Ipswich vs Sheffield United | Football Previews & Free Betting Tips | 12th September 2025

🗞️ Introduction

This Friday evening at Portman Road sees Ipswich Town welcome Sheffield United in a Championship clash that already feels important. Ipswich have been drawing far too often early on, while the Blades arrive with ambitions of mounting a promotion challenge after a season of inconsistency. Expect a lively crowd, with home fans desperate to see their side turn dominance in possession into victories, and a decent away following backing a new-look Blades attack. Ipswich have been keeping the ball well but creating too little; Sheffield United are more balanced and direct, with plenty of pace on the break. It’s a contrast in styles that could make for a tight contest.

👕 Team News

For Ipswich, Sammie Szmodics is a doubt after picking up a knock on international duty, and Marcelino Núñez is also unlikely to feature as he recovers from an ankle problem. Otherwise, Christian Walton should continue in goal, with Jacob Greaves and Dara O’Shea anchoring the defence. Azor Matusiwa is key in midfield, while George Hirst leads the line supported by Jack Clarke and Jaden Philogene.

Sheffield United will assess Tom Davies and Jamie Shackleton, both nursing injuries and touch-and-go for involvement. Expect Michael Cooper in goal, with new arrivals Ben Godfrey and Mark McGuinness adding options at the back. Gustavo Hamer is central to the midfield, while Danny Ings and Chiedozie Ogbene offer threat and experience in attack.

📋 Form

Ipswich’s five competitive games this season have all ended without a win: four Championship draws and one defeat, plus an EFL Cup exit on penalties. They’ve scored just five goals in those matches while conceding the same, with no clean sheets to date. Possession has been strong, but goalscoring remains an issue.

Sheffield United’s form is harder to judge early in the campaign, but using last season as a benchmark they averaged 1.35 goals scored and 1.20 conceded per game, with 18 wins across the season. They were inconsistent but competitive, with more clean sheets and a stronger defensive base than Ipswich. Away from home, they’ve tended to sit compact and counter effectively.

📊 Key Match Stats

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🏟️ Home vs Away Form

Ipswich have drawn both home matches so far this season, scoring three and conceding three. They’ve shown promise in possession but haven’t turned it into three points at Portman Road. Sheffield United’s away record last season was mixed, with a tendency to concede first but stay competitive. On their travels, they averaged just over a goal scored per game and kept a handful of clean sheets, often relying on counter attacks and set pieces.

⚔️ Attack vs Defence

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🥅 Players to Watch

George Hirst (Ipswich) – A focal point for Ipswich’s attack, his ability to hold up play and bring in runners like Jack Clarke could be vital if Town are to turn draws into wins.

Gustavo Hamer (Sheffield United) – The creative heartbeat of the Blades midfield, capable of dictating tempo and producing the final pass. If he gets space, Ipswich could be in trouble.

🧠 KickTheBookies Prediction

This feels finely balanced. Ipswich have the ball but not the end product; Sheffield United are more clinical but can be inconsistent. A draw looks the likeliest outcome, with both sides getting on the scoresheet.

Prediction: Ipswich 1–1 Sheffield United

💡 Betting Tips

Main Pick: Both Teams To Score – Ipswich have scored in every league game so far, while Sheffield United have enough firepower to trouble them. The stats point towards goals at both ends.

Value Pick: Back the Draw – given Ipswich’s run of stalemates and the Blades’ compact style away from home, a 1–1 result offers solid value.

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