Ipswich vs Sheffield United Prediction: Can Blades end losing run?

The Championship returns on Friday night with a blockbuster clash between two of the favourites for promotion. Ipswich Town and Sheffield United have both endured sluggish starts to say the least, with both teams still winless, but they meet at Portman Road (20:00, Sky Sports Main Event).

With Kieran McKenna’s men able to breathe a sigh of relief now the transfer window has closed, below you can find my Ipswich vs Sheffield United predictions.

Team News

Ipswich Town had 11 arrivals and 14 departures over a crazy transfer window, and they may already be ruing letting Conor Chaplin go out on loan to Portsmouth. That unpopular decision with the fans now could come back to haunt them as Sammie Szmodics left the Republic of Ireland camp with an injury. 

That means Chuba Akpom is likely to start in the number 10 role behind George Hirst, with the rest of the team likely to remain unchanged from the 2-2 draw with Derby County. Jack Clarke’s penalty will have hopefully given him some confidence, but he may start on the bench once again behind Jadon Philogene and Kasey McAteer. 

There’s also the small matter of the Championship’s record-signing, Sindre Walle Egeli, who may have to settle for a spot on the bench after his international involvement with Norway’s U21s. Jens Cajuste and Azor Matusiwa should continue their midfield partnership while the back four, including Ashley Young, should also remain unchanged. 

Football Odds

For Sheffield United, their raft of new arrivals could breathe new life into their beleaguered season. Managing to keep hold of Gustavo Hamer was a major plus, but Selles need to address the midfield that has so far left Sydie Peck badly exposed. 

Alex Matos could be the solution to provide a little more stability in this tricky away game, and he may come in for Callum O’Hare, while Chiedozie Ogbene could start on the right wing in place of Andre Brooks. They just haven’t got going yet this season, but Japhet Tanganga looks to be a great addition, and he could be joined by Mark McGuinness or Ben Mee at the heart of the defence. 

Along with Danny Ings, this squad has now got plenty of know-how and experience, which should see them begin to turn things around. 

Today's Football Fixtures

Ipswich vs Sheffield United Odds

Ipswich are priced up as the 9/10 favourites for this match, giving them an implied win probability of 53%. Sheffield United are the 3/1 underdogs here, off the back of four defeats in a row, while they are 12/5 to stop the rot with a draw.

Over 2.5 goals is 10/11, BTTS is 4/5 and Hirst and Akpom are both 5/1 to open the scoring.

Double Chance - Sheffield United or Draw @ 9/10

Ugh, I could really come to regret this one. The Blades have been poor so far - let’s make no mistake about it - and this is one of the toughest fixtures that the Championship has to offer, but I’d rather side against Ipswich than with them at this moment in time. 

Although McKenna's men have created a decent number of chances, the high level of squad turnover, especially when you look at the leaders that have left the club, make me think that this will be a slow-burner of a season for the Tractor Boys. I’d still have them right up there for promotion, but the slow start is set to continue here. 

Meanwhile, Sheffield United have to respond. Five defeats in a row would drive Selles to the brink and I believe the players actually quite like him, despite the results we have seen on the pitch. Their squad is exceptional and can now go toe-to-toe with Ipswich after the experienced additions late in the window, and while I’m not brave enough to back them to win - I think the Double Chance market offers us decent value. 

Gustavo Hamer to get booked @ 15/8 

Hamer has proven himself to be a class above the level for several years now in the Championship, winning the Player of the Year award in 2024/25. Somehow, Sheffield United have retained his services, and he wore the captain’s armband last time out - a clear sign of the faith his new manager has in him. 

Chris Wilder played him out on the left, but he loves to be at the heart of the action, and he’s a pretty reliable pick to get booked. He was the most-booked player last season as he accumulated 13 yellows over the course of the campaign, while this term it seems as though he is trying to beat that total, with three yellows in four games already. 

Up against Ipswich, with Selles under serious pressure, he is going to have to get stuck in once again. This price offers serious value on another Hamer card. 

Offers

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