Ipswich Town’s Championship campaign is entering its most decisive stretch, and every match from February onward carries enormous weight.
With the table tight and momentum swinging weekly, the Tractor Boys face a run‑in packed with high‑pressure fixtures that could define whether they secure automatic promotion or are forced into the playoff lottery.
Below is a breakdown of the league fixtures most likely to shape Ipswich’s destiny.
As the season enters its decisive final stretch, the Championship’s top four currently stand as:
Only eight points separate these four sides, making the promotion race incredibly tight.
Crucially, Ipswich hold two games in hand on the teams above them, the home fixture against Hull City and the rearranged Portsmouth match.
If Ipswich take maximum points from those fixtures, they can close the gap dramatically and put real pressure on Coventry and Middlesbrough.
February begins with a unique challenge: a league trip to Wrexham, coming just a week after facing them in the FA Cup.
Back‑to‑back meetings with the same opponent can be unpredictable, especially away from home. Wrexham’s intensity, crowd energy, and momentum from the cup tie could make this a tricky fixture.
Ipswich will need to manage emotions, avoid complacency, and impose its Championship quality early.
Later in the month, Ipswich travel to Watford on 24 February, a notoriously difficult ground where physical battles often decide the outcome.
The month closes with a home fixture against Swansea City on 28 February.
Swansea’s possession‑heavy style contrasts sharply with Ipswich’s high‑tempo transitions, making this a tactical battle that could set the tone for March.
March is one of the most important months of Ipswich’s season, not because they face multiple top‑four rivals, but because it contains both of their games in hand.
The month opens with the first of those: Hull City at home on 3 March.
Hull aren’t in the top four, but because rivals have already played this round of fixtures, Ipswich have a golden chance to strengthen their position at the top.
Three points would put real pressure on Middlesbrough and Coventry, as Ipswich aim to close the gap on the top two.
Next comes a very different challenge: Leicester City at Portman Road on 7 March. The Foxes have been dragged into a relegation battle after their points deduction, fighting desperately for points.
These matches can be far more dangerous than league position suggests. Struggling sides often play with intensity and unpredictability. Ipswich will need composure to avoid a costly slip.
A physical away trip to Stoke City follows on 10 March follow by an away game at Hillbroughh on the 14th of March, before the second game in hand, the rearranged Portsmouth match is expected to take place around 17 March.
This fixture could be pivotal in creating separation from the chasing pack.
The only match in March against a current top‑four side is Millwall at home on 21 March.
With Millwall sitting inside the top four, this becomes a direct, high‑stakes clash. A win here would not only secure points but also damage a rival’s momentum.
April begins with a daunting away trip to Southampton on 3 April. St. Mary’s is one of the toughest grounds in the league, especially with the challenge of the Black Cats’ Premier League‑level squad depth.
A home match against Birmingham City on 6 April offers a chance to reset before the biggest derby of the season against Norwich City only five days later.
The East Anglian Derby is always intense, but with promotion on the line, this could be the most pivotal fixture of the entire run‑in.
The month continues with Middlesbrough at home on 18 April, which can be pivotal in both clubs’ season.
Two high-pressure away games round out the end of the month with trips to Charlton Athletic on 22 April, followed by West Bromwich Albion three days later on 25 April.
Ipswich finish the season at home to Queens Park Rangers on 2 May.
Depending on results elsewhere, this could be the match that seals automatic promotion or confirms a playoff place providing the outcome isnt already settled.
Either way, Portman Road will be electric.
With two games in hand, strong home form, and a squad built for high‑pressure moments, Ipswich are well‑positioned to stay in the automatic promotion race until the final day.
If they take 7–9 points from key fixtures such as Southampton (A), Norwich (A), Millwall (H) and Middlesbrough (H), they should have enough momentum to secure a top‑two finish.
Prediction: Ipswich Town finish 2nd and return to the Premier League.
