Portman Road is set for a compelling midweek clash as Ipswich Town host Watford in the EFL Championship. This Matchday 14 fixture pits two teams vying for a spot in the top half of the table, separated by just one point and one position. Ipswich Town, under Kieran McKenna, continue to demonstrate strong form, particularly at home, and will look to build on a convincing recent away win. Watford, managed by Javi Gracia, arrive having secured a dominant home victory but must now address their concerning lack of form on the road. The match is poised to be a tactical battle between Ipswich’s possession-based attack and Watford’s counter-attacking threat.
Match Details
This midweek Championship contest is highly significant as both teams look to move closer to the play-off places.
DetailInformationCompetitionEFL Championship – Regular Season (Matchday 14)DateTuesday, November 4, 2025Kick-off7:45 PM GMTVenuePortman Road, Ipswich, England
Team Form and Analysis for Ipswich Town
Domestic Form and League Position
Ipswich Town’s form has been mixed in recent weeks, but they head into this match on the back of a sensational 4-1 away victory over Queens Park Rangers. This result, along with a recent 1-0 win against West Bromwich Albion, demonstrates their ability to secure big wins. Their season has been underpinned by an excellent attacking record, having scored 21 goals in 12 games.
The Tractor Boys currently sit in 9th place in the Championship table with 19 points from 12 matches. Their home form is a major factor in their success, boasting one of the best records in the league with four wins and two draws from seven matches at Portman Road. Manager Kieran McKenna will be relying on this home advantage and the team’s strong possession game to control the match.
Key Player: Jaden Philogene
Winger Jaden Philogene is a pivotal player in Ipswich’s dynamic attack. His pace, versatility, and ability to influence the game from the left flank make him a constant threat. With five goals scored this season, particularly in home appearances, Philogene’s performance will be crucial in breaking down Watford’s defence and leveraging the attacking width.
Team Form and Analysis for Watford
Domestic Form and League Position
Watford’s results have been inconsistent, yet they enter this fixture buoyed by a significant 3-0 home victory against Middlesbrough. This win highlighted their attacking potential and ability to keep a clean sheet against a strong opponent. Overall, their form has seen them win three of their last five league fixtures.
The Hornets currently occupy 10th place in the Championship table with 18 points from 13 matches. However, their position masks a major weakness: away form. Watford are yet to secure a win in six away outings this season, having lost four times on the road. This poor away record will be the key challenge for Javi Gracia’s side as they travel to a difficult ground. Their success will depend on whether they can translate their sharp attacking displays from Vicarage Road to the road.
Key Player: Imran Louza
Midfielder Imran Louza is the creative hub of the Watford team. His vision, passing range, and set-piece delivery are vital to unlocking opposition defences. As the team’s chief playmaker, Louza will be essential in helping Watford maintain control of the ball, break up Ipswich’s possession play, and feed the forward line in counter-attacking situations.
Head-to-Head Record between the Teams
The head-to-head record between Ipswich Town and Watford in recent times shows a competitive rivalry with a narrow advantage to the home side.
MetricIpswich Town WinsDrawsWatford WinsLast 5 Championship Meetings311Most Recent Result (Apr 2024)Ipswich Town 0-0 Watford (H)Overall (27 Meetings)8514
While Watford hold the advantage in the overall historical record, Ipswich have had the better of the most recent Championship encounters, having won three of the last five. However, the last meeting at Portman Road ended in a goalless draw, suggesting a potentially tight contest.
Players to Watch
Ipswich Town
Marcelino Núñez (Attacking Midfielder): The Chilean international is expected to continue in the number 10 role. His energy, intelligence, and ability to score, highlighted by his brace in the win at QPR, make him a major threat behind the main striker.
George Hirst (Striker): Expected to lead the line, Hirst’s goal-scoring prowess and ability to exploit defensive spaces will be crucial. His physical duel with Watford’s centre-backs will be a key contest.
Watford
Mamadou Doumbia (Forward): The forward is a direct runner who is likely to pose problems for Ipswich’s high defensive line. His pace and ability to get in behind will be the Hornets’ most potent weapon on the counter-attack.
Mattie Pollock (Defender): The centre-back will be the anchor of the Watford defence, tasked with keeping George Hirst quiet. His resilience and positional awareness will be essential to containing Ipswich’s high shot volume and superior home attack.
Prediction
Ipswich Town enters this match as the rightful favourite based on their potent attack, overall higher league performance, and, most significantly, their formidable home record. Watford’s strong home form is starkly contrasted by their struggles on the road, where they have failed to win all season. While Watford possess enough quality to score, Ipswich’s tactical stability, control of possession, and relentless pressure at Portman Road should ultimately prove too much for the visitors.
Score Prediction: Ipswich Town 2-1 Watford
Live Stream and TV Broadcast Information
This Championship fixture is scheduled for broadcast across various platforms.
In the United Kingdom (UK), the match will be available to watch live on Sky Sports+. It can be streamed via the Sky Go app and the NOW service.
Check local TV and streaming listings in other regions for the most accurate broadcast information.
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