Ipswich Town v Blackburn Rovers: play-off push meets survival fight | OneFootball

Ipswich Town host Blackburn Rovers in the Championship at Portman Road on Saturday, 17 January 2026, with the hosts chasing the top two and the visitors seeking breathing space near the bottom.

Ipswich Town and Blackburn Rovers drew 1-1 in December, and the return comes with contrasting momentum and stakes for both.

The Tractor Boys are unbeaten in five league games with four wins and a draw, and have banked 28 points from 13 home matches. Blackburn Rovers have three draws and two defeats in their last five league outings, but have been more productive on the road, taking 18 away points compared with 10 at home.

Team news could matter. The Tractor Boys list Conor Townsend and George Hirst as injured. Blackburn Rovers have a lengthy injury list that includes Adam Forshaw, Ryan Hedges, Scott Wharton, Hayden Carter, Sidnei Tavares, Ryoya Morishita and forwards Andri Gudjohnsen and Augustus Kargbo.

On the pitch, the Tractor Boys' season profile points to control and chances: 42 league goals, 56% possession and 81.96% pass accuracy, with Jaden Philogene on nine league goals and Jack Clarke on eight. Blackburn Rovers have scored 24 and conceded 30. With no set piece goals so far, they may look to open play crossing, where they post 20.46% accuracy and have six headed goals.

A win would lift the Tractor Boys to 47 points and could nudge them into the top two. Victory for Blackburn Rovers would take them to 31 points and may open up a little more room above the relegation places.