Alun Armstrong has thrown his full backing behind Ipswich Town ahead of their huge Championship clash with Middlesbrough at Portman Road, insisting the Tractor Boys have “got the edge” in a game that could shape the promotion race.
The former striker, who played for both clubs during his career, believes Ipswich are in the stronger position heading into the fixture and expects them to take another major step toward a return to the Premier League.
Armstrong’s view carries extra weight given his history with both sides. He spent two seasons at Middlesbrough in the top flight before making a £500,000 move to Ipswich in 2000, where he became part of George Burley’s iconic squad that finished fifth in the Premier League in 2000–01 and famously made waves in Europe.
Now working in player development at Gateshead, Armstrong sees enough in Kieran McKenna’s Ipswich side to believe they can get the job done in a high-pressure moment at Portman Road.
Ipswich tipped to edge tense promotion battle
With both teams still chasing key objectives this season, Armstrong expects a tight contest, but one where Ipswich’s momentum and home advantage could prove decisive.
Middlesbrough, meanwhile, arrive with their own ambitions firmly intact, but face a difficult away test in what is shaping up to be one of the standout fixtures of the weekend Championship schedule.
Portman Road has often been a difficult ground for visiting teams in big moments, and Armstrong believes that atmosphere could again play a major role as Ipswich push for promotion.
A reunion with added pressure
For Armstrong, the fixture is also a personal reminder of two significant chapters in his career. His connection to both clubs adds an emotional layer to a match already loaded with stakes on the pitch.
But sentiment aside, his prediction is clear — Ipswich have the momentum, the belief, and the structure to come out on top in a game that could ripple through the Championship table.
With promotion hopes tightening and every point crucial, all eyes will be on whether Ipswich can live up to that backing when it matters most.
