Match Preview
A fascinating Championship matchup at Pride Park Stadium as Derby County host Ipswich Town. With Ipswich pushing hard near the top end of the table and Derby looking to keep their own momentum rolling, this feels like a game where control, discipline, and a few big moments could decide everything.
Derby’s home approach usually starts with intensity. They’ll want to win early duels, keep Ipswich from settling into rhythm, and turn the match into a sequence of repeat attacks crosses, corners, and second-ball pressure. If Derby can keep Ipswich facing their own goal, it becomes a very different afternoon.
Ipswich, though, are built for these tests. They’re at their most dangerous when they can move the ball forward with purpose, break the first press, and attack the space behind midfield. If Ipswich score first, they can manage the game state and force Derby to take risks—exactly the scenario that opens up transition chances.
The first goal matters a lot. If Derby strike early, Pride Park lifts and Ipswich must chase. If Ipswich score first, Derby may need extra creativity to break down a more compact shape.
TV Broadcast and Livestreams
Broadcast rights vary by country for the EFL Championship. Check your local sports networks and official streaming partners in your region. Club match centres often provide live updates, audio commentary, and highlights.
Match Information
| Date | Saturday, 7 February 2026 |
|---|---|
| Kick-off Time | 12:31 UTC (12:31 GMT / 13:31 CET / 18:01 Sri Lanka time) |
| Venue | Pride Park Stadium, Derby |
| Competition | England – Championship |
| Round | Regular season league match |
Note: This fixture uses a 12:31 kick-off (one minute later than the usual 12:30) as part of the EFL’s awareness campaign scheduling for selected matchdays.
Odds (1X2)
| Result | Odds |
|---|---|
| 1 – Derby County | Check market (varies) |
| X – Draw | Check market (varies) |
| 2 – Ipswich Town | Check market (varies) |
Note: Odds move frequently and can change close to kick-off. Use reputable, legal operators in your country and bet responsibly.
Form and Head-to-Head
| Team | What to Expect (Snapshot) |
|---|---|
| Derby County | Home-driven intensity; strongest when they win duels and turn territory into set pieces and second-ball pressure. |
| Ipswich Town | Promotion-level composure; dangerous when they break pressure and attack space quickly with runners arriving late. |
Head-to-Head note: Expect long tactical phases with sudden bursts—one turnover, one set piece, one big chance. If Ipswich handle the early home pressure, their quality in the final third can grow as the match opens up.
Key Battles to Watch
- Derby duels vs Ipswich composure: Can the hosts make it chaotic, or will Ipswich calm the tempo?
- Second balls: Loose moments in midfield often decide Championship matches.
- Wide channels: Space behind full-backs can create the cleanest chances.
- Set pieces: Corners and free-kicks can swing a tight game.
- First goal: It shapes the risk level and the tactical plan for both sides.
Prediction
Final Score Prediction: Derby County 1–2 Ipswich Town
Prediction: Derby should start with strong home energy and have spells of pressure, but Ipswich have the control and transition threat to create the clearer chances over 90 minutes. If Ipswich stay level through the early storm, they can edge it late.
Best Bet Ideas (safer style): Ipswich draw no bet (risk-reduced) or Under 3.5 goals, as this type of matchup often stays tight for long stretches before opening up.