Derby County vs Ipswich Town headlines matchday 31 in the EFL Championship as two promotion hopefuls collide at Pride Park Stadium on Saturday afternoon. With just 16 matches remaining after this round, every point now carries heightened significance in one of the tightest promotion races in recent seasons.
Derby sit seventh on 45 points, two adrift of the playoff places. Ipswich occupy fourth with 51 points and a game in hand. The margins are slim. The pressure is real. And Derby County vs Ipswich Town could shift the entire complexion of the top-six picture.
Kick off is scheduled for 12:30 GMT, with coverage live on Sky Sports.
Match Context: Momentum vs Response
This Derby County vs Ipswich Town meeting arrives at contrasting moments for both clubs.
John Eustace’s Derby are brimming with confidence after a stunning 5-0 win at Bristol City, their biggest away victory in the second tier for decades. Five different scorers found the net in a performance that showcased depth, balance and ruthlessness.
The Rams have now gone 11 Championship matches without conceding more than two goals in a single game. That defensive platform has kept them firmly in playoff contention.
Ipswich, managed by Kieran McKenna, arrive needing a response. A 3-1 defeat at Sheffield United followed by a 1-1 draw against Preston has stalled their automatic promotion push. They remain just seven points off second place, but momentum has dipped at a delicate stage.
That makes Derby County vs Ipswich Town more than just another fixture. It is a pressure test.
Head to Head Record
History adds another layer to Derby County vs Ipswich Town.
- All time competitive meetings: 90
- Ipswich wins: 38
- Derby wins: 29
- Draws: 23
The reverse fixture ended 2-2 at Portman Road earlier this season. Derby are winless in their last four league meetings with Ipswich.
Trends matter. But so does form.
Team News: Key Selection Calls
Team selection for Derby County vs Ipswich Town has been a major talking point this week.
Derby will be without Sammie Szmodics, who is ineligible against his parent club. Goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterstrom is expected to return after illness. The defensive unit of Ward, Sanderson, Clarke and Elder is likely to remain intact following their dominant display at Ashton Gate.
Predicted Derby XI
Zetterstrom
Ward Sanderson Clarke Elder
Ozoh Travis
Brereton Diaz Clark Brewster
Agyemang
Ipswich could welcome back Marcelino Nunez and Jaden Philogene from injury. January arrival Dan Neil is pushing for a midfield start.
Predicted Ipswich XI
Walton
Furlong O’Shea Kipre Davis
Matusiwa Neil
Burns Mehmeti Clarke
Hirst
Derby County vs Ipswich Town could ultimately hinge on which returning players hit full rhythm fastest.
Key Players to Watch
Every Derby County vs Ipswich Town contest tends to be decided by fine margins.
For Derby
Patrick Agyemang has nine league goals this season and leads the line with physical presence and intelligent movement. Joe Ward’s six assists from right back highlight how crucial width is in Eustace’s system.
For Ipswich
Jack Clarke has 12 goals and remains one of the Championship’s most productive wide attackers. Marcelino Nunez has seven assists and drives Ipswich’s transitional play.
If Clarke finds space between the lines, Ipswich gain control.
If Ward and Brereton Diaz overload wide areas, Derby stretch the game.
Those duels will define Derby County vs Ipswich Town.
Tactical Analysis: Control vs Counter
The tactical identity of Derby County vs Ipswich Town is clear.
Derby excel in transition. Their eight away wins underline their comfort absorbing pressure and striking quickly. At home, however, they have collected just 18 points from 15 matches. That inconsistency raises questions about how they approach games where they are expected to dominate possession.
Ipswich prefer structured build up. They have registered 49 goals compared to Derby’s 44, while conceding just 28 to Derby’s 36. Their defensive organisation is among the strongest in the division.
The key question in Derby County vs Ipswich Town is whether Derby can draw Ipswich into an open contest. If the game becomes stretched, the Rams thrive. If it becomes controlled and methodical, Ipswich often dictate tempo.
Championship matches involving Derby average 2.7 goals per game this season. Ipswich fixtures are similarly competitive. Expect intensity from the first whistle.
Season Statistics Snapshot
| Category | Derby | Ipswich |
|---|---|---|
| Position | 7th | 4th |
| Points | 45 | 51 |
| Record | 12-9-9 | 14-9-6 |
| Goals Scored | 44 | 49 |
| Goals Conceded | 36 | 28 |
| Clean Sheets | 6 | 10 |
Statistics rarely lie. Derby County vs Ipswich Town is a meeting of attacking ambition against defensive structure.
Manager Perspective
John Eustace has emphasised the importance of home support, acknowledging that Derby must convert Pride Park into a fortress if they are to secure playoff football.
Kieran McKenna, meanwhile, has stressed defensive discipline following recent dropped points. Ipswich’s promotion hopes depend on regaining consistency quickly.
Derby County vs Ipswich Town therefore carries managerial subtext. Whose system imposes itself?
Promotion Race Implications
The Championship table is brutally tight.
Coventry and Middlesbrough lead on 58 points. Hull sit third on 54. Ipswich follow on 51. Derby are seventh with 45.
A Derby victory would close the gap on Ipswich to three points. An Ipswich win would reinforce their top-four position and keep pressure on the automatic places.
This is why Derby County vs Ipswich Town matters beyond 90 minutes.
What Happens Next?
After Derby County vs Ipswich Town, both sides enter a demanding February schedule.
Derby must turn strong away form into home consistency. Ipswich must rediscover the winning run that earlier propelled them into automatic contention.
Promotion campaigns are built on moments like this.
And at Pride Park, Derby County vs Ipswich Town could become one of them.
FAQs
When is Derby County vs Ipswich Town?
Saturday at 12:30 GMT at Pride Park Stadium.
Where can I watch Derby County vs Ipswich Town?
Live coverage is available on Sky Sports in the UK.
What is at stake in Derby County vs Ipswich Town?
Playoff qualification for Derby and automatic promotion pressure for Ipswich.
Read More: Arsenal v Man Utd: Cunha Strike Sinks Arsenal and Reignites United’s Top-Four Push