Portman Road
Thursday 1 January, 3:00pm
The Yellows head into 2026 seeking a stronger second half of the campaign and will be looking to begin the year by completing the double over Ipswich Town, having secured victory in the reverse fixture at the Kassam in November.
Form Guide - Snapshot
- Oxford United: W1 D1 L3 from the previous five games. The superb victory over Southampton on Boxing Day sadly couldn't be followed up against Swansea City last time out, and the team will be aiming to get back to the level of performance shown against the Saints against strong opposition once more.
- Ipswich Town: W3 D1 L1 in their last five. The Tractor Boys will come into this game full of confidence following their 2-0 away victory at league leaders Coventry City on Monday evening. Ipswich are also unbeaten in their last six home fixtures (W5 D1).
The Rivalry - A Quick Head-to-Head Check
Przemysław Płacheta’s late winner at the Kassam Stadium at the end of November secured a much-needed victory for the U’s and underlined their ability to compete with the Championship’s leading sides.
That result came after a tightly contested recent history between the two clubs, with the previous 10 meetings yielding two wins apiece and six draws. Encounters between the sides are typically decided by the finest of margins, with victories often settled by a single goal, and none of the last ten clashes producing four or more goals.
Key Battles - Where This Game Could Be Won And Lost
- Jack Clarke vs Brodie Spencer: All eyes will be on the intriguing battle between Ipswich’s dynamic winger Jack Clarke and Oxford’s versatile right-back Brodie Spencer. Clarke's direct runs, creativity and goal-threat from wide areas has shown everyone that he is a player capable of changing a game in an instant. Meanwhile, Spencer has been increasingly influential for Oxford United since joining in the summer, offering defensive solidity and energy at the back as he looks to stifle attackers like Clarke. This individual duel will be pivotal, with Clarke trying to unlock chances and stretch the Oxford defence, and Spencer tasked with containing that threat to give his side a strong chance of securing a positive result.
- The Midfield Battle: Oxford United’s midfield is expected to be anchored by Brian De Keersmaecker as the creative heartbeat, with Will Vaulks potentially alongside him to add defensive balance and physicality. They will face a stern test against Ipswich Town’s Jack Taylor and Azor Matusiwa, a duo who have been central to laying the foundations of Ipswich’s high-energy, attacking style with their intensity, ball progression and control in the middle of the park.
- Lankshear/Prelec vs O'Shea/Kipré: The Yellows will be hoping the physical presence of Will Lankshear and/or Nik Prelec can unsettle the Town back line and create openings in the final third. Standing in their way are Dara O’Shea and Cédric Kipré, the central defensive pairing that has formed the backbone of Ipswich’s resilience this season. O’Shea, in particular, has been ever-present, having played every minute of Championship football so far. Ipswich boast the joint-best defensive record in the division with just 23 goals conceded, and the consistency and authority of O’Shea and Kipré have been fundamental to that success.
Injury News From Both Camps
Oxford United will remain without captain Cameron Brannagan for the visit to Portman Road, although he is expected to return from the calf injury that has kept him out of action for the past eight matches soon.
Ben Davies and Hidde Ter Avest are both in contention to return to the matchday squad following minor injury setbacks in recent weeks, whilst long-term absentee Matty Phillips is back in full training and could return in the next couple of weeks.
Meanwhile for the hosts, leading forward George Hirst is expected to miss out on this one having been forced off just nine minutes into Town's match with Sheffield Wednesday and missed the last two games with a groin injury.
Leif Davis and Sammie Szmodics both missed out against Coventry through illness and are expected to return for the game against the U's. Harry Clarke will also miss out as he continues his recovery from a knee injury suffered towards the end of last season.
Opposition Focus: Full Steam Ahead For The Tractor Boys
1) Kieran McKenna's side sit third in the Sky Bet Championship just two points adrift of the automatic promotion spots. Having lost only five games all season, one of those to the Yellows, the team and its supporters will feel they are well on their way to achieving their ambition of returning back to the top flight following their relegation from the Premier League last season.
2) Ipswich Town have conceded just 23 goals this season, the joint-lowest in the league.
3) They boast the second highest shots per game average in the league at 15.9.
Ipswich Town's Wingmen On Fire
Jack Clarke and Jaden Philogene both have eight goals to their name this season and proven to be the Club's most influential performers this season, injecting pace, creativity and goals into the side. Clarke’s direct running and ability to beat defenders have consistently troubled opposition defences, while Philogene’s technical quality and flair in the final third have provided a constant attacking spark. Together, their contributions have played a key role in shaping Ipswich’s dynamic and potent forward play throughout the campaign.
By the Numbers — Fast Facts
- Kick-off: Thursday 1 January, 3:00pm at Portman Road.
- Recent form (last five): Oxford W1 D1 L3; Ipswich Town: W3 D1 L1.
- Goals: Oxford have scored 24 goals this season, Ipswich have scored 40.
- Fun Fact: Five of the last six meetings have seen three goals or more scored in the game.
- Historic classics: Oxford 2-1 Ipswich (28 November 2025); Oxford 2-1 Ipswich (21 January 2023); Oxford 3-3 Ipswich (12 September 1998)
- Played for both teams (Years at Oxford): Wes Burns (2014-2015); Matt Elliott (1993-1997); Idris El Mizouni (2024-2025); Gavin Johnson (2006-2007); Greg Leigh (2023-present); Phil Whelan (1997-2000)
- Top Goal scorers this season: Will Lankshear (5 goals); Jack Clarke, Jaden Philogene (8 goals).
RETAIL
The Boxing Day Sale may be drawing to a close, but there’s no need to worry - our January Sale launches the moment the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Day! Keep your eyes peeled for fantastic discounts across a wide range of products throughout the opening month of 2026.
COMING UP
There’s plenty of exciting cup action to look forward to this January. The Men’s team begin their Emirates FA Cup campaign with an away trip to Milton Keynes Dons on Friday 9 January, while the Women’s side and Under-18s will also be bidding to progress in their respective competitions.
Oxford United Women face Middlesbrough in the Adobe Women’s FA Cup on Sunday 18 January, and the Under-18s return to the Kassam Stadium on Thursday 22 January to take on Colchester United in the second round of the FA Youth Cup.
Tickets for these matches are available:
- By clicking HERE
- By calling 01865 337 533
- By visiting the Ticket Office in person
MATCHDAY GUIDES
Matchday Guide
Get ready for matchday at Portman Road! Click the arrow below to explore travel info, stadium facilities, and top tips provided by Ipswich Town for making the most of your day.
MATCHDAY STREAMING
Stream LIVE On OUTV
Don’t miss a minute of the action – stream the game live on the Club’s OUTV platform.
International fans can watch the game live, depending on their location. The match is streamable worldwide, except for the United Kingdom and Ireland.
