Derby County vs Ipswich Town Betting Preview: Predictions, Odds & Analysis for the Championship Clash

Derby County and Ipswich Town meet in a Championship tie on Saturday, 7th February 2026, at 12:31 UK time. Find predictions, stats, and betting tips for this crucial Championship fixture below in our comprehensive match preview.

Fixture Details

• Home Team: Derby County
• Away Team: Ipswich Town
• Competition: EFL Championship
• Matchday: 31
• Date: Saturday, 7th February 2026
• Kick-off Time: 12:31 GMT
• Venue: Pride Park Stadium, Derby

Match Overview

Key Predictions & Confidence Score

Top Betting Tips & Value Analysis

Tip 1. Value Bet: Ipswich Town to Win

Odds: @ 1/1 with Betfair

Value Rating: ★★★★☆

Analysis: Ipswich Town are statistically superior in key areas: they have scored 49 goals this Championship season (5 more than Derby) and boast a much better defensive record (28 conceded to Derby’s 37). Their average possession is 56.85%, indicating dominance in midfield, while their pass accuracy (81.8%) highlights control and fluidity compared to Derby’s 74.27%. Ipswich have also created more big chances (50 to Derby’s 41), and their xG of 22.03 aligns closely with their output, suggesting sustainable attacking performance. Given Derby’s tendency to overperform their xG (44 goals from just 11.75 xG), regression could be imminent. Ipswich’s away form is robust, with 2 wins in their last 3 visits to Derby. The even-money price with Betfair offers real value for a side in form and with depth in both attack and defence.

Tip 2. Player Prop Bet: Jack Clarke (Ipswich Town) Anytime Assist

Odds: @ 2/1 with SkyBet

Value Rating: ★★★☆☆

Analysis: Jack Clarke is not only Ipswich’s top scorer with 12 goals, but he has also delivered an exceptional 35 big chance assists this season—by far the most creative player on the pitch. His pass accuracy stands at 76.58%, and he consistently finds key passes in the final third. Against a Derby defence that has kept just 7 clean sheets and is vulnerable to creative wide play, Clarke’s influence should be significant. With Derby’s lower possession stats (42.54%), Ipswich are likely to dominate the ball, giving Clarke ample opportunity to create. At 2/1, this is a strong value option for those seeking a player prop bet.

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In-Depth Match Analysis

Recent Form and Performance

Derby County are currently 7th in the Championship, with 45 points from 30 matches (12 wins, 9 draws, 9 losses). Their recent form has been patchy, with inconsistencies at both ends of the pitch. While they have scored a respectable 44 goals, their output is well above their xG (11.75), suggesting they have been clinical or perhaps fortunate. Defensively, Derby have conceded 37 goals and managed just 7 clean sheets, pointing to vulnerabilities against stronger opposition.

Ipswich Town, meanwhile, sit in 4th place with 51 points from 29 games (14 wins, 9 draws, 6 losses). They have netted 49 goals and conceded just 28—underlining their status as one of the best-balanced sides in the division. Their xG of 22.03 supports the sustainability of their attacking play, and with 10 clean sheets, their defence is among the league’s elite. Ipswich’s shot volume—455 attempts on goal compared to Derby’s 303—demonstrates a proactive and aggressive attacking style.

Tactical Breakdown

Derby County under John Mark Eustace have favoured a reactive approach, often ceding possession (average 42.54%) and relying on quick transitions. Their midfield is industrious but not especially creative, with most of their threat coming via direct play to striker Carlton Morris. Morris is effective in the air (107 successful aerial duels) but has a shot accuracy of just 23.08%—he is more of a volume shooter than a clinical finisher.

Ipswich Town, under Kieran McKenna, are possession-focused, averaging nearly 57% of the ball in matches and completing passes at 81.8% accuracy. Their wide players, especially Clarke and Philogene-Bidace, are given licence to roam and create, supported by a high defensive line and full-backs who contribute to attacks. Ipswich’s tactical flexibility and ability to create big chances (50 this season) means they are likely to dominate territory and dictate the game’s tempo.

Key Player Matchups

• Carlton Morris (Derby) vs. Cédric Kipré (Ipswich): Morris thrives on physical battles and aerial duels, but Kipré has been one of the Championship’s most reliable defenders this term. Their contest will be pivotal in limiting Derby’s attacking threat.
• Jack Clarke (Ipswich) vs. Callum Elder (Derby): Clarke’s creativity and dribbling ability will test Elder’s defensive resilience. If Clarke is allowed too much space, his ability to deliver assists or cut inside and shoot will be a major threat to Derby.

Head-to-Head Record & Statistical Analysis

Player Spotlight: Jack Raymond Clarke (Ipswich Town)

Jack Clarke has been the driving force behind Ipswich’s attacking output. With 12 goals and 35 big chance assists, he is both a finisher and a creator. Clarke’s pass accuracy is an impressive 76.58%, and he is directly involved in the majority of Ipswich’s attacking sequences. His ability to outperform his xG (0.7 for 12 goals) suggests he is capable of scoring from difficult positions, making him a constant threat to Derby’s defence. Clarke’s tendency to drift inside and combine with Philogene-Bidace increases his value in both open play and set-piece situations. Expect him to be at the heart of Ipswich’s best moments in this match.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who is the favourite to win the Derby County vs. Ipswich Town match?
   Ipswich Town are favourites to win, based on their superior league position, stronger performance metrics, and a better head-to-head record in recent years.
2. What are the best betting odds for this match?
   The best odds for an Ipswich Town win are 1/1 with Betfair. Jack Clarke to register an assist is 2/1 with SkyBet. The draw is best priced at 9/4 with Bet365 and Betfair.
3. Where can I watch the Derby County vs. Ipswich Town match?
   The game will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Football in the UK and available via club streaming services.

Conclusion & Key Takeaways

This Championship clash sees two sides with contrasting styles: Derby County, efficient but reliant on clinical finishing, and Ipswich Town, a possession-dominant team with creativity and defensive solidity. Ipswich’s ability to control games and create high-quality chances, backed by the influence of Jack Clarke, makes them deserved favourites. The value lies with Ipswich Town at 1/1 and with Clarke to notch an assist at 2/1. Expect a competitive contest, but Ipswich’s attacking balance and defensive structure should see them edge proceedings at Pride Park.

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