Ipswich vs Preston Prediction

Ipswich vs Preston Prediction: Odds, Tips & Storylines for 2026

If you’re searching for a reliable Ipswich vs Preston prediction ahead of their Championship meeting on January 31, 2026, you’re in the right place. We’ve gathered all the latest team news, betting odds, and stats to help you make sense of this match-up at Portman Road. Whether you’re a sports betting fan, a stats nerd, or just love a good football story, our preview covers everything you need to know — and a little bit more.

Recent Form, Tactics, and Team News

Let’s set the scene. Ipswich Town, known simply as Ipswich to most fans, have been a force at home this season, sitting second in the home table and notching up 10 goals in their last five matches. Their recent form reads like a mixed bag of results: a tough 3-1 loss to Sheffield United snapped a seven-game unbeaten run, but before that, it was five wins in five. Their home performances have been nothing short of impressive, and they’ll look to keep that energy going.

• Key absentees for Ipswich: Chuba Akpom, Conor Townsend, Jaden Philogene-Bidace, and Marcelino Nunez are all sidelined. Lee Evans is out for six months, but Nathan Broadhead is back in training and available for selection.
• Recent signings: Anis Mehmeti has joined the squad, and there’s reported interest in Watford’s Imran Louza. Jack Clarke is the man to watch, with 10 goals and an assist to his name.

Preston North End, or just Preston, have had a rockier path. Their last outing ended in a 0-0 draw with Middlesbrough, and their recent run includes three losses and two wins. Scoring has been a challenge, with a notable goal drought before a recent update. Suspensions to Milutin Osmajic and Jordan Storey, plus injuries to Andrew Hughes, Brad Potts, Daniel Iversen, and Robert Brady, mean they’ll be digging deep into the squad.

• Preston’s attacking hopes: Daniel Jebbison is listed as their top scorer, while Lewis Dobbin has chipped in with 6 goals and 4 assists.

On the tactical front, Ipswich’s manager, Kieran McKenna, is all about defensive solidity and squeezing every ounce of energy from his substitutes. He’s more interested in performance than pressure, breaking the season into manageable chunks. Preston’s Paul Heckingbottom, meanwhile, is proud of his team’s ability to punch above their financial weight, focusing on intensity and mentality rather than big names or budgets.

Head to Head, Squad Value, and Fun Facts

The head to head record between these two is surprisingly even in recent years. Preston have won the last two meetings (1-0 in August 2025 and 3-2 in February 2024), but Ipswich came out on top with a 4-2 win in October 2023. If you like your stats, here’s a nugget: Ipswich boast the best goal difference in the Championship when leading (+1.16) and have been awarded more penalties than anyone else this season (five).

• Squad values: Ipswich’s squad is valued at a hefty €197.75m, while Preston’s is €43.65m. That’s quite a gulf, and it shows in the betting odds.
• Surprise results: Ipswich held Everton to a 2-2 draw away in May 2025 (odds: 6.54), and Preston shocked Southampton with a 2-0 away win in November 2025 (odds: 5.3).

AI Tips, Betting Odds, and Ipswich vs Preston Prediction

Now, let’s get nerdy with the numbers. The latest betting odds for this match are:

• Home win (Ipswich): 1.42
• Draw: 4.75
• Away win (Preston): 8.5

Our AI-generated tip is straightforward: back Ipswich for the win (odds 1.421, trust level 4.75/10). The 1x2 market prediction also favors Ipswich, with a confidence of 4.75 and odds of 1.421. For those who prefer the under/over market, under 3.5 goals is the recommended play (confidence 3.3, odds 1.38).

• Final score prediction: Ipswich 2-0 Preston
• Half-time prediction: 1-0 to Ipswich
• Expected possession: Ipswich 69%, Preston 31%
• Shots: Ipswich 18 (6 on target), Preston 6 (1 on target)
• Corners: Ipswich 5, Preston 2
• Yellow cards: Ipswich 0, Preston 2

The stats and betting odds all point in one direction: Ipswich are expected to control the match, dominate possession, and create far more chances. Preston’s recent struggles in front of goal and their depleted squad make an away upset look unlikely — but as any football fan knows, the Championship loves a surprise.

Final Thoughts: Should You Trust the AI?

While our Ipswich vs Preston prediction is confident in the home side, the trust level isn’t sky-high — this is football, after all. Ipswich’s superior squad value, home form, and attacking options give them the edge, but don’t discount Preston’s ability to dig in and make life difficult, especially with their recent history of surprising results. For sports betting fans, a home win looks like the sensible play, with under 3.5 goals offering extra value.

Mark your calendars for January 31, 2026, at 15:00 GMT. Whether you’re betting, watching, or just comparing stats with your mates, this Ipswich vs Preston prediction should give you the edge. And remember: in football, even the best predictions can be undone by a single moment of magic (or madness).