Verdict: Under 2.5 goals
Best Odds: 19/20
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
Two Championship heavyweights who are desperately seeking their own respective boosts, Ipswich will welcome Sheffield United to Portman Road on Friday night.
Ipswich Town
Starting with the hosts, while Ipswich might have opened up the 2025/26 campaign pencilled in as a standout contender to book an immediate Premier League return, the Blues have drastically failed to find their feet back in England’s second-tier. Last seen heading into September’s international break with a dramatic 2-2 stalemate at home against Derby, Kieran McKenna’s men have the feel of a squad who are desperately looking to kickstart their campaign. Shockingly crashing out of the EFL Cup on August 12th after suffering a penalty shootout defeat away at League Two outfit Bromley, Ipswich have failed to win any of their first five appearances across all competitions. Putting just a trio of Championship points on the board, McKenna’s squad are also still trying to find some kind of attacking fluidity.
Ipswich Town Team News
Yet to make a single appearance after spending last season on loan at Sheffield United, Harry Clarke remains on the sidelines with a long-term knee injury. Likewise, Wales international Wes Burns is also dealing with his own respective knee issue and will not play any part on Friday night.
Arriving at Portman Road over the summer despite turning 40 back in July, veteran defender Ashley Young should start at right-back. Featuring for Ireland over the past fortnight, ex-Blackburn striker Sammie Szmodics could be handed a full recall.
Sheffield United
As for the visitors, suffering major play-off final heartbreak at Wembley on May 24th as they eventually fell to an infamous 2-1 defeat against Sunderland, Sheffield United have opened the 2025/26 campaign in the midst of a public nightmare. Despite only appointing new boss Ruben Selles over the summer, the pressure on the former Hull City boss has already reached a boiling point. Heading into September’s international break with three consecutive 1-0 Championship defeats, Friday’s guests have remarkably lost all of their first five appearances across all competitions. Getting Friday’s trip to Portman Road underway sat rock-bottom of the table, Selles’ squad have a huge amount of pressure on their shoulders. It should also be noted, the Blades have failed to find the net in almost 300 minutes of action.
Sheffield United Team News
Yet to make a single appearance this season, former Everton midfielder Tom Davies remains a major doubt on Friday night. Likewise, academy graduate Ollie Arblaster remains on the sidelines with a long-term knee injury and will not feature at Portman Road.
Making a move to Bramall Lane after leaving West Ham on a free transfer over the summer, former England international Danny Ings could be handed a first start of the season. Fellow new recruit and one-time Tottenham youngster Japhet Tanganga will start at the heart of Selles’ defence.
Ipswich Town vs Sheffield United Key Factors to Consider
When Ipswich and Sheffield United last met back in April 2019, the Blades collected a 2-0 victory in Yorkshire.
Sheffield United have remarkably lost all of their first five appearances across all competitions so far this season.
Ipswich have failed to win any of their first four Championship appearances (three draws, one defeat).
Sheffield United have failed to register a single goal in almost 300 minutes of action.
All of the last five meetings between Ipswich and Sheffield United have finished with under 2.5 goals.
Conclusion
Two Championship heavyweights who are desperately seeking their own respective boosts on Friday night, we could be set for a nervy affair from Portman Road. With both Ipswich and Sheffield United failing to record a single win from any of their first five appearances across all competitions, both camps are preparing for a must-win showdown here. However, with all of their previous five meetings finishing with under 2.5 goals, we are expecting another cagey encounter this weekend.
Verdict: Under 2.5 goals
Best Odds: 19/20
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
