Middlesbrough vs Ipswich prediction 17.10.2025 | Championship

Since relegation from the Premier League in 2017, Middlesbrough have been close to promotion a few times but have never had enough strength to make it to the final step. This year, they started well. After the opening nine league rounds, Rob Edwards' team collected 18 points and is only one point behind the league leader, Coventry. Middlesbrough were undefeated in the Championship until the previous round, when they lost 1-0 on the road against Portsmouth. After the home team's early goal, Middlesbrough dominated the game, but their inefficiency cost them points.

During the international break, Middlesbrough's manager, Rob Edwards, talked about what made them a good team. He said, "I think that we've shown real togetherness and resilience. We've shown really good spirit. We've been good at times, not so good at others. But we've always stuck together. That's really important over the course of a season. We've built that in just nine games, so I think there's still a lot more to come. Of course, we'll play really well at times, but not so well at others. That's just how it works. But if we can commit to just sticking together and showing real grit and fight, then that can carry you a long way."

Darragh Lenihan is injured and will not play on Friday against Ipswich. Also, Riley McGree is questionable and his status will be clearer closer to the kickoff.

After relegation from the Premier League last season, most pundits expected Ipswich to be among the best teams in the second tier of English football. Kieran McKenna's team didn't start the 2025/26 season well, but after the previous five games without defeat, Ipswich propelled themself only two points behind the promotion playoff zone. In the previous game, McKenna's team won 3-1 at home against Norwich. The home side ended the match with xG of 1.80, while the guests had only 0.47, so that was another performance that should boost confidence around the squad. 

Scottish giant Rangers is looking for a new manager, and Ipswich head coach Kieran McKenna emerged as one of the candidates. When he came to Portman Road, Ipswich was part of League One. After a few successful seasons, McKenna is looking to return to the Premier League, and until now, it is unknown how he and the club will react to Rangers' interest. 

Ipswich have some problems with the squad too. Wes Burns and Conor Townsend are injured and will not play on Friday, while Leon Ayinde is questionable.