Ipswich v Derby predictions: Resilient Rams can enjoy another fruitful road trip

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Ipswich Town v Derby County in League One on Friday.

Where to watch

Sky Sports Football & Main Event, 8pm Friday

Best bet

Derby or draw double chance
1pt 11-10 bet365

Team news

Ipswich
Cameron Burgess has not featured since mid-September.

Derby
James Collins continues his three-match suspension. Jason Knight hopes to shake off an ankle knock and Conor Hourihane (calf) could be back in contention.

Match preview

Another fascinating League One promotion battle is shaping up and a key skirmish takes place at Portman Road where second-placed Ipswich may struggle to justify favouritism at home to ninth-placed Derby.

Ipswich's unbeaten home record ended last Saturday when they lost 1-0 at home to Lincoln, although they could count themselves unlucky having won the shot count 33 to three.

However, the Tractor Boys can expect a more evenly balanced contest against Derby, who have shown positive signs under Paul Warne.

It is easy to see why Derby plumped for Warne, who has won three League One promotions - all for Rotherham - during the last five seasons.

And the Warne effect has been seen already with impressive away wins secured at Cambridge and Accrington.

Between those games, Derby were surprise 2-1 losers at home to Port Vale when they were hampered by a 58th-minute red card for their top scorer, James Collins.

Warne is without the suspended Collins for the trip to Suffolk but he can call on Sheffield United loanee striker Will Osula, who was the two-goal hero of last Saturday's success at Accrington.

Osula's appearance against Accrington was his first league start of the season but he was a handful with his movement and strength and his goals were extremely well taken.

The 19-year-old could have a massive role to play in Derby's promotion challenge and his pace will be a weapon against Ipswich, who favour a high press.

Ipswich have started the season impressively but they were caused problems by the pace of Plymouth in last month's 2-1 defeat at Home Park, and could have similar issues against Derby, who have the personnel to play in different ways.

Warne has warned the Derby players that they have significant ground to make up if they are meet the club's high expectations but he has made an encouraging start and can steer them to a positive result in East Anglia.

Key stat

Derby have avoided defeat in six of their last seven away matches.

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