This Week's Opposition: Ipswich Town

Pompey Live host takes a closer look at The Tractor Boys, Portsmouth's next Championship opponent.

After the New Year’s Day thumping at Ashton Gate, Pompey will be hoping to bounce back quickly - They take on promotion-chasing Ipswich Town at Fratton Park for their first home match of 2026.

MANAGER

The Tractor Boys are managed by former Manchester United coach Kieran McKenna.

McKenna was appointed over 4 years ago in December 2021 and this role serves as his first in senior management.

The 39-year-old Northern Irishman took Ipswich from League One to the Premier League in back-to-back seasons and clearly had enough credit in the bank to warrant avoiding the sack after they were relegated from the top flight at the first time of asking last term.

ONE TO WATCH

Our 'One To Watch' this weekend is Chilean playmaker Marcelino Nunez.

The 25-year-old made the controversial move from East Anglian rivals Norwich City in the summer and was handed the number 32 shirt.

Various football reporting sites and apps named him as Man of the Match last time out and he has managed to provide 5 assists in his last 7 appearances.

Nunez has also found the back of the net 3 times this campaign.

TOP SCORER

Arguably one of the best players in the division, Jaden Philogene is currently the leading scorer for Ipswich.

The forward, who can play pretty much anywhere across the frontline, has struck 9 times so far this season and has also set up 2 goals. He wears the number 11.

Philogene is 23-years-of-age and signed for The Tractor Boys from Premier League outfit Aston Villa last January.

CURRENT FORM

A recent resurgence in form after a slow start to the campaign has seen Kieran McKenna’s side move up to 2nd place in the Championship, leapfrogging Middlesbrough on New Year’s Day following their 2-1 win over Oxford United and Boro’s defeat to Derby County.

Ipswich have lost just 1 of their last 8 fixtures, winning 5 in that timeframe.

Away from home, they boast the 10th best record in the division with 16 points collected on their travels and the reverse of this fixture at Portman Road in September saw The Tractor Boys victorious by 2 goals to 1.

Can the Blues bounce back from that horrendous New Year’s Day showing at Bristol City?

Find out by tuning in to Pompey Live from 2pm on Sunday (January 4th) afternoon - Jake Smith, Kirsty Roxanne and James Wilson will be on hand at Fratton Park to deliver full coverage on Express FM.

Kick-off: 3pm!