This Round of 64 FA Cup clash between Ipswich and Blackpool brings together two teams with identical win rates in their last eight matches, but vastly different approaches and momentum. With Ipswich leading as favourites, the battle at Portman Road Stadium poses intriguing questions on discipline, tactical execution, and which side can harness their form throughout a roller-coaster cup campaign. Notably, Ipswich’s home dominance and proficiency in keeping their midfield compact have underpinned their performances, while Blackpool has relied on their ability to counter and their forwards’ form on the road — setting the stage for a nuanced contest.
Key players to watch include Ipswich’s dynamic forward Jack Clarke, whose recent two goals in five matches have proven decisive, and Blackpool’s in-form striker Ashley Fletcher, who has netted three times in as many starts. Both attackers have demonstrated a knack for capitalizing on defensive lapses, making them central to their teams’ attacking prospects.
Ipswich’s discipline stands out as the “hot stat” — only eight yellow cards in their last five matches compared to Blackpool’s eleven, demonstrating a disciplined approach despite their aggressive pressing style.
| 🏆 Tournament: | FA Cup 2025/26, Round of 64 |
| 🏟 Venue: | Portman Road Stadium, Ipswich |
| 🗓️ Date: | 10.01.2026 |
| ⏰ Time: | 17:00 CEST |
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Ipswich vs Blackpool prediction
The best value prediction sees Ipswich taking the win, bolstered by superior overall form, defensive discipline, and more efficient midfield transitions. Kieran McKenna’s tactical consistency with a 4-2-3-1 set-up allows for seamless ball recovery and quick attacks down the flanks, while Blackpool, under Ian Evatt, have struggled to maintain defensive solidity amidst adventurous attacking play.
Ipswich’s ball possession has averaged 55 percent over their last five matches, indicating control and a measured build-up. Meanwhile, Blackpool’s aggressive style has led to more fouls (63 in five matches) and cards, potentially disrupting their flow and conceding dangerous set pieces. Look for Ipswich to force turnovers and exploit set-piece situations — especially with the dynamic Jack Clarke and support runners such as Jaden Philogene-Bidace. Conversely, while Blackpool has found goals through Ashley Fletcher and Tom Bloxham, their high foul count and eleven yellow cards reveal a risk of undermining their own momentum.
| 🔥Hot Tip: | Asian Handicap Ipswich -1.5 |
| ⚽Total Goals: | Over 2.5 |
| 💥Both Teams To Score: | Yes |
| 🎯Total Corners: | Over 9.5 |
Team Analysis
Ipswich enter this FA Cup tie fresh off a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Oxford United, leveraging a well-organized midfield to steer proceedings and outlast their opponents late on. Their last five matches have seen them secure three victories, a draw, and a single defeat. Ipswich’s ability to manage tempo and dictate territorial control has been key, with standout performances from Jack Clarke and Jaden Philogene-Bidace. The significance of their set-piece prowess came to the fore against Oxford, with clever dead-ball routines leading to crucial goals and heavy territorial pressure maintained throughout.
Blackpool’s form, however, has faltered with back-to-back defeats: a heavy 1-5 loss to Port Vale and a surprise home stumble against Bradford City (1-2). Their defensive structure has proven inconsistent despite their attacking ambition, and frequent yellow cards have left them vulnerable on transitions. However, their 4-0 demolition of Rotherham shows they are not short of attacking intent when given space to counter. The attacking trio of Fletcher, Bloxham, and Bowler combine pace and physicality, but a tendency for tactical indiscipline and lapses late in games remains a concern.
Most recent Head-to-Head Matches
| Statistic | Ipswich | Blackpool |
|---|---|---|
| Total shots | 86 | 42 |
| Free kicks | 53 | 63 |
| Corner kicks | 29 | 20 |
| Total fouls | 53 | 63 |
| Pass accuracy (%) | 83 | 73 |
| Interceptions | 40 | 45 |
| Offsides | 9 | 16 |
🚨Read our full Ipswich vs Blackpool stats for more analysis.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Ipswich the favourite
- Moneyline Ipswich 1.29 | Blackpool 9.20 (average)
- Draw 5.50 (average)
- Over/Under Over 2.5 1.68 | Under 2.5 2.13
- BTTS (both teams to score) Yes 1.80 | No 1.90
With a 73 percent bookmaker probability for an Ipswich win, markets overwhelmingly favour the home side based on recent home performances and Blackpool’s defensive lapses. The Over 2.5 goals market offers strong value given both sides’ attacking outputs and tendency for open games. Blackpool’s long odds reflect their volatility and defensive issues, while the both teams to score market is well-priced due to both sides’ forward quality — expect Ipswich to lead, but both teams likely to find the net.
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Possible Starting Lineups
Ipswich possible starting eleven

- GK: Christian Walton
- DF: Dara O’Shea, Leif Davis, Cedric Kipre, Darnell Furlong
- MF: Azor Matusiwa, Jack Taylor, Jens Cajuste, Marcelino Núñez
- FW: Jack Clarke, Jaden Philogene-Bidace
Ipswich’s 4-2-3-1 formation maximizes their strong ball-playing defenders like O’Shea and Davis, while the midfield trio led by Matusiwa provides effective shielding and transitions. Watch for Clarke operating behind the striker, combining with Philogene-Bidace to test Blackpool’s full-backs. The inclusion of goal contributors like Cajuste also adds depth to their attacking play.
Blackpool possible starting eleven

- GK: Bailey Peacock-Farrell
- DF: Andy Lyons, Oliver Casey, Fraser Horsfall, Zachary Ashworth
- MF: Albie Morgan, George Honeyman, Jordan Brown
- FW: Ashley Fletcher, Tom Bloxham, Josh Bowler
Ian Evatt is expected to stay with Blackpool’s tried-and-tested 4-2-3-1, with Lyons and Ashworth tasked with supporting on the flanks but also curbing Ipswich’s wide threats. Fletcher and Bloxham must link well to unlock the stubborn Ipswich backline, while playmaker Albie Morgan’s creativity in midfield will be pivotal in creating chances.
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Ipswich. Source: Official Facebook. Edited photo
The Verdict
Given Ipswich’s current form, tactical organization, and efficiency in both midfield and attack, I strongly favour them to progress. While Blackpool will create chances, defensive lapses and indiscipline could prove costly. Expect Ipswich to win by at least two goals, with both teams likely scoring — the Asian Handicap on Ipswich looks the standout value, and Over 2.5 goals is highly probable considering recent attacking displays.

