich currently sit fourth in the table after 29 matches, with 51 points from 14 wins, 9 draws, and 6 losses. Their goal difference stands at +21 (49 goals scored, 28 conceded), translating to an impressive average of 1.69 goals per game. At home, they have been dominant with 10 wins, 5 draws, and just 1 defeat (35 points from 16 games). Away from Portman Road, however, form has been more inconsistent: 4 wins, 4 draws, and 5 losses from 13 outings (19 goals scored, 16 conceded). They trail the automatic promotion spots by five points but hold a game in hand on several rivals, including Coventry City, Middlesbrough, and Hull City.

Their latest outing was a frustrating 1-1 draw against Preston North End at home. Ipswich fell behind before Jack Clarke rescued a point with a late penalty in the 90th+2nd minute. That followed a defeat to Sheffield United, marking back-to-back games without a win and raising questions about their ability to grind out results on the road.

January’s transfer window saw targeted additions with Anis Mehmeti arriving from Bristol City and Dan Neil joining from Sunderland to strengthen midfield and attacking options. Outgoings included Harry Clarke, Cameron Humphreys, and Sammie Szmodics (who moved to Derby County on deadline day). Critically, no new striker was signed, leaving McKenna reliant on George Hirst, Ivan Azon, and Chuba Akpom up front until the end of the season.

Portsmouth, meanwhile, head into the clash with renewed confidence under John Mousinho. They sit 20th after a solid run, having lost just once in their last nine league games. Their most recent result was a convincing 3-0 home win over West Brom, with Conor Chaplin, Millenic Alli, and Ebou Adams on target. This lifted them four points clear of the relegation zone (with a game in hand on teams below). Pompey are unbeaten at Fratton Park in the league since early December, a run of five games (three wins, two draws) that has transformed their survival prospects.

A key blow for Portsmouth is the absence of loanee Conor Chaplin, who cannot face his parent club despite scoring in the West Brom victory.

Head-to-Head Record

Historically, this fixture has been competitive. Across 53 meetings in all competitions, Ipswich hold a slight edge with 22 wins to Portsmouth’s 17, with 14 draws. In more recent encounters (focusing on the last 20-22 matches), results are closer: Portsmouth have won around 10 times, Ipswich 6-7, and draws in 5. In the Championship specifically, the balance tilts slightly toward Ipswich in modern times.

This season’s reverse fixture on September 27, 2025, saw Ipswich win 2-1 at Portman Road (goals from Jaden Philogene-Bidace and George Hirst, with Marlon Pack replying late for Portsmouth). Earlier meetings in League One and other competitions often produced goals and drama, with many games seeing both teams score. In the last 9 league H2H matches, 8 featured 2+ goals, suggesting an open contest is possible.

Predictions and Expert Views

Former Ipswich striker Sam Parkin, speaking on the Benjamin Bloom YouTube channel, predicted a 2-2 draw. He acknowledged Portsmouth’s improved form and home strength but felt Ipswich “need to get going” after recent stumbles, sitting on the fence for a high-scoring stalemate.

Other previews vary:

• Sportskeeda tips Ipswich to win 1-2, citing their superior attacking threat and quality.
• Sports Mole forecasts a 1-1 draw, highlighting Ipswich’s recent away struggles and Portsmouth’s resilience (lost just once in nine).
• The Stats Zone backs both teams to score, expecting goals given both sides’ scoring trends.
• Squawka and FootballPredictions.net lean toward an Ipswich victory (around 1-2), pointing to their 48% win rate and +21 goal difference versus Portsmouth’s defensive vulnerabilities (conceding 1.4 goals per game).
• Some models give Ipswich a 44-54% chance of winning, with odds around 1.90 for an away win.

This clash pits promotion ambition against survival momentum. Ipswich’s superior squad depth and goal-scoring prowess (1.7 goals per game) make them favorites, but Portsmouth’s home fortress and recent momentum could frustrate them. A draw wouldn’t be surprising given the tight H2H history and current dynamics, yet Ipswich’s need for points may force them to push for all three.

With both teams capable of scoring, expect an entertaining battle. A 2-1 Ipswich win or 2-2 draw feels plausible—goals likely, but the Tractor Boys’ class could just edge it in a tense affair at Fratton Park.